Masking Techniques
Hello and welcome! Today’s video features a few spins on an oldie-but-goodie technique… masking. I used masking to create crisp images, colorful backgrounds, and the look of dimension.
[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.]
In my video, I share 4 card ideas. Let’s start with the simple pumpkin cards first…
After planning out my card, I used the Sunny Studio Pretty Pumpkins Stamp Set (SSS | SUN) and stamped the layers of the pumpkin using my MISTI Stamping Tool. I really like this layering stamp set because it’s easy to line up the layers and the final result is very realistic looking, thanks to the white highlights the stamp creates. The sentiment under the pumpkin is from the beautiful Sunny Studio Autumn Greetings Stamp Set (SSS | SUN) and is stamped in VersaFine Onyx Black ink and clear heat embossed.
I created a “frame” for my pumpkin and sentiment by dry embossing two circle dies using the Hero Arts Inifinity Circles Die Set and a Spellbinders Tan Embossing Pad. I also created a mask for around the inner circle of the frame from Inkadinkado Masking Paper… and a mask for the the pumpkin from the coordinating die. For the green “glow” at the bottom of the circle, I applied Twisted Citron and Peeled Paint Distress Oxide Ink. They go on like butter! For shine, I added a bit of Clear Wink of Stella Shimmer to the darkest areas on the pumpkin.
I created another card with the same design, but applied Broken China Distress Oxide Ink towards the top of the circle.
Since the coordinating dies are a bit bigger than the stamped images, the mask leaves a white border around the stamping. I really like how this keeps everything looking clean… and as if the pumpkin is glowing.
For the third pumpkin card, I stamped three pumpkins from the Sunny Studio Pretty Pumpkins Stamp Set (SSS | SUN) and using the coordinating dies to create masks. Here is a good tip: When stamping multiple images that need masking, always start with the image you want to be in front and then move your way back. For my card I started with the smallest first. The sentiment is again from the Sunny Studio Autumn Greetings Stamp Set (SSS | SUN).
I embossed the background with a Hero Arts Infinity Postage Die and Spellbinders Tan Embossing Pad… and applied a mask and Antique Linen Distress Oxide Ink. I finished off the card with Lucy’s Cards Lemon Jewels and some shine using a Clear Wink of Stella Pen.
I also made a quick bonus card showing a few more masking tips. This cutie dog image and sweet sentiment are both from the Sunny Studio Pet Sympathy Stamp Set (SSS | SUN). I colored the puppy with Copic Markers and cut a mask for the image using 3M Wide Post It Tape and the coordinating die. Post It Tape is a great alternative to masking paper! I placed the mask on top of the pup and applied a strip of the tape towards the bottom of the background so I could apply a bit of Twisted Citron Distress Oxide Ink. I then moved the same strip of Post It Tape and applied it on top of the inking, leaving a bit of overlap in between. This time I applied Broken China Distress Oxide Ink. I really like the white line in between the inked areas to keep it crisp and prevent the colors from overlapping. I finished off the card by adding Tonic Ebony Black Nuvo Drops to the eyes and nose on the image, and Mini Ranger Glossy Accents to the heart. By the way, this card is tiny – only 3.5″ x 5″.
Masking is a great way to add color and the look of dimension without bulk!
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 or from Sunny Studio. As always, this post was NOT paid for or sponsored.) Click on the letters below each picture to go to a favorite store: Simon Says Stamp (SSS), Ellen Hutson (EH), etc.
