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