Have you ever tried masking on your card projects? Masking is a technique that involves covering up certain parts of your project before applying ink, to achieve various results. It’s fun and can create beautiful projects. Let’s talk about masking.
Introduction To Masking Video
Watch along here for tons of ideas and info about masking.
What Is Masking?
Masking is the process of covering a certain area to prevent ink from clinging to it.
Why Mask?
Well…lots of reasons. Keep reading to see samples and it will make sense.
Tools For Masking
What should you use to cover certain areas? The best option is masking paper, which is very thin paper with a temporary adhesive backing. Other options include post it notes, copy paper, cardstock, and washi tape.
Below are actual ‘masks’ which can be used so many ways. We aren’t actually using masks today, but you can find ideas for using them here.
Creating A Mask
To create your mask, you’ll either need to cut out a particular shape, or stamp an image onto the paper and trim around it. If you’re stamping an image and cutting it out, you’ll want to cut right at the edge of the image or even just a little bit inside it. Do not leave any white space outside of the shape, because this can cause problems later on.
Storing Masks
Once you have created masks, you’ll likely want to hold on to them to reuse for future projects. I like to store my masks on wax paper. This keeps them organized and they can easily be removed for reuse. I keep masks for particular stamps in the case with that stamp set. I’m going to start a collection of other shapes of masks that can be used with any stamps.
Ways To Use Masks
Here are some samples of ways to use masks.
Strips
Apply strips to cover the left and right sides of your project. Stamp or use blending brushes between the strips, then remove them.
Stamps
Stamp a shape. Create a mask and cover it, then stamp more images that will appear to be ‘behind’ the first image.
Shape
Attach a shape in the center of your project, then stamp or blend around it.
Frame
Attach a frame to your project, then stamp or blend inside it.
Combination
Stamp something, mask it, then apply another mask for a second effect.
Masked Card Samples
Below are several masked card samples I have created over the last few years. Click the links for more details.
Here is a beautiful flower bouquet I created using a single flower stamp and several masks. I created the dragonfly card by blending over an overlay.
Masking is such a fun technique – try it today!
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