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The secret to making your image’s 3D is creating layers. Layering is simply stacking two or more items (in this case cardstock) on top of each other. The more layers you use, the more depth and dimension your piece will have. The beauty is how simple and easy it is to do. Lets look at the image of the cat face above. I found this image in Cricut Design Space. It started out as one flat image. I took that one image and turned it into 7 layers. You can learn how to do that here. By cutting and stacking these 7 layer, the cat becomes 3D. Now, instead of using glue between the layers, try using foam. By adding dual sided adhesive mounting squares (see my must-have supply list here) you can make the cat really pop and give it that really cool 3D look.

Now, image doing this 12 layers. Imagine the depth you can get with all that foam. Ok, 12 layers of foam is a lot. It does however create stunning results. Be sure to keep in mind the number of layers and the thickness of each layer of foam you use. All of these layers add up really fast. You don’t want your design to be thicker than the frame you plan on using. I speak from experience, it happens.

I use both glue and double side foam tape in my layers. There is no right way or wrong way to add layers. It really is a personal preference thing. I tend to use foam in most of my layers. I do however like to work with intricate patterns and have a strange amount of patience. Disclaimer Patience is Required as it takes a lot of time to put double sided tape on all of your layers. I started to count how many pieces I used once, but I gave up…LOL .

I have found that I almost always glue the top two layers together. I found I like the contrast of the two right on top of each other on the top. Again, this is where personal preference comes into play. You can surely glue more or less layers together. The biggest thing to keep in mind when doing this is the thickness of your design. Some layers will be easier to glue than to cut up tiny pieces of foam. The layers tend to get really small toward the top and will most likely dictate if you use glue or foam.

If you want to learn how to layer images, I have created a step-by-step tutorial for you to follow. Use this link to LEARN STEP-BY-STEP . By starting with this super easy design you will learn the basic fundamentals needed to create all sorts of layered designs.

If you found this inspirational and make a layered design, please share it. You can post an image in the comments below. I look forward to seeing what you make. Here’s to….

Joyfully Creating,
Shelly