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. Enna says:

    I have to admit to being too lazy to mask. Part of that comes from the fact that I am really impatient and I mess up my stamped images by putting the mask on a wet image or trying to lift the mask that has a bunch of ink on it. Either way, I end up ruining a bunch of stuff that way. As much as I like putting pieces together to create a scene or a vignette, I usually am just too lazy/wary and end up stamping images that are full vignettes themselves. Maybe if I learn some more patience as I get older…….;)

  2. Teresa Doyle says:

    These are such beautiful cards and stamps, (you can’t have too many floral stamps!) Your tips are extremely helpful. Yes I do mask, both with masking paper and fluid. Thanks for the chance to win!

  3. Teresa Doyle says:

    These are such beautiful cards and stamps, (you can’t have too many floral stamps!) Your tips are extremely helpful. Yes I do mask, both with masking paper and fluid. Thanks for the chance to win!

  4. Martha Berry says:

    These cards are so pretty! I have some of this mousse in another color and will have to try this technique. Jennifer, you make everything look so easy! That ease makes me try new techniques and then I can say “I can do this” 🙂

  5. Katherine Wall says:

    Yes! I have done masking! Thank you for sharing! Beautiful!

  6. Sharon Perehudoff says:

    Jennifer the cards are amazing love the shimmer for a background. Will have to give it a try, never done this before but always a pleasure learning new ideals for making backgrounds. Thanks so much for sharing with us.

  7. Megan says:

    I have used masking with varying results… I’ve used masking fluid and Eclipse masking paper.

  8. Deb Hudson says:

    Your post is timely. I just received some of the Nuvo Mousse and now I am eager to use them and to finally get a handle on masking. Thank you

  9. Amanda says:

    You make the most beautiful, creative cards.

  10. I have not tried this technique before, but I’d like to 🙂

  11. Amanda says:

    To answer your question, I’ve used masking before as a result of another of your how to videos that inspired me. You really are quite creative.

  12. Laraine Randall says:

    Gorgeous cards! I use masking with masking paper. Love these shimmery backgrounds!

  13. Kathy s says:

    Thanks Jennifer for such an informative tutorial again. You are always so inspirational. I use the masking technique but not nearly enough it gives such versatile finishes. Love the look of the Nuevo mousse will have to get some and great sets of stamps,so pretty

  14. Shirley T says:

    Have used the micro pore tape for straight lined masking & as well as post it notes for shaped masking. That Nuvo mousse looks interesting!

  15. Judy says:

    I have used masking and love the results. Your stepped up version creates such a pretty effect. I love the new WPlus9 sets–thanks for a chance to win!

  16. natgodfrey says:

    I sometime use masking to make my cards, but sometime I am in a hurry. So I will cover as I go!

  17. Barbara-Jean says:

    I’ve done very little masking to date.? Thanks for your helpful video.

  18. super stick chick says:

    Great ideas! Love the zig zag border and all the shimmer!

  19. craftygal68 says:

    Really nice cards. I have in the past used Rubber Cement for masking. There are so many ways to mask. Fun times.

  20. Mary Schmidt says:

    Yes, i use masks in my card making and stamping.

  21. Bev Chapman says:

    Love the cards. Yes I have done some masking. I usually have to use post it notes as I didnt have any of the masking paper but finally got some. Love the look it gives. I also love those inks they look so vibrant. I’ve never tried them.

  22. Lynn Leaman says:

    Jennifer, I so enjoy your videos. You have so many wonderful, beautiful ideas. I have done masking quite a few times, but never the way you did it. I always used Post-It notes. Love the masking paper idea – and the way you use even the “leftover” items! Thank you for taking time to share. I love the inspiration!

  23. Stacy says:

    I’ve used post it notes and artists masking fluid before, but watched one of your videos with the masking paper and had to have some of that. Thanks for sharing the Nuvo paste in these cards! I’ve seen the pastes online but wasn’t sure of the results, love the shine it gives them.

  24. Maureen Chandler says:

    Love these cards and all your special techniques! Yes, I do masking once in a while and always like the dimensional results! Thanks so much for all you share!

  25. Michelle Daigle says:

    Hello Jennifer, great blog post. You’re are lovely. I just ordered the mother of pearl embellishment mouse. I bet it’s gorgeous. I have a couple of other colors but not that one. The only masking techniques I’ve used are pretty basic, like covering up an image to ink blend or dust off a background. I haven’t tried anything intricate. You have given me some ideas to try though. Thank you for that and all of the inspiration you seem to give out so freely… and most of the time you inspire, you probably don’t even realize you’re doing that. Lol so again, thank you!

  26. Jennifer Stanley says:

    I have masked but I avoid it when I can. Lol. I usually use a die that matches my stamp that way no fussy cutting. 😉

  27. Preeti D. says:

    Gorgeous cards 🙂 thanks for sharing. Yes, I do use masking techniques in my cards to add more dimension and interest.

  28. JulieC says:

    I have masked images for perfect placement.

  29. Sandy says:

    Beautiful cards. I have only tried masking a couple times. I really liked the results. I am going to be doing a lot more of it. Thank you

  30. Abby says:

    Great cards! I love to use masks. I allows for so many creative opportunities.

  31. Donna Dacy says:

    I love making images and sentiments sometimes too. And the use of the mousse makes these cards so special. Great designs. These images are really special…love layering stamps too.

  32. Jeanne Beam says:

    Very pretty cards. Love the look of the Nuevo Mousse on the cards. Thanks for sharing.

  33. grammasuzi says:

    I know I watched the video, but don’t remember if I commented. I know I didn’t answer the question re: masking. Yes, I have masked, and taught my granddaughter to use that technique. It is always great fun to show her something that you have taught me or try something when we’ve got to watch the video together. Thanks for that!

  34. Deborah S says:

    Gorgeous cards! I use masking often, it’s a great technique to add depth to your images. Holy moly, after seeing this video I MUST buy some Nuvo mousse… right away!

  35. Anila Dikay says:

    I have never tried the masking technique… Somehow scared to try it… Though every time I watch you doing that I find myself wondering what am I scared of… Might be trying it out soon… Thanks to you

  36. Sue McRae says:

    Love these floral images from WPlus9! I have used masking techniques but don’t do it as often as I should.

  37. Nina D Adams says:

    I have done some masking but I don’t have a lot of experience. Love your demonstration. I’m gonna have to try this technique again. Thanks for your inspiration.

  38. Anne Sturgeon says:

    It had to be Wplus9. Lovely cards made with wonderful products from a great group. Thanks to you and Wpluds9.

  39. Carla Hundley says:

    Fabulous pages and great
    technique. I have used
    masking on my cards
    before.
    Carla from Utah

  40. Mary Ann says:

    Woww. I have done masking but more st a first graders level. The ways you show are over the top especislly the halo sample-with the nuvo cream and mask. Beautiful. Thankyou so much.

  41. Barbara Baxter says:

    I have used masking in the past but only when stamping one object over another. I never thought of using it to do a background around a stamped image! So you have again taught me something new and I probably have been stamping longer than you (just not as well)! I love the WPlus9 stamps and dies you used in this video and the Nuvo products!

  42. Karen Waldner says:

    I have used some simple masking techniques before, beautiful cards.

  43. CAROLYN BISCHOFF says:

    I HAVE USED MASKING ON MY CARDS BEFORE, BUT IT WAS NOT AS NICE AS THE MASKING PAPER YOU SHOWED HERE, I PURCHASED SOME TONIGHT. THANKS FOR ALL YOUR GREAT IDEAS. I MAKE ALL MY OWN GREETING CARDS, IT IS GREAT FUN. THANKS VERY MUCH

  44. Karen T. says:

    Gorgeous card and gorgeous technique! These are my kind of layering stamps! I must admit I have not done much masking in the past but you make it look so easy that I can’t wait to try this!

  45. Cecilia Mohney says:

    I love all of these ideas! I have only done a little bit f masking but I might get brave enough to try more using your techniques! Thank you!

  46. Alma Dirpaul says:

    I like using the masking technique and I try to have the Inkadinkado stamping paper available in my craft room. Thanks for the giveaway.

  47. Rica Fong says:

    One of my first cards used a lot of masking! i spent quite awhile planning it out, which kinda surprised me. But it definitely helped to make it turn out well. Thanks for sharing these cards!

  48. These cards are so beautiful. I have only done very simple masking but you inspire to try more. Thank you for the chance to win.

  49. Marsha Guskey says:

    I have done simple masking before but I’ve never used the special paper for it. Beautiful cards! Thanks so much!

  50. MaggieB1983 says:

    Hi Jennifer ~ Your cards are beautiful and your video is wonderful too. I do some masking because you can add so many nice details and elements that make people wonder “How’d you do that?” Lately life has been a bit crazy so I haven’t done it as much as I’d like but things seem to be settling down now so am hoping to get things back to “normal” (whatever that is…lol). Thanks for sharing your beautiful technique and I hope you have an awesome weekend. ~HUGS~
    #kindnessmatters

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