Masked Shimmer Backgrounds + GIVEAWAY

Hey there! Today I am sharing a simple technique of creating a masked shimmer background.

Masked Shimmer Backgrounds Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

[All supplies are linked to multiple sources in the thumbnails at the end of this post. Compensated affiliate links used at no cost to you. To watch the video in HD on YouTube, click HERE.]

I really like the look of shimmer papers but sometimes have trouble finding the right color for my project. Today I show how to create your own… and make it even better with masking.

Masked Shimmer Backgrounds Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

For all of my cards, I created a floral cluster using the new WPlus9 Southern Summer Florals 1 and WPlus9 Southern Summer Florals 2 Stamp Sets. These layering sets are gorgeous and easy to use. (For the ink colors featured, check the thumbnails at the end of this post.) Because I used my MISTI Stamping Tool, I was able to stamp several pieces exactly the same in exactly the same position.

I next created a mask from Inkadinkado Masking Paper to cover the flower cluster. (Watch the video to see how I did this!) Using a Mini Ink Blending Tool, I applied a thin layer of Tonic Mother of Pearl Nuvo Embellishment Mousse over the whole piece. The pearly shine that results is lovely! And the mask protects the flowers and gives a layered look.

Masked Shimmer Backgrounds Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

That oh-so-perfect “thanks” die cut is from the WPlus9 Basic Greetings Die Set and the “you’re the best” sentiment is from the WPlus9 Basic Labels Stamp Set. I added lots of details with my Sakura Stardust Glitter Pen and Tonic Morning Dew Nuvo Drops (ideal of white dots!).

Masked Shimmer Backgrounds Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

The mousse also comes in lots of pretty colors. Here I used the Tonic Peony Pink Nuvo Embellishment Mousse on a white cardstock background. This time I didn’t blend it in completely so I could see the variation in the background.

Masked Shimmer Backgrounds Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

For my next card, I masked the flowers and stamped with a border image from the WPlus9 Borders & Backgrounds 4 Stamp Set. I then added a “halo” of shine around the flowers with Tonic Mother of Pearl Nuvo Mousse. This technique would be great for one layer cards.

Check out that shine…

Masked Shimmer Backgrounds Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

The greeting again is from the WPlus9 Basic Greetings Die and WPlus9 Basic Labels Stamp Sets. To make the die cut sentiment stand out, I glued together a white and pink die cut but slightly off-set them.

Masked Shimmer Backgrounds Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

You can also apply the Tonic Mother of Pearl Nuvo Embellishment Mousse over stamping. The result looks like a vintage wrapping paper or stationery. I love it!

Masked Shimmer Backgrounds Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

Such a unique look. Would be great for a background.

Masked Shimmer Backgrounds Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

You could also skip the masking and just apply the Tonic Mother of Pearl Nuvo Embellishment Mousse directly to a notecard for added interest. (I did just mask the edges of the card so the pink cardstock showed.) I simply adhered the flower cluster that I had cut out to create my mask. Oh – and the greeting again is from the WPlus9 Basic Greetings Die Set. I like that I can use a couple of the words together, too.

Masked Shimmer Backgrounds Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

With the mousse, the coloring changes depending on how you tilt in in the light.

Masked Shimmer Backgrounds Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

If you don’t have the mousse products, you can try this technique with shimmer spritzes or pigment powders.

GIVEAWAY

How would you like to win TWO of the new WPlus9 stamp sets? For your chance, leave a comment below by 11:59pmEST on 7/16/17 telling me if you ever using masking techniques. (To leave a comment, scroll down to the bottom of this post and click the green “leave a comment” button. The winner’s name will be randomly selected, emailed and posted on my “Winners page” after the giveaway closes. International folks are eligible, too! Thanks for the giveaway, WPlus9!)

SUPPLIES

Want to find the products I used? To make them easy for you to find, I have listed them below. (Compensated affiliate links used at no cost to you. Thank you! Affiliate and product disclosure can be found here. All products were personally purchased except those with an asterisk. As always, this post was NOT asked for, paid, or sponsored.) Click on the letters below each picture to go to a favorite store: Simon Says Stamp (SSS), WPlus9 (WP9), Ellen Hutson (EH), etc.



Leave a Comment

579 thoughts on “Masked Shimmer Backgrounds + GIVEAWAY”

  1. STEF PERRY says:

    Wonderful cards – love that idea for creating the shimmer background. I do use masking at times, but not as you’ve shown here. Thanks for the great inspiration!

  2. Luz Mc a says:

    I do masking. But it is usually not in a creative way at like this

  3. bev p says:

    I am still quite a novice at masking, but getting braver as I keep trying. I think the best tip I learned was to cut inside the lines of a stamped image to avoid the ‘halo’ and the other best tip was to stamp the image you want in front first, basically working from front to back of your design. I don’t know why that wasn’t obvious, but it made so much sense as soon as I heard someone say it (I’d give credit if I could remember!). Thanks for this idea–it’s lovely.

  4. Katie M says:

    Have only tried it once, but I intend to. Thanks for the great technique videos… I love them all!

  5. Mary W says:

    All of these are just beautiful but the background stamped version is ultimately by favorite. I love making background for cards and will be getting the Tonic mousse in my next order.

  6. Kim k says:

    I have tried masking before. I. love all of your great ideas. I never thought to mask a cluster of images. Thank you so much for sharing your great ideas and your generous give-a-way opportunity. Hope you are enjoying your summer.

  7. Teri S. says:

    I’ve never done masking. I’m a basic carmaker, not a very adventurous one, but this is something I’d like to try.
    You’re videos are indeed very much appreciated. I always look forward to see what you are coming up with next.
    And, I love the look of the Tonic Mousse & the stamp sets from W + 9 are wonderful with the layering.

  8. Cori Gillespie says:

    Thank you for the instructions and giveaway! I have used masking, but very little. I love these cards and plan to give the techniques more of a try now.

  9. Cindy Thick says:

    I have masked before in card making. I enjoyed the technique videos for the backgrounds. I want to purchase some Nuvo mousse but have not yet. Thanks for the chance to win the stamp sets.

  10. Deni says:

    I have a few sets of “characters” like gnomes and birds and use masking when I want to make a crowd.

  11. Isabel Z says:

    I have not used masking before but it looks like a technique that i need to try.

  12. Jane says:

    Recently used masking in a class. Always forget about masking! Thanks for the giveaway!

  13. Kate B says:

    I do use masking techniques, but not this one yet – am excited to try it though! Thanks for sharing more of your fantastic cards & techniques!

  14. Debbie says:

    Thank you to you Jennifer that i have used masking technique by watching all your videos. These cards are beautiful and thank you for sharing.

  15. Mary Holshouser says:

    I have done masking – but not very often.
    I just saw the retiform technique and I
    made several of those and the technique
    is one of the classes I’m teaching
    tonight. Retiform would probably
    qualify as masking. I love it.
    Your cards are fantastic.
    thanks for sharing.

  16. Alma Hughes says:

    I have used masking techniques; almost every time I stamp 🙂

    I love your use of the Nuvo Moose!

  17. Denise Bryant says:

    Gorgeous cards! I do use masking a lot, and love the look it adds to a card! These new floral sets are awesome! Love your gorgeous color combos!

  18. norette herzog says:

    I haven’t done masking but I want to! Thanks for sharing your techniques!

  19. Becky Thomas says:

    Love this technique! Beautiful cards that will put a smile on someones face! Question – how do you keep your Apple Watch band from getting ink on it? If you do, how do you get it off ;-)?

  20. Laura says:

    As always, love your beautiful cards! I have used masking and love the results! Thanks for the chance to win!

  21. Renee Thompson says:

    Yes I’m a fan of masking! So far I just do straight borders (using post-it tape) or smaller stamped images (using the 3″ square all-over-sticky post-it notes)… but I think I need to get some of the larger masking paper you used so I can do bigger & better!

  22. Carole Phillips says:

    Very pretty!

  23. Kimberly Cole says:

    I’ve used masking either using liquid mask for paint or post it’s for blending inks. I tend to make a mess tho because inevitably I get ink in the masked part when I go to take the mask off. I love the look tho. Thanks. Kim Cole

  24. Kathy Mc says:

    Very, very seldom and I’m not sure why because I love the depth masking adds to a card. These are all just gorgeous cards, Jennifer, and love that you so willingly share your techniques…while enabling us at the same time. ?

  25. Tara Prince says:

    I use masks when stamping clusters of flowers

  26. Patty says:

    Very pretty cards and yes, I have done masking before.

  27. Krissie says:

    I have used masking techniques in the past but need to try them out again. Your cards are lovely.

  28. Ann says:

    Masking is a fun technique but sometimes I get a little lazy with this one. But I’m inspired to try again. Thanks for your inspiration.

  29. Tracie S says:

    Another great video. I’ve used masking to build scenes with stamps.

  30. Nancy D. says:

    I do mask but I have never done it using the technique you just shared. Gotta get some Tonic mousse!
    Thanks for sharing!

  31. Pat from sd says:

    Love the look of a masked card and easy to mail in the mail. Thanks for sharing.

  32. Kerry M says:

    I like to mask. I use the eclipse roll and like to make one layer cards. I love W plus 9 stamps ! Thank you for opportunity to win some… I have a loong wishlist 🙂

  33. Beverly Chester says:

    I have not tried masking yet, but you make it look so fun and easy!! I must give this technique a try, because these cards are Gorgeous!! I love the shimmer it gives them!! Thank you for sharing your talent!!

  34. arlene p. says:

    Jennifer, your cards are so pretty! I’ve tried masking before but it never comes out right. I think I need more practice.

  35. cris hamilton says:

    I have but need more practice as I tend to smudge a lot. Your cards are so pretty!

  36. Karen Martens says:

    The pastes are really interesting. I can’t wait to get some to use. There are several ways to use them and I like the idea. Thanks.

  37. Kailash says:

    I love masking and have done it many times!!

  38. Judi says:

    I haven’t done masking for a long time but never thought of using it for making the lovely backgrounds you just taught me how to do! These cards and techniques are lovely. I must try this!!

  39. Maria Lodén says:

    I have never used a mask before but now i’m gonna try it ?

  40. Mutzy Mia says:

    I loved your cards. I have used some masking techniques but need to do more of it. I love all the little details you add to step your cards up a notch.

  41. Dottie says:

    I used to use masking techniques all the time back in the day. Now that I’m getting back into stamping I’m rediscovering it. When I forgot to bring paper to make a mask for a recent project I used washi tape. My niece and I liked the effect.

  42. Heather Lynn says:

    Hi Jennifer, I do mask but sometimes find it fussy. I like how you cut around your stamped piece, saving it for a second card. Will definitely give the mousse shimmer a try. Beautiful cards with awesome touches. Thanks!!

  43. Melissa B says:

    I occasionally mask, but not often. I love how you added the shimmer around your beautiful flowers! I also love the shadow under your ‘thanks’ sentiment. I need some ‘thank you’ cards for my son to use and I love how it helps the sentiment jump out.

  44. Valerie DeWitt says:

    I haven’t done any masking, but as I am getting braver in stamping, I want to try it. The cards are gorgeous!

  45. Rose says:

    Yes, I have but a very long time ago. I need to attempt it again!

  46. Mary says:

    I love these cards can’t wait to try this.

  47. Barb macaskill says:

    I love masking! Now that I have a MISTI it is even easier to mask out some really cool scenes! Your cards are very pretty! TFS!

  48. Theresa P says:

    Love the Nuvo mousse! Another item I must have. Beautiful cards! love how you masked the stamped images.
    I have used masking but not often. Thanks for your great video.

  49. Kyle Eddings says:

    I have used masking before but mostly with distress inks or Copic markers. Never thought of using an ink blending tool and the wonderful Nuvo Embellishment Mousse! You have inspired me to give that a try! Thanks for sharing this technique. Hope my cards look half as gorgeous as your cards!

  50. Cynthia Cole says:

    I have used masking techniques and love it!

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