Technique Tips: Adding Dimension

There are several ways to add dimension to your layouts without a lot of bulk.  Some techniques that I use include adding paper layers, making selective color choices with strategic placement and adding inked or penned borders to my layout or its paper pieces.  Since I love the look of dimension but don't care so much for needing to size down the edges of my layouts, I use paper illusions.

My layout using this month's sketch has a few techniques that I like in order to give my flat pages a more dimensional appearance.

First, I used some layering.  The photo is matted as is the yellow patterned paper, which has a double mat.  The stickers are matted as well.  This helped add dimension to the heart stickers.  Additionally, the paper covers the sticky edges so that it was easier for the pop dots to keep all edges of the hearts lifted.  The "so happy together" circle sticker was also matted.

A second technique that I use to help provide dimension in a page without providing any bulk is by adding penned stitches or else called "faux stitching".  You can see them around the edges of the bookmark strip below.

Do you use these techniques to add dimension, or do you have other ideas to share?