How To Layer Stamps

Handcrafted by Helen: Floral Layered Stamps Card

Layering stamps means stamping multiple images on top of or near each other — often in different colors — to create depth, texture, and dimension. It’s a very popular technique in cardmaking, scrapbooking, and mixed-media art

What Are Layered Stamps?

Layered stamps (also called multi-step or 3D stamps) are sets of clear or cling stamps designed to be stamped in a specific order — one layer at a time — to build up a detailed, dimensional image. Instead of coloring a stamped image by hand, you use different stamps for each part of the design (and often different ink colors or shades) to create realistic shading, highlights, and depth.

Each stamp in the set represents a layer of the final image:

• Base layer: The largest, lightest shape — usually the main silhouette.
• Detail layers: Add midtones and patterns (like petal texture or shadows).
• Final detail layer: The smallest, darkest elements (like veins, outlines, or centers).

By stamping each layer in a slightly darker ink (light → medium → dark), you get a rich, realistic result.

Tools That Help Create Your Layered Stamp Images

• Stamp positioning tools (like a MISTI or Stamparatus) help you align layers perfectly.
• Transparent acrylic blocks and clear stamps make manual alignment easier too.
• Many companies print alignment guides with their stamp sets to show the order and positioning.

How To Use Layered Stamps

 

• Choose your stamps-You can use layering stamp sets (made to work together — like flowers with outlines, shading, and highlights), or mix and match separate stamps creatively. If you’re layering different designs, think about foreground vs. background elements.
• Pick your inks-Use different shades of the same color (light, medium, dark) in the same color family for realistic depth. Dye inks are great for crisp layers, while pigment inks add richness but take longer to dry. Make sure each layer is dry before stamping over it to avoid smudging.
• Plan your layout-Lightly stamp on scrap paper first to test positioning and colors. Some crafters like to use a stamping platform or positioner (like a MISTI) to align multiple layers perfectly.
• Stamp from the background to the foreground. Start with the lightest color and largest shape (e.g., a base flower). Add medium tones for details (petals, shading). Finish with dark or outline layers (veins, centers, or definition). If you’re layering unrelated stamps (like a pattern behind an image), do the background first, let it dry, then stamp the top image.
• Masking for clean layers (optional)-This technique is used when you want one image to appear in front of another. Stamp the front image first. Cover it with a mask (a cutout of the same stamp shape on thin paper or masking paper). Stamp the background image over it. Remove the mask — your front image stays crisp and “on top.”

Tips For Using Layered Stamps

1. Practice alignment first. Stamp the layers on a piece of scrap paper first. Learn the order of the layers. Understand how the layers line up before you actually create the final design. Adjust any color hues of the ink colors so that you get the right combinations.
2. Smooth cardstock will give you the best results. 
3. Dye inks dry quicker than pigment inks and help you avoid smudging. They also give you better details.
4. Let each layer dry before you add the next layer.
5. Clean stamps between layers, especially if you are doing several images from the same stamp. Wipe the stamp with a stamp shammy or a baby wipe.
6. Experiment with color. Try ombré effects or unexpected color combos (like teal flowers or gold shadows). Metallic or pigment inks can add a dramatic final layer.
7. Outline parts with fine liners or gel pens.
8. Most stamp sets come with a guide — keep it nearby!
9. If your stamp set did not come with a guide, mark your stamps or make a quick note of the order you prefer once you find what works.

Layered Stamp Project

For this project, we used the Altenew Stamp and Die set entitled, Build A Flower-Triumph Tulip. This set comes with leaves of different shapes and sizes, two-layered tulips, Some hydrangea-like flowers, and two sentiments. You can fussy cut them, but the coordinating dies sure makes it a lot easier.

My new favorite tulip stamp and die set can be found here.

For this card, I also did a background with one of my favorite embossing folders. It just added a little more dimension to the bouquet.

On a personal note, here in Florida, we cannot grow tulips, so I am in love with the tulip sets that are so popular. Part of the reason is that you can build amazing flowers with stamp sets that have guides that teach you how to build. 

To create each layer, you start by using the lightest color. I like the ink pads with the lightest color on top and then pile the other colors in the order that I will use them.  As I use them, I flip them over so that I do not make a mistake with my ink pads. You build up each layer with both color and detail. The colors of the inks make it easy to build each layer one at a time.

The biggest trick to layering stamps is to find a specific focal point where you can line up the stamp. on the layering guide, you can see a focal point to concentrate on that makes it easy to line the stamps up. A stamp positioner like the MISTI makes layering a lot easier. So, if you have one, I recommend using it. That way you can check the image before you add the ink. If you are using an acrylic block, I recommend using a block that has visible positioning lines for this kind of technique.

If you are doing multiples of the same flower, make sure to clean the stamp in between layers, especially if you are using a Misti or other stamp positioner. That way when you position the stamp, you will be able to adjust the stamp without getting any leftover ink on the image from a different flower.

When I get a new stamp set, I always recommend conditioning the stamp. The first initial stamping may not hold the ink very well. You can either use a stamp with some scrap paper. Keep stamping so that you finally see a clear stamped image. Or you can use a clean pencil eraser to go over the stamp. Again, make sure that you get a clean image before you start on your project.

Die Tips

I love using the coordinating dies for my stamp sets. Especially on these types of images. One really good tip is all about die cutting multiple images. I used to cut multiple images of one flower on a sheet of cardstock. Then it took a lot of time to die cut each individual flower. One of the instructors showed how she took a sheet and did multiple different images on one sheet. So, she had flowers and leaves on each sheet. That meant that she could die cut multiple images on one pass. What a time saver!

If you are hand cutting the images, you can use either page with all the same images or not.

Ink Pad Tips

Whatever ink pads that you use, make sure that you build your color within the color family that you have chosen. Each layer starts with the lightest ink and builds on that. So, every step after that takes you one layer higher. 

The Altenew ink pads made this challenge a lot easier because they are truly one of the juiciest ink pads in my stash. They never disappoint.

Here are the colors that I used for my tulips for this challenge:

Blue Flowers: Dew Drop, Sea Breeze, Turquoise, Teal Cove, Galactic Stream

Yellow Flowers: Mango Smoothie, Honey Drizzle,  Maple Yellow, Snapdragon, Autumn Blaze

Pink Flowers: Frosty Pink, Pink Pearl, Coral Bliss, Velvet, Heart Beat

Purple Flowers: Soft Lilac, Deep Iris

Leaves: Frayed Leaves, Forest Glades, Moss

Sentiments: Permanent Black

• These stamps work well with acrylic blocks or stamp positioners. The trick is to find the focal point on each level so that you get the best results. The layering guide helps you to do just that.
• When you start with new stamps, stamp them on some scrap paper before you start on products.
• Use good cardstock for any images that you are planning to fussy cut or die-cut.
• Use foam dots or squares to give more dimension to your projects.
• Mix colors to create bouquets of tulips.
• If you like minimalist cards, just pair the two different tulips, side by side in the same colors. Add a couple of leaves and a small sentiment.

We hope that you enjoyed these ideas and tips. Layered stamps is easier than you might think. The end result is really worth the effort. 

Thanks for stopping by. We would love to hear from you about this project or any other thoughts that come to mind. We always love hearing from our community. Let us know that you stopped by!

Till next time, Happy Crafting!