Monochromatic Card Making Tips: Creating Depth with Just One Colour

Each week Demonstrators from the Crafty Collaborations Community take part in a Monochromatic Insta Hop over on Instagram. Each week a different colour is chosen and the participants create a monochromatic card.

This week we are using Real Red

Why Monochromatic Card Making Can Feel Difficult

Monochromatic card making can feel surprisingly tricky. Using just one colour often leaves us reaching for “just one more ink pad” to add interest. But the secret to a successful monochrome design isn’t adding more colour — it’s adding more depth.

In today’s card, I’m sharing simple techniques you can use to create contrast, texture and dimension while working with just one bold shade.

How to Create Depth Using One Colour

To create depth while keeping everything tonal, I layered different techniques rather than introducing extra colours.

The Details

• Bundle: Petals of Beauty
• Colour: Real Red
• Card Base: Real Red
• Embossing: Glass & gardens Embossing Folder
• Layers: Die-cut stitched Branching Out label in Basic White
• Ribbon: Real Red ribbon tied into a soft bow
• Embellishments: Ladybug embellishments for a playful finishing touch

Tip 1: Layer Your Stamping

The large layered florals were stamped tone-on-tone using Real Red ink on pale Two Tone cardstock to give variation without breaking the monochromatic rule. By stamping multiple times and layering the die cuts, I was able to create movement and dimension in the centre of the card.

Tip 2: Add Texture with Heat Embossing

Behind the focal cluster, I added subtle white created by embossing some Two-Tone Real Red card on the lighter side and sanding it to reveal the white core. This keeps the design cohesive while adding texture and interest.

Tip 3: Use Dimension to Create Contrast

The white stitched label helps everything pop and gives the eye somewhere to rest — especially important when working with such a strong colour. The florals have been built up on this layer using dimensionals.

And can we talk about those little ladybugs? 🐞 They add just the right amount of whimsy without overwhelming the design.

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Inside the Card

I kept the inside clean and simple, adding a coordinating floral detail in the corner to tie everything together. It’s those little finishing touches that make a handmade card feel truly complete.

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Supplies Used for This Card

You can see a full list of the products I have used at the end of the post, including links to my online shop.

Why Bold Colours Like Red Actually Work

Working with one colour:

• Creates instant cohesion
• Forces you to focus on texture and layers
• Makes bold colours feel intentional
• Is perfect when you want impact without complication

Real Red is often associated with love, celebration and confidence — which makes this design perfect for so many occasions.

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If you’re hopping along, I hope you’re feeling inspired to pull out a single colour and see what you can create with it!

Join The Hop

To see all the projects in this hop, head over to my Instagram page and follow the links from my post. It is never too late!

How Can I Help?

Look out for more monochromatic projects most weeks.

Don’t hesitate to get in touch if I can help with your purchases, or if you have a crafty question.

Meanwhile stay safe and stay well

Helen xx

Product List