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. BentheDK says:

    I have used both the liquid masking and adhesive masking paper, and my favorite is the adhesive masking paper because it’s quick and easy to use, and you can use it again. I mostly use it when stamping images.

  2. Christine Hebert says:

    I did some masking on my Halloween cards last year. Picture a cat with a witch hat on its head…it came out really cute.

  3. Vicki Smith says:

    Yes, I have done masking but I plan to do more. I LOVE your cards and I am in love with these new stamp sets. WPlus9 has always had the prettiest ink colors and their stamps are always a hit with me. Would be thrilled to win!

  4. Sheri says:

    I masked only a hand full of times. Your video has given me confidence to try masking again. Lovely cards. Thank you for sharing your creativity!

  5. Linda Miltzow says:

    Hi, Jennifer! I hope your summer has been as beautiful as these cards you have shown us!! ?
    I have done some masking and always am giddy about the end results when I pull the mask away. Thanks for the suggestion of perfect pearls… I wondered if that would work. Oh, and btw, the summer florals stamp set are just the best, don’t you think?!? ?

  6. Diane Bokar says:

    I use masking all the time! I use my Silhouette Pixscan mat…Stamp all the solid images onto masking paper in dark ink, place it on my mat, snap a pic and upload. Takes only a few minutes and I have reusable masks for a whole set. I’m terrible at fussy cutting!

  7. Debbie Fricke says:

    I do occasionally mask with varying degrees of success. Sometimes it seems to just make a mess. I got some masking fluid thinking that would be easier, but I’m still struggling with it. I do really like the look and the creative doors masking opens. It looks like the mousse isn’t wet enough to make the paper sort of buckle or warp. Sometimes with embossing paste it seems to really wet the paper and cause buckling/warping. Would be interested to see more of what can be done with the mousse v. embossing paste. Thanks, Jennifer. PS – these cards are very pretty!

  8. Kathryn A says:

    I do use masking techniques, but not very often. I love the look, but I’m a bit lazy…

  9. Marjorie DUMONTIER says:

    I’m a very beginner so I didn’t use any masking technique yet. Thanks for sharing. Love from ??, Marjorie

  10. Annette says:

    Another great video! Thanks for all your video tutorials. I have used a very simple mask technique one time but really want to use it more. These cards are so pretty. I love the shimmer technique you used. Thanks for the opportunity to win.

  11. Sue LD says:

    Beautiful cards and yes I have used masking.

  12. L. Sunn says:

    I so love your videos! Yes, I have tried to use masking, but I don’t seem to have a lot of luck with it. You always make it looks so easy. Maybe this is the kick I need to give it another shot.

  13. Karin says:

    Oh yes, masking is such a clever way to create depth and make a card look professional!

  14. Sharon Jones says:

    I have done masking but I usually use the liquid mask. I am interested in trying this technique. Your cards are beautiful and I love the added mousse. The look is fabulous!

  15. Wow, I love this technique, and it produce beautiful result, gotta try it since I haven’t yet, thanks for sharing!

  16. Natasha says:

    I’ve done masking as a technique. I definitely don’t use it as much as I used to- with all the products out there with coordinating dies I usually to layers and overlapping instead, but occasionally masking is still the best approach for a specific project

  17. Ina Nelson says:

    As usual I learn from you. I adore the cards you make and appreciate the time you take to teach. And most of all I love how you show to use new products.

  18. GrammyP says:

    What incredibly beautiful cards! I always learn so much from your videos. I’ve had the Tonic mouse in my “stash” for over a year and have hardly used it. I really liked your techniques. As for the masking, I bought the masking paper–does that count? I’m not very sure of myself when it come to stamping. I have a couple different layering stamp sets and the Misty (my favorite card making tool!) Now, after watching your video and reading the blot, maybe I’ll go down and try some new techniques! Thank you so much for sharing!

  19. KimberlyRae says:

    Ohhhh, so pretty, happy and bright! Yes, I’m new at masking and I just was telling my husband I love it…Masking is relaxing… Great Fun! These Wplus9 stamps are Awesome. I’d love to create with them and the nuvo shimmer mouse 🙂

  20. Emi says:

    I haven’t used these masking techniques but I can’t wait to do so!!

  21. valchic says:

    Gorgeous techniques.I love using the Nuvo everything! Thanks for sharing Jennifer.

  22. teresarock says:

    I have purchased liquid mask but have been intimidated to use it. I cannot wait to try the masking paper as I love the effect. I like to decorate the inside of my cards too and think that masking over my sentiment would help with faint stamping on the inside. Maybe I could use the shimmer inside too just a bit! Wow the inspiration you have given!!! My mind is racing to think of all I could do! Thank you Jennifer!!!

  23. Jackie McKnite says:

    I do some masking. I have the masking paper and recently bought the masking pen. Never saw that embellishment mousse before. Pretty cards.

  24. Betty Chen says:

    I’ve done some masking with post-its for borders– mostly when i do distress ink backgrounds! love your vids! 🙂

  25. Jackie P says:

    Beautiful cards! I love the shimmer and shine. I do use masking a little bit, but probably should do more with it.

  26. Kelly B says:

    I have tried masking techniques – love the results!

  27. Jean Marmo says:

    I love these cards. I have used liquid masking. Thank you for the inspiration.

  28. DayleneS says:

    As usual, ALL of your cards are stunning! I’ve used masking with Eclipse tape, Post-It notes or for a thinner piece of paper, cut out a piece of a page from an old phone book. Masking has not been a favorite of mine because I get the halos or don’t get it right. I really need the Misti! I do love how you’ve made the entire image of flowers and leaves and THEN the entire mask – vs trying to mask portions. Thanks for the tip about lining up using the bottom half, too. Love your work!

  29. Barbara M. says:

    For some reason I have never tried masking techniques. But after seeing your awesome cards I need to do so!!!

  30. susan hatfield says:

    I have only used paper masking which seems like a pain. I need to try different types of masking. Your techniques are great, as usual!

  31. Carlos Haun says:

    Love your cards, stamps used & all that shine! You do great videos!

  32. Monica says:

    I love your cards and this masking! yes, I have done masking before but not for backgrounds. Good technique! Thanks ^__^

  33. Nana Griffin says:

    I have used masking and in fact I just made a card where I masked some flowers this week. I don’t do it very often though.

  34. Ann True says:

    I havent yet but i hope to soon… i love your videos.

  35. Areli says:

    Hi jennifer! I have never tried masking techniques before. I hope to win the prize to try it soon. ?

  36. Nancy says:

    I have used the masking technique and have to say love the different pinks in these cards!! Great Video.

  37. I’ve done simple masking using post-it notes and scrap paper. I love the effects and really should use this technique more often. You are so creative and are a great source of inspiration for me. Thanks a bunch!

  38. Evelyn B says:

    Love the shine. Thanks for showing the different ways to use it!

  39. Janet Sisk says:

    Yes. I have done masking before. I tend to use post-it notes since that is what I have readily available. Thanks for the inspiration and chance to win! 😀

  40. {vicki} in ga says:

    yes i do it sometimes

  41. Becky Reynolds says:

    I do use masking sometimes, but not often. Love this technique. Wplus 9 always has the best florals. Love them and love your creations.

  42. These are beautiful, Jennifer … the gorgeous pearly shimmer from the Nuvo mousse is incredible on screen … I can only imagine how fabulous it is IRL! I enjoy masking … I’m a CAS loving girl so anything that helps me add depth and dimension without bulk is a winner! Anita 🙂

  43. Nicole says:

    These cards are lovely! Yes I do use masking in my cards. 🙂
    I wondered after watching the video, if you get the mousse somewhere that you don’t want it to be, because it dries quickly, is it possible to remove the unwanted mousse and if so, how?

  44. Lauryne says:

    I’ve used the liquid Molotow but I just ordered the masking paper. Can’t wait to use it! I love the stamps and the Nuvo embellishment mousse!

  45. Daria Zender says:

    Yes, I have done masking; mostly with Post-It Notes or masking paper, but I have used Rubber Cement and masking fluids. Beautiful cards, as always!

  46. scrapinator says:

    Your cards are just beautiful!!! And I love WPlus9 stamps, they are always awesome!! I do use masking techniques, but nothing like what you do, but I might just have to give it a go 🙂 . Thanks for sharing .

  47. Beverly says:

    I do use masking paper some but probably need to more..

  48. Beverly says:

    I do use masking paper some but probably need to more..

  49. Adele Holcomb says:

    I have used masking techniques, and I probably originally learned them from you! I like that masking leaves a bit of white around the image, which sets it off nicely. These are lovely cards.

  50. Marlee S. says:

    I have used the masking technique a few times. I like it but it doesn’t always work out for me. I guess I need lots of practice! Your cards are fabulous as always!!

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