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. susie sonnier says:

    I mask all the time. It’s a great technique. Love those new Wplus9 dies.

  2. koalabc/barb says:

    No..This is new with the product you used on the card.. Very Pretty card..Great video you do.. I do want to make some now that I’ve seen your fun video..
    Thanks for this awesome chance..

  3. MaryKaye Robison says:

    I’m relatively new to stamping. I’ve seen masking demonstrated (like this beautiful set of cards you’ve shared today) but I haven’t attempted to do it yet. I think I need to get me some of this mousse and give it a try. It looks like so much fun and produces such a lovely outcome. Thanks for sharing and teaching all of us, veteran or newbie!

  4. Margaret says:

    I’ve tried masking a couple of times, but I’m not very patient and usually mess it up! I’m going to try again! Thanks for inspiring us!

  5. AnnB says:

    Gorgeous cards Jennifer! Yes, I do use the masking technique now and again, not very often though.

  6. Lois John says:

    I love the look of a masked card but have never tried it. I think it is time that I did!!! Thanks for sharing

  7. Corrine says:

    What a great video! Masking is new to me, but I am inspired to give it try now. The mousse looks like a wonderful product. Since I don’t currently have any, I will experiment with something else…I have some moulding paste, so will add some shimmer to it and see how that goes. Thanks also for introducing me to Wplus 9.

  8. Pam Dunbar says:

    I have never masked, I will have to give it a go. Thanks for the video. Your cards are all gorgeous and the shimmer is perfect!

  9. Pam HammarlundPam HammarlundPam Hammarlund says:

    I have never used masking techniques other than a super simple post-it note to block one flower (not masking like you are showing). I love this idea and plan on taking my masking to the next step. Thanks for sharing!

  10. Martha H. says:

    I’ve tried masking, but it’s not my favorite technique. But after seeing your cards, you’ve inspired me to be more patient because the result is so well worth it!
    Thanks so much for sharing. I learn a lot in your video.

  11. Carol Henderson says:

    I have done masking, but more to cover an area I did not want to stamp on. This is a lovely technique and the results are stunning. Thank you for another wonderful way to create beautiful cards.

  12. Beautiful shimmery cards! I have used masking techniques, especially when creating scene cards. 🙂

  13. Shilpa Nitin says:

    I used masking techniques lot of time ,& I love to do & explore the things which I miss 🙂

  14. Mel H says:

    I do use masking, but sometimes struggle with remembering what to mask to keep the layering correct! I love these beautiful cards.

  15. Tami says:

    Yes, I have with stamping…but I bought the masking paper you suggested and can’t wait to try it, instead of a post-it, with even more techniques. I love what you do…please don’t EVER stop making your famous videos and cards! .

  16. Melissa Craig says:

    These are beautiful cards. I’ve been drooling over these stamps since yesterday when I saw them on Instagram. I love masking! Sometimes I mess up and put the wrong image to the front. Like one time I was making a baby card with animals. It looked like the duck was poking the elephant in the behind instead of him being in front of the elephant by his leg! Lol!!! Needless to say I had to start over.

  17. Michelle N says:

    I’ve used masking for some projects but sometimes, I’m just so lazy to do it. HAHA! I use post-its or temporary labels normally.

  18. Dorothy K says:

    Yes, I use masking with post it notes on my cards to create a foreground and a background. I also use Frisket to maintain the highlights on watercolors. These are very pretty cards. I especially like the one with all over shimmer. TFS

  19. laurie megonnigil says:

    I have used masking a few times but after watching this technique I intend to try some more! Beautiful cards!

  20. Heidi says:

    I sometimes use masking, I don’t really like it though, the masks (Inkadinkado) come of so fast!

  21. dancingcat says:

    Yes, I do masking, especially to add the look of dimension, still learning though. These cards are lovely.

  22. BunnyD says:

    I have used masking. I used Frisket before with watercolouring and the masking paper for masking out images for stamping. I still find it a bit confusing to know what needs to go in front of what put the puzzle makes it more of a challenge and fun.

  23. Marcia Hill says:

    Absolutely BEAUTIFUL cards Jennifer! You’re so good with all the little details that take a simple card to the next level…love it!! :0)

  24. Jane says:

    Your creativity never disappoints.

  25. Natalie Winterstein says:

    I have done masking before and I love it! It’s like magic. 🙂 Thanks for the continued techniques and inspiration!

  26. Lynn B says:

    I have done minimal masking but just to create depth on cards. This technique is great. Thank you for sharing and the chance to win.

  27. Amanda Waugh says:

    I’ve recently started doing some masking with post it notes. Gorgeous cards as always.

  28. Anna M says:

    All your cards are so lovely! I’ve used the masking technique but not often enough. Thanks for sharing your awesome cards & techniques.

  29. Colleen Howell says:

    Gorgeous cards, just used the Mother of Pearl on a wedding card, the bride loved it.

  30. Karen H. says:

    You never cease to amaze me Jennifer. This is an awe inspiring video. I have used masking before but only with post it notes. Thanks for all you continually do to inspire us.

  31. Pamela Parks says:

    What beautiful cards! Yes, I love to use masking paper or sticky notes. I love to make scenes with stamps and masking helps give it depth without bulk. Thanks for chance to win.

  32. Juana vega says:

    Wyes, I like dung masking techniques. Like you I like yo use the negative of the masking to place the mask in the perfect spot.

  33. Sarah Bartholomew says:

    I have never used the masking technique before but after watching a few of your videos and looking at some of your cards it is something that I want to work into my next project. I cant wait to try it!!!

  34. Isabelle says:

    I’m doing some masking, to give an impression of depth on my cards. But I never had the idea to mask a complete bouquet. I’ll have to give it a try.
    Thank you so much for giving us such fabulous inspiration.

  35. Brittney L Young says:

    Yes, I generally use post it’s but I actually just ordered a masking pen!

  36. janesprando says:

    Very pretty cards! I have used some masking, but not to the extent of these cards.

  37. Tona says:

    Your cards are so pretty!
    I have masked a few times in the past.

  38. MissElaineous says:

    Yes, I use masking all the time. It gives an effect that is much harder to create any other way. Thank you for another inspiring video!

  39. Maureen Reiss says:

    I do masking!! Love all your Gorgeous cards!!!

  40. Janis LitynskyJanisJANIS LITYNSKY says:

    HELLO JENNIFER,
    Yes, I have used this tech… I do use post-it-notes as well… I have used the fluid too and that is a fast way… but my cheater way I love the best is if there is a die to match… Now I am really interested in Stamps and Dies to match just so much easier for these aching hands… loloollll

  41. Crystal C. says:

    No, I have never done the masking technique, but I’d love to give it a try someday!

  42. Rebecca says:

    Ive only done masking a handful of times

  43. PatLadd says:

    I occasionally use a masking technique–either by cutting out the image or by using a masking fluid pen for more detailed masking. Thank you for showing an easy way to add shine to a card. I belong to a card exchange group and our next month’s “theme” is to use something shiny. I am going to try this technique or the gilding flakes you previously demonstrated.

  44. Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous, Jennifer! My favorite technique was stamping the background over the mask. I do use masking… and it always feels a bit magical! I don’t have the large size masking paper yet. So, I’m adding it to my list right now! Thank you for always adding a bit of shimmer and sparkle to our days, Jennifer! ♡

  45. Bernice J says:

    I first started masking many years ago to create a three dimensional look to some of my stamped images, but I haven’t done it lately. I should start again!

  46. carriep says:

    I have done masking before, but never to create a background effect. Love this thanks. always inspired!

  47. Lynne Coleman says:

    Yes but it was a long time ago when we didnt have all of the fancy helpers. We cut and carefully placed our masks without glue. very tricky. looking forward to trying this technique.

  48. Pat Ortiz says:

    I haven’t tried masking yet…since I’m very, very new to card making. Love the way you make it look so easy that perhaps a newby like me can have success with this technique!

  49. Rochelle S says:

    Aloha, yes I’ve been using masking thanks to you. I’ve watched your masking technique when you created a missing you layering card using Altenew stamp set. Thank you for another awesome video.

  50. Alonda Panck says:

    I have only masked a sun using a post it note. I bought the Inkadinkado masking paper. This looks like a great way to use it, thanks!

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