TIPsy Tuesday - Masking

In the last two posts, I’ve shared cards I made from watercolored images. Before watercoloring, I stamped the flowers using a masking technique. Masking allows you to create stamped images that look layered. One flower is underneath another flower in a natural position. You can use masking with any two stamped images that need that layered affect to look more realistic.

Here is a great video from Carissa Wiley on YouTube to show you masking techniques: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgVyHS0rCVo

And here are the brief instructions for a quick reference:

To create your mask:
1. Stamp the image that needs to be "on top" on scrap paper or a Post-it note.
2. Cut out very close to the edges.

To use your mask:
1. Stamp the image that will appear “on top” first. (I know this seems backwards!)
2. Cover the image you just stamped with its mask. If you stamped on a post-it you may have a little built in adhesive to help the mask stick. You can also use some removable adhesive or just hold the mask carefully in place with your fingers.
3. Stamp your “underneath” image. Part of this image will be on your mask and part on your finished product.
4. Remove the mask. Store with your stamp set to use again.

You can build layer after layer, just remember to start from the uppermost layer and work your way down.

Hint: When I am making masks or doing some other type of scrap work, I use a discontinued ink color or one I don’t like that well saving my current stuff and favs for other projects.

Ingredients: Stamps: Stampin’ Up!’s Fifth Avenue Floral, Kindred Spirits and On Your Birthday for greetings
Ink: Basic Black, Close to Cocoa, Soft Subtles and Rich Regals Watercolor crayons, Earth Elements Markers
Ribbon: SU’s So Saffron Grosgrain, Pink check from local stamp store
DSP: My Mind’s Eye