MASKING TECHNIQUES 3

This week we are using masking tape to block out strips of surface area.  When using masking tape, or low tack tape, it is always best to tap it against your skin or clothing to remove some of the tacky so it doesn't tear the surface of your card when you peel it away.  You will notice, that by follwing the grid lines on my cutting mat, I was able to mask off in straight lines....always a plus ha ha ha !!!

For this first card, I used two colours of distress inks.  I favour these as they are dye based inks that  blend really easily.  Pigment inks can be very wet, although the Colorbox Cats Eye Chalk inks also blend fantastically.  Work with your Cut 'n' Dry foam in swirling circular motions, starting with your lightest colour so you don't contaminate your foam with the darker shade.  Make sure you work slightly over the masking tape, to ensure you will have a crisp and defined edge when you remove the tape.

It goes without saying, peel your tape back carefully and slowly to avoid any surface tears.  Simply over stamp with an image and a sentiment on the white.  I'm sure you will agree, it's a striking contrast and easy to achieve.

Now for this card I revisited Masking Techniques 1 (June 15th), firstly masking out the centre section, then stampng small dragon flies randomly in the top section, and covering with Post-It note masks.  I then used spray inks to colour (but ink pads would work and give a crisper edge as the sprays can weep slightly under the masking tape).  As I was using sprays, I flicked and splattered some of the colour, and also drips of black liquid ink, just to add interest and break up some of the white band.  I then removed the masks and stamped another stamped dragon fly and a sentiment to complete the card.
Christine

MASKING TECHNIQUE 2

Following on from last week, and funnily enough, starting with the same stamp - it is an easy one to cut out though - stamp and cut out several images.  You don't have to use Post-It notes if you you card or a heavier weight paper, as the weight should ensure they stay in place whilst spraying.  

Alternatively you could you die cut shapes...and you don't have to stick with one type, a variety of die cuts, or stamped images add interest to your project.  If you are creating a male themed background, why not try different sized and shaped cogs or clocks ?

Using two or three colours of spray ink (I used the Clearsnap ones as they are beautiful and vibrant - available in the web shop), spray randomly in patches, from a height to make it 'mistier'.  It is best to leave it to dry fully before removing the masks.  If you are a little impatient, lift very carefully so you don't smudge your inks.


When it has dried fully, over stamp in complimentary coloured inks.  As I used the stamp to create my masks, rather than die cut shapes, I used the same stamp over my blank areas, intentionally off setting and slightly rotating the stamp....I didn't want to just fill the space, otherwise I would have done last weeks masking technique.  I also added some background dots (chunks of script or a music score would have equally been as effective), and some dragonflies fluttering around the flowers.

The possibilities are endless - why not design your own wrapping paper/gift packaging with matching gift tag/card.  It doesn't have to be on a large scale, backgounds for cards, ATC's and book marks using smaller stamps work equally as well. Simply have fun playing !!!
Not sure why it has up loaded the same picture twice ????....probably computer gremlins.

Christine

MASKING TECHNIQUE 1

 This is another of my favourite techniques, and there are so many different ways to 'mask' which we will explore over the next few weeks.

For this particular version, you will need Post-It notes or similar self adhesive edged notes and to practise, a stamp that you will be able to cut out easily.  Don't choose one with lots of fiddly cutting or fine wispy details that protrude from the main body of the stamp, or you may set yourself up to fail.




There is one basic rule: whatever appears in the foreground must be stamped first, masked, and the background is then added.  First, stamp the foreground image onto your card (mine is the central flower) and also stamp the same image onto a Post-It note, making sure you catch part of your image on the sticky bit. 

Cut out the mask, and using the 'sticky bit' to hold it in place, lay it over your original foreground image.

Now the mask has been created, you are ready to start building your layers to create a 3D effect.  In this basic example, I am simply stamping two further flowers that I want to appear as though they are tucked behind/further back, than my main central image.

When you remove the mask, you will clearly see that the central flower appears infront of the two either side.

I then simply painted mine with a water brush and some distress ink from pads, added glitter to the stamens, then mounted onto a complimentary coloured mat, which I also accented with similar colour ribbon around the card.

Now you have the hang of this simple technique, why not have a play with other stamps.  I have stamped a few more up below (although only on copy paper to demonstrate to you what I mean - hence the few crumples !).

 




The first two are purely a character (the foreground) sitting on something (the background).


 

In this one I played further using more masks, beginning with the girl and the front large pot to the left and the small one on it's side to the right.  I then masked the left pot to add another one tucked behind it and then masked this and the small fallen pot whilst I stamped the cart.  The pot on the cart and other small upright pot was stamped, and the one on the cart masked whilst I stamped a further two pot tops to create the effect that there was  a stack of three......ooops!!  .....not quite in line - please forgive me.  I placed the masks back on the pots whilst I added some flowers.  Voila !! So what are you waiting for ????  Come on - get MASKING :)

Christine

MICEY MAYHEM

My first love, when I began card/paper crafting, was rubber stamping.  

Whilst on my first trip to Florida (decades ago!), we discovered a fabulous rubber stamp emporium, sadly no longer there, but to a crafter it was like Christmas had come early.  They had the common sense to provide comfy leather sofas for the 'husbands' to settle on whilst the 'wives' wiled away many hours of 'oohs and aahs' and shall I or shalln't I buy this one or that one.  Tim took a book to read, and sometimes two, as he knew he would be in for the long haul.  There was too much choice especially with a limited luggage allowance for  the return flight.  I wanted it all !!!! I did learn the lesson of travelling light after that, and taking an empty case too.  I could do without clothes, I could not live without craft products.....you know what I mean don't you ;-)

This is where I first came across the delightful House Mouse range of stamps - Amanda, Monica, Maxwell, Mudpie & Muzzy - drawn by Nancy Dezotell.  When I first purchased them they were manufactured by Stampa Rosa Inc, and subsequent ones  from Stampabilities.  Those in the UK, and certainly the ones in my web shop are by Stampendous, now having the added space saving benefit  of being cling mounted rather than wood mounted, plus much more affordable.

The selection of cards I have posted today shows just how detailed the art work is.  They almost do the work for you.  In fact, the one on the left is just purely stamped in black ink with just the accent of a coloured ribbon.   The stamps speak for themselves and are so adorable, that anyone receiving a card couldn't fail to  smile when they open it up.



And everyone likes colouring - right?  It's so therapeutic.

I have used a variety of colouring mediums - coloured pencils, watercolour pencils (Caran D'Ache for the paler palette and Inktense for the more stronger colours), and my markers of choice are Promarkers.   The cards to the left show the difference between the Caran D'Ache watercolour pencils, and the deeper tones of the Promarkers. 

The versatility of these stamps also means that  they can have multiple uses.  These for example, have been made for a Birthday and an Anniversary, but would work equally as well for a Get Well or even a retirement.

I have discovered a Facebook Page especially for the House Mouse range - fabulous :) So relax, enjoy and have fun...and don't forget to visit the web shop.

Christine

WONDERFUL WEDDING

This last weekend we attended our friends daughter's wedding which was amazing to say the least.  This is the card I made for them, sticking to a purple theme as I knew the bridesmaids dresses were purple.  It does stand up, but in my haste to take photos before I wrote it, pack and all the usual preening and grooming rituals, I appear to have completely forgotten to take a photograph in it's standing position....oops.  You will have to use your imagination.

The mechanics of this card is very simple, and it allows the scope of extra space to add pictures, verses, photos and anecdotes when you want to create a bit of a keepsake and not just a card.

To make, you will need two pieces of card.  I created one that when folded up, was approximately 6" square, but this can be made any size, and could also be rectangular, with a portrait or landscape perspective.  Your first piece of card needs to be made into a gatefold, so my initial piece of card was 6" x 12 " (slightly smaller if using A4) with the outer 3" folded in from each side, creating the basic 6" square.  The second piece is shorter as this only has one fold (3") to create the fold up at the bottom.  As this piece is to be glued onto the central panel of your first piece, to allow for the sides to fold in, you will need to remove a slither from the width of the second piece, to reduce the bulkiness and allow the folding up to be easy.

Decorate as you wish.  I put a bridesmaids and gifts on the front panels, the bride and groom looking at each other on the inner sides, appropriate quotes/sayings on either side of the fold up, and a pocket in the centre for  the verse tag and a place to write something personal (and also an ideal place for holding a cheque).  I also added some narrow decorative punched borders to the front panels that met in the middle.  If you have a slight gap, this is a great disguise!!

I have started some Father's Day cards in this style, and will post them on my webpages when they are complete so feel free to pop over and have a look in a week or so www.divinecrafting.co.uk

Happy Crafting !!

Christine