Creative Masked Backgrounds + GIVEAWAY

Hello! Today I am sharing simple techniques for stepping up your masked backgrounds to create colorful cards. The best part about these techniques? You can use many products you likely already have! I share several examples using new goodies from Waffle Flower.

[All supplies are linked to multiple sources in the thumbnails at the end of this post. Multiple stores are also linked in the parentheses following the product name. Compensated affiliate links used at no cost to you.]

Inked masking is a great way to create colorful backgrounds. These examples show how to “step up” this masking by adding stamping, multiple masks, etc.

My first card shows a masked background of ink blending and stamping. I used Post It Tape to mask off the top half of the card and applied Broken China Distress Oxide Ink with an Ink Blending Tool. I then moved the tape to mask the other half of the card and added Twisted Citron and Lucky Clover Distress Oxide Ink. I also stamped a few flower images with soft green Waffle Flower Ink. After removing the mask, I added many images from the Waffle Flower Wish Stamp Set (WF | SSS). So much cuteness! I also added a few soft butterflies to the sky. By adding tone-on-tone stamping to the inked/masked background, I add quite a bit of interest.

This next example also shows using inked and stamped masking together. On the top, I applied Squeezed Lemonade Distress Oxide Ink and little stars stamped with soft yellow Waffle Flower Ink. For the bottom, I used Gathered Twigs Distress Oxide Ink and a Waffle Flower Plaid Play Stamp Set (WF | SSS) pattern. I added images from the Waffle Flower Tu-Tu Cute Stamp Set (WF | SSS).

The images from the Waffle Flower Toadally Stamp Set (WF | SSS) are also great for combining inked and stamped masking. However, this time I made the inking more intense and the stamping subtle. I also tried the new Therm O Web Purple Tape to mask the two halves of this card and it works GREAT. You can wipe it clean and reuse several times. The bottom of this card featured the new Evergreen Bough Distress Oxide Ink color. So pretty.

I like that these Waffle Flower sets have so many images and supporting images in one set… it makes it easy to create a scene.

This next example features images from the Waffle Flower Autumn Time (WF | SSS) and Spring Time Stamp Set (WF | SSS). I love those cloud images in the background! The “just a note” is from the Waffle Flower Enveloper Me Stamp Set (WF | SSS).

You can step up your masking even more by double masking. For this example, I used Inkadinkado Masking Paper to mask a circle on the front of my card. I then used Therm O Web Purple Tape to mask the straight line for the background and applied Squeezed Lemonade, Wild Honey, Blueprint Sketch, and Broken China Distress Oxide Inks. Over the yellow portion, I stamped small images from the Waffle Flower Pencil In Stamp Set (WF | SSS) with Waffle Flower Ink. After removing the masks, I added more images from the Waffle Flower Pencil In Stamp Set (WF | SSS).

Since the Waffle Flower Pencil In Stamp Set (WF | SSS) is perfect for teachers, I decided to create a little gift card holder using it. I really like the new Waffle Flower Love Notes Die (WF | SSS) – it makes the most unique envelope for a gift card!

Check out how the Waffle Flower Love Notes Die (WF | SSS) closes…

… and opens to show a gift card and/or note…

My last card shares a different version of double masking. First, I masked a heart with Inkadinkado Masking Paper and inked the open area with Candied Apple and Picked Raspberry Distress Oxide Ink. I then removed the outer mask and covered the heart before adding Squeezed Lemonade Distress Oxide Ink. Finally, I added images from the Waffle Flower Hello Stamp Set (WF | SSS). Fast to create and lots of color!

RELATED VIDEOS

Here are a few more videos sharing masking techniques:

BLOG HOP

Today I am participating in the Waffle Flower Spring 2018 Release Blog Hop. This is Waffle Flower’s best release yet, so I was excited to play! You can find all of the new release HERE at Waffle Flower or HERE at Simon Says Stamp.

To celebrate the new release, all orders placed by 2/25/18 over at Waffle Flower will receive a free Mini Location Indicator Die. No code required… limited 1 per customer… while supplies last.

The next stop on the hop is the blog of Amanda Korotkova. (You can also start at the beginning of the hop at the Waffle Flower Blog.)

GIVEAWAY

To celebrate the blog hop, Waffle Flower is giving away $25 gift certificates to FIVE lucky winners! For your chance, leave a comment below and all the blogs on the hop by 11:59pmEST on 2/25/18 telling me if you ever do masking techniques. (To leave a comment, head to blog, scroll down to the bottom of this post and click the green “leave a comment” button. Winners will be chosen at random from the comments left on any of the posts on this blog hop and will be announced on the Waffle Flower blog on 2/28/2018.)

SUPPLIES

Want to find the products I used? 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 and those from Waffle Flower. As always, this post was NOT paid for or sponsored.) Click on the icons below each product picture to go to a favorite store.

Waffle Flower Wish Stamp Set
[ WFF | SSS ]
Waffle Flower Wish Dies
[ WFF | SSS ]
Waffle Flower Tu-Tu Cute Stamp Set
[ WFF | SSS ]
Waffle Flower Tu-tu Cute Dies
[ WFF | SSS ]
Waffle Flower Pencil In Stamp Set
[ WFF | SSS ]
Waffle Flower Pencil In Dies
[ WFF | SSS ]
Waffle Flower Spring Time Dies
[ WFF | SSS ]
Waffle Flower Autumn Time Stamp Set
[ WFF | SSS ]
Waffle Flower Autumn Time Dies
[ WFF | SSS ]
Waffle Flower Spring Time Stamp Set
[ WFF | SSS ]
Waffle Flower Toadally Stamp Set
[ WFF | SSS ]
Waffle Flower Toadally Dies
[ WFF | SSS ]
Waffle Flower Hello Stamp Set
[ WFF | SSS ]
Waffle Flower Hello Dies
[ WFF | SSS ]
Waffle Flower Enveloper Me Stamp Set
[ WFF | SSS ]
Waffle Flower Enveloper Hello Stamp Set
[ WFF | SSS ]
Waffle Flower Plaid Play Stamp Set
[ WFF | SSS ]
Waffle Flower Love Notes Die
[ WFF | SSS ]
Hero Arts Intense Black Ink
[ SSS | ELH | HA ]
VersaFine Onyx Black Ink
[ SSS | ELH ]
Distress Oxide Inks
[ SSS | ELH ]
Waffle Flower Ink
[ WFF | SSS ]
VersaMark Ink
[ SSS | ELH ]
Mini Ink Blending Tool
[ SSS | ELH ]
Neenah Classic Crest 110lb Cardstock
[ SSS | ELH | AMZUS ]
Koh-i-noor Bristol Cardstock
[ SSS ]
MISTI Stamping Tool
[ SSS | ELH ]
Mini MISTI Stamping Tool
[ SSS | ELH ]
MISTI Bar Magnet
[ SSS | ELH ]
MISTI Mouse Pad Insert
[ SSS | ELH ]
Therm O Web Purple Tape
[ THR ]
Gemini Junior Die Cut Machine
[ SSS | ELH ]
Post It Tape
[ SSS ]
Tim Holtz Tonic Mat
[ SSS ]
Hero Arts Heat Gun
[ SSS ]
Hero Arts Heat Gun
[ ELH ]
Anti Static Powder Bag
[ SSS | ELH ]
Scrapbook Adhesives Thin Foam Squares
[ SSS | ELH ]
Tonic Aqua Shimmer Pens
[ SSS | ELH ]
Inkadinkado Masking Paper
[ SSS ]
Tombow Sand Eraser
[ SSS ]


Leave a Comment

430 thoughts on “Creative Masked Backgrounds + GIVEAWAY”

  1. Leena Björk says:

    I am fairly new to cardmaking and have never done ink blending nor used masking techniques. I plan to use both techniques in the near future though. 🙂 All of your cards turned out really wonderful, as usual. 😉

  2. Maureen Reiss says:

    Wow!!! //i love your cards!! /i love the subtle stamping on the backgrounds!!

  3. Carol Henderson says:

    I rarely do masking and I don’t know why, because the result is wonderful and it really is an easy technique. I’ll have to expand my stamping to include this.

  4. Kim Fisher says:

    I do use masking but you have definitely inspired me with your techniques, thanks!

  5. natalie beebe says:

    I love your cards! I don’t do masking often,but you inspire me to want to try it more!

  6. Laura Greig says:

    I have only done a little masking, but this looks easy enough to give it a try, thank you!

  7. Iris Soscia says:

    Awesome cards – love the vivid colors.

  8. Louanne Collins says:

    Love the masked background techniques – I have only masked images on cards and totally love the effects!

  9. MandaLJ says:

    Such lovely cards! I need to practise my ink blending so I can try some of these ideas !

  10. Stacy V says:

    Waffle Flower knocked it out of the park with this release :). I do do masking techniques….partly because it reduces some of the bulk in my cards, but I love using my distress products because it just looks so good.

  11. Pat McCleary says:

    All of these are so sweet, Jennifer. The only masking I’ve done is a straight line of tape, like for grass. I can see there is a world of possibilities to explore. TFS.

  12. Megan says:

    What delightful cards, so adorable. Thank you.

  13. Laurie Van Parys says:

    I have done some masking, not a whole lot. Your cards have inspired me though!

  14. SQUEAL!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE the New Release and your SWEET Projects!! THANKS SO MUCH for sharing and have a FABULOUS WEEKEND!! =)

  15. Henriëtte says:

    Wow, what a gorgeous cards with this new release. I love the Love Notes Die, when friends and their children become older they often don’t know what to ask for a birthday, so what’s lovelier then a gift card in a gorgeous selfmade envelope!
    And to answere your question, I use masking only to make a sky or water, never thought of gorgeous backgrounds like you made. Thanks for these great idea’s!

  16. LINDA FILLDS says:

    WOW I am SOOOO glad we do not have to pick a favorite… they are all so adorable.. love the ballerinas and the frogs… I have never tried masking.. Thank you very much for the video. After seeing these cards I really want to give it a try now… thank you very much for sharing…. awesome work … I am a follower and h ave been for a while…:)

  17. Christina Brashears says:

    Jennifer these are sooooo cute. Love the children, they look like my childcare children, always happy to see someone. I do use masking and always take advice from you. Everything on this post is awesome, would love any one of them, especially the children. The fox is adorable and the card holder is such a neat idea. Thank you again for all that you do and show us.

  18. Tracy Hawkins says:

    Such wonderful cards! So colourful! Wonderful inspiration as always! X

  19. Geri Clark says:

    Love all your cards you made. Yes I do ,do masking on my cards.

  20. MaggieB1983 says:

    Oh Jennifer, that Love Notes Die had me at hello!! Wish I’d had something like this when my kids were little or in college because I was constantly leaving and sending notes to them. Now that they’re grown and on their own, it’s perfect for leaving notes behind for them to find after I’ve returned home from a visit. SUCH a fun die and such a wonderful release. Even the packaging is fun for the stamp and die sets. lol You’ve made so many great cards and have showcased this new release so very well that you’ve got me hook, line and sinker. Thanks so much for sharing and I hope you have a wonderful weekend. ~HUGS~
    #kindnessmatters

  21. Buffy says:

    I’m in love with these stamps! And I love how bright and sunny your cards are. The gift card die is going on my gotta get list!

  22. Kelli says:

    I have just started this new craft and have only created a few cards. I haven’t done any masking yet. I have no idea how many of your videos I have watched, learning new techniques and getting inspiration. I love the blog hops. Looking at what different designers have done with the same products. It’s awesome. These new stamps and dies from Waffle Flower as so cute. Lots of creating to be made with those.

  23. Marianna says:

    Darling cards and images! Yes, I often use masking technique. I keep masks and try to re-use them when I can.

  24. barbara lassiter says:

    I love that WF Love Notes die and your Toad-ally Amazing card is my favorite of all your amazing cards. I have masked on occasion, but not as often as I should, perhaps!

  25. Megan N says:

    I love the magical moment when you peel up the masks and see the finished piece!

  26. I’m experimenting with masking on a current project and these videos were great inspiration. I hope mine come out as neat and clear.

  27. Danielle Dietz says:

    I love watching videos of masking techniques but have yet to really try it out myself. I need to do that! Love your cards.

  28. Lisa G says:

    I do use masking techniques but am always excited to see new ideas, I love how you stamped images in the background! Super cute!

  29. Charlsie says:

    Love the teacher gift card holder. Have not done masking in awhile. Thank you for all the great ideas

  30. I haven’t done many cards with masking, but you have given me inspiration to start doing it. Your cards are beautifully sweet! tfs Prayerful hugs, Germaine.

  31. Billie A says:

    Oh my this company has the cutest images. I love what you did with the background and adding the fun images. The pocket die closure is brilliant. I haven’t done masking for quite some time and I love this idea for backgrounds.

  32. Cyndee says:

    Yes, I do some masking techniques. You have made it look so fun that I am going to have to try it even more, especially with the Distress Oxide inks.

  33. Cornelia L Fulmore says:

    I love all of your work but these cards are so vibrant and beautiful. I also love Waffleflower stamps because they are so different from the other stamp collections out there.

  34. Jacquelyn Harmon says:

    Love the masked background technique and your use of stamps on the backgrounds that just peek out. As usual, you’ve given us creative ideas. Waffle Flower has some beautiful stamp sets.

  35. Jessica says:

    I don’t do masking, but after watching two of your video’s I’m going to try. I have never heard of the company you selected for these cards. I really like all the little stamps they pack in a set. Just gives the stamper an added variety especially if you background stamp. Always love your video’s!! Thanks!

  36. Andrea Hastilow says:

    Brilliant hints and tips from you as always in your video’s, this release has so many cute stamp sets. I’ve not yet purchased anything from Waffle Flower yet on my short craft journey but I fine myself wanting this release completely. Thank you for all your hard work.

  37. Mary-Anne V says:

    I love to do masking…love these great ideas and the very sweet images.

  38. Nicole Nardi says:

    Beautiful cards & ideas shared. Love the dancing tu-tu’s.

  39. Your cards are so much fun with the bright, happy colors! thank you for sharing how they came together. 🙂

    as for masking, it’s been a while since I last used the technique. I am trying to get back into crafting after taking a hiatus, so will make an effort to use some of what you have shared here. 🙂

    enjoy your weekend!

  40. Vicki Lebovitz says:

    I love watching these videos. I am always looking forward to new videos on how to. Unfortunately I can not get my cards to be as good as yours no matter how hard I try. But I will not stop trying.

  41. Lindarub says:

    Yes, I’ve done masking just have to practice making scenes.

  42. Jean Chaney says:

    Super inspiration, Jennifer. Love all the new Waffle Flower release!

  43. Diane says:

    I haven’t done masking but am now so inspired to try it out! Your cards are wonderful!

  44. Keely Jones says:

    Thanks for the various masking techniques you showed. Love how different each card can look, by just your subtle changes.

  45. Tracy says:

    Beautiful ballerinas 🙂 I don’t mask as much as I used to….I seem to go in phases with that technique.

  46. Chrissy E says:

    Masking is so fun! But I REALLY adore how you stepped it up here with the stamping on the background inked areas themselves… the effect is lovely!

  47. Susan G. says:

    Your cards are too cute. Love these stamps and the gift card die.

  48. Darlene Renshaw says:

    I really love the masking technique and I will be purchasing that purple tape! It’s awsome.

  49. Diane says:

    Love watching all your videos! What tool are you using to snip the dies apart?

  50. Gerdien says:

    I have made backgrounds using masking tape the way you did here, but I haven’t created scenes by stamping multiple images on top of each other through masking. I still want to do that some day. I love this release by the way.

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