3 Ways to Use Layering Squares Technique in Card Making

Learn how to use layering squares technique to create some fun and unique card designs. And I have 3 different ways you can use this technique in your card making. The concept for the layering squares technique is very similar to the Layering Circle technique. I had so much fun with the circle shapes that I just had to try out this design technique with a different shape! If you didn’t catch last week’s layering circle technique, you can check it out HERE.

Layering Squares Technique

The technique is actually quite simple. Basically you will need at least 3 different size square shapes for this technique. Stampin’ Up! has two different die sets which work well with this technique: Layering Square Dies and Stitched Shape Dies. You can also simply cut different size squares from cardstock using your paper trimmer. The key to creating the layers is to use different size squares. The first card features square shapes which are approximately 2-1/2 x 2-1/2, 2 x 2 and 1-1/2 x 1-1/2 inches in size. The square shapes are cut in half, so only half of the shape is used to create the card. That means you have the other halves left over so you can create another card.

The size of the square shapes on the second card are smaller and they are cut in half diagonally. So you are actually layering triangular shapes together to create the second card. Yes, this technique will work with just about any shape! How cool is that?

The second important tip about this technique is to be sure to “off set” the square shapes during the layering process. So instead of adhering the layers together symmetrically, you will layer them all together using either the left or right side of the largest square shape. It’s also important to note that the you must cut the large and small half square shapes using the same colors. I highly recommend watching this week’s video as I describe exactly what color cardstock to use with each of the different sized circles.

Single Layering

Now this last card is a bit different from the layering squares technique above. It does involve the layering of squares; however just one layer not multiple layers. I’m sure there is a technical term for it but let’s just call it a mirroring technique. It basically involves the layering of full and half squares side by side to create the illusion of mirroring. This technique involves the use of two full 1 x 1 inch squares cut from white cardstock and from patterned paper. Cut one of the squares of white cardstock and one of the patterned paper squares in half diagonally to create two triangular shapes.

Adhere the white square and two triangular shapes on the patterned paper. Adhere the patterned paper square and two triangular shapes onto the white cardstock, opposite the white ones. Again, I highly recommend watching the video to see this simple mirroring and layering technique in action!

Tutorial and Supplies

The cards in this video feature the Heartwarming Hugs Designer Series Paper and the Gnome for the Holidays stamp set by Stampin’ Up! However, keep in mind you can use ANY stamp set or patterned papers you have on hand to create these cards. 

For a complete list of supplies and all of the step-by-step instructions for creating these cards, feel free to download the printable tutorial. And be sure to watch the video to see the layering squares technique in action! Have a fun and creative day! ~ Lynn