I'm thinkin' (not concluding just thinkin') about what may be the prob. with the layering (since you were unsatisfied with it) I have two thoughts-- it may take some reality fudging. I'm thinking you may have to shadow more heavily and put shadows where they wouldn't neccesarily be IRL --to get a more dimensional feel --you might want to play with something small (a HAT! :-D) and see if that helps OR thought two is to actually add more depth with some padding (that foam stuff or even folded cardstock) to make layer two rise above layer one more than just paper depth--that may create a shadow on it's own or deepen one you've created.

Ignore what you already have tried, what is silly, and/or unhelpful...helpful (rather than annoying) is the goal.

I like thinking of you in the snow and the blue dog photo was wonderful!

mugsy