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. Jeane Campbell says:

    Can’t wait to try this idea. Just ordered the masking paper and have a number of cards in mind to give a try. Love the way you layered the flower stamps to make a cluster. A winner for sure. Thanks for the video. I learn so much by watching.

  2. Janett Gutierrez says:

    I love the looks of all your cards, I tried masking once and it didn’t tun out good but now that I’ve seen what you did I am pretty sure I’ll give tia try again. Thanks for sharing.

  3. Christina says:

    These cards are breathtaking!!!! Wow. I watched the video twice and I think I could actually do this!!! Now to invest in some masking paper…I have been using post it notes and I’m not super successful! Thank you for always making such beautiful pieces of art!

  4. Veronica Rohm says:

    Wonderful video Jennifer!! Very inspiring and motivating!! Now I need to go shopping!! Hugs 🙂 🙂 🙂

  5. Linnea Sundstrom says:

    I have used masking but haven’t done much with pastes/textures

  6. Katie Baird says:

    I’m new to all things papercraft, but have tried masking a few times with some success. Watching your videos makes it look so easy and gives me the courage to just go for it. These stamps are amazing, thanks for a wonderful giveaway!

  7. D Smith says:

    I haven’t done masking in a long time, but with the Inkadinkado Masking Paper and Nuvo Embellishment Mousse I’m inspired to do it again. Pretty cards!

  8. I have been working on creating one layer cards. Post-It notes are my friend….the ones with a full sticky back. Love those. If the image is too big for it then I use copy paper and tape. 🙂

  9. Vicky C says:

    Pretty cards! I do use the masking technique, but don’t do it too often, and I have only been using post-it notes to create the masks.

  10. Lois Wright says:

    I use masking all the time. It’s a really good skill. I love seeing what you create!

  11. Carlee Adams says:

    Yes, I have used the masking tecnique…sometimes we forget some of the simpler techniques we learned. Your cards are beautiful

  12. Monica says:

    I have used the masking technique before, but I haven’t used the shimmer on the background. I like using masking paper when I can, makes it a lot easier! Thanks for sharing your ideas! LOVE them!

  13. Anne says:

    Your cards are absolutely gorgeous! I don’t knowhow you do! Well,I do because you have shown us but you know what I mean! I do masking , it’s so usuefulespecially with single layer cards. Ihaven’tdoneanything like this before though, thank you for the inspiration! Bon weekend!

  14. Kathy McCluskey says:

    I’ve done a little masking, but never thought of doing it to create a background the way you did in the video. I really love the cards you made and how you used the Nuvo Mousse to create such a beautiful background!!

  15. Kathy says:

    Have done masking but really should to do it more often, especially if I could achieve the results you do Jennifer. Once again, beautiful cards and TFS.

  16. Sally says:

    I am new to the masking technique. That is why I love your videos. I learn so much from them. Thank you!

  17. Judith Williams says:

    I do like masking and use it now and then in my stamping.

  18. joyce says:

    Such beautiful cards… as always! Thanks!!!

  19. MarilynH says:

    Yes I have done masking and I love the look! Thanks for the chance to win fun new products.

  20. April Leithner says:

    I use masking techniques every now and again but should more often. Masking creates such beautiful results.

  21. Jadin says:

    I’m a little afraid of masking. I have only tried it once, it was nothing elaborate and turned out okay. However, I’m always worried that I’m making in the wrong place. This making the whole focal image seems easier. I think up give it a try.

  22. Sandy says:

    I have never tried it before, but I saved this technique to Pinterest and will give it a try. You have the best tutorials!

  23. Sheri K says:

    Lovely cards and great technique video! Yes, I have used masking techniques–sometimes a post it note or post i tape stuff and also different masking papers, if the stamp is more intricate. In that case, I save my mask in the packet with the stamps, for future use.

  24. Jennifer yates says:

    I have not used masking techniques, but that is one thing I would like to master this summer!

  25. Katherine says:

    Love the cards Jennifer — I recently got some of the nuvo mousse, and I’m amazed at the beautiful shimmer and texture it adds! Thanks for the further inspiration with these gorgeous card ideas. I do use masking techniques but just recently I’ve fallen out of the habit of doing it — it does give such lovely results though, and it really doesn’t take that much effort. Thanks for the nudge to start doing it more often!

  26. Elaine Weberg says:

    Beautiful cards Jennifer! Yes, I do use masking, but not a lot. Your techniques are awesome!

  27. Suzanne Sinkunas says:

    hi.
    I don’t use masking very often but with the nuvo mousse I will do it more.
    Thank you for the video!

    Suzanne

  28. Susan Forbes says:

    I have used masking more recently because of the Distress Oxide inks I now have.

  29. Loni Riley says:

    I have not tried masking, but plan on it now! I love your videos so much! ☺

  30. Roberta S. says:

    I love this video and blog post. I am slowly getting my supplies stocked with the “new” items to use in the techniques you so graciously share with us. Having fun & one day hope my cards and projects look as good as these.

  31. Valerija says:

    Wonderful cards. I have never tried this technique yet.
    Have a great weekend.

  32. Laura Buehler says:

    I have used masking techniques before.

  33. KimMJ says:

    Yes I learned to mask years ago when I was stencilling (walls, tables,furniture) and learned to apply that to my paper crafts using post it notes. I love being able to mask an image to create beautiful backgrounds

    Your cards are stunning. Thanx for the inspiration and a great video!

  34. KimMJ says:

    Yes I learned to mask years ago when I was stencilling (walls, tables,furniture) and learned to apply that to my paper crafts using post it notes. I love being able to mask an image to create beautiful backgrounds

    Your cards are stunning. Thanx for the inspiration and a great video!

  35. Angela Orum says:

    Love, love, love all the cards. Thanks for a great tutorial. I have not used masking in a long time. You have inspired me to try it again. I really want to try the mousse.

  36. Sandy Stein says:

    First, let me say that I am so inspired by your card-making talents and teaching abilities. I have subscribed to your YouTube channel and I know that I will see something that gets me going.
    I have used masking techniques and fortunately, I had a die to use which certainly makes things go a little faster and certainly more accurate. The results were fun!

  37. Lindsey says:

    Such a gorgeous card! I’ve masked a bit before with Altenew stamps after watching your video on the technique. Thanks for the chance to win!

  38. I mask many kinds of projects, either with masking paper or Friskit when depending on my medium. Revealing my masking is always exciting.
    I love your cards. Thank you for all of he inspiration.

  39. Judy Tutuska says:

    Thanks to your videos, I do use the same masking paper to create masks for some of the images on my cards. Thanks for the technique!

  40. Jo-Anne Tedford says:

    I have done masking before but I have not ever used the mousse. They look beautiful and look like fun to use. I can’t wait to try some! Your cards as always are beautiful! Thanks for your videos!

  41. Flip says:

    Such great cards! I have used masking before, but never the mousse. Can’t wait to try it!

  42. Pai says:

    i have occasionally masked but i don’t use this technique nearly enough! thanks for the new tips and tricks! (BTW, i haven’t been able to pin from your posts in weeks. here is the error message i get in case it helps.)
    Parameter ‘image_url’ (value http:/images/2017/07/070517-Mask-Jennifer-McGuire-Ink.jpg) is not a valid URL format.

  43. Rissa says:

    I love masking and like to use it to create scenes, especially with cute animal stamps!

  44. Fonda Rush says:

    I have masked before, but it’s been a long time. It’s time for me to get back to basics!

  45. Lori Hothan says:

    First, thank you for your great ideas that you share from a stamping perspective.
    I have masked before but it has been a long time since I have done this, and would welcome and would love to do learn and do more.
    Thank you for the chance to win this giveaway, and keep sharing your great ideas.

  46. Pat Holcomb says:

    I’ve used the masking paper before and really like the way it makes masking easier. Sometimes I am able to save the mask for future use! I love, love , love the WPlus9 layering sets – so much variety to build a beautiful bouquet.

  47. Brandy says:

    I have used masking techniques in the past but I’m not the best at it.

  48. Rinda K. says:

    These cards are pretty! I have not used any masking techniques yet but I intend on doing so soon since I have invested in some floral stamps recently. Also, thank you for sharing how you used the nuvo mousse. I just purchased the mother of pearl from SSS a few days ago! ?

  49. Miriam Prantner says:

    Love the shimmer! I do use masking, especially if I want to create a one layer card.

  50. vishakha92jain says:

    Thank you for sharing yet another awesome card technique!
    I am new to card making and hence haven’t really tried out masking yet but I am definitely inspired to do it now!

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