Greeting Card Masking Technique

Masking your stamped images is a technique that allows you to create layered images with just about stamp set that you may have. It adds dimension and depth to any design that you would like to create It is a technique to cover a stamped image when you want to add more images to your design. So you want to partially stamp some images in your design.

Thank you for joining me today as we share some information, tips and ideas on masking techniques.

This is all about my journey as I move closer to becoming an Altenew Educator. The more I learn, the more I am able to share with you. Paper crafting has been my passion. And sharing ideas and information is what makes this community so special. So let's get started with some masking techniques and ideas.

Masking Basics

Making masks for your designs is not as difficult as you may think. There are several products that you can use to create your mask. Copy paper is one product that I am sure you probably have in your home or craft space. 

Sticky notes are another option. They come in different sizes so you should be able to find a size to fit your needs. You want to stamp towards the side where the adhesive sticky area is with these notes. One thong to remember with these types of masks is that you want to peel the paper off where the adhesive note is so that the paper lays flat on your project. After trying different options for masking, I have to say that the masking paper is my choice by far. It makes the process much easier and you can save the masks with your stamps for future use.

Masking Tips

1. Always cut out the mask on the inside edges of the line of stamped image for best results
2. Plan ahead before you start stamping. Either draw or stamp the design out to have a guide where you are going to mask first. You can make it easier by numbering your images to remember the order of your stamps.
3. If you are using layered stamps, stamp the outline first on all of your images. Then go back and add layers.
4. Layered stamps are best applied with a positioning tool like the Misti or the Altenew Stamp Wheel
5. Store your masks with your stamp sets for future use.
6. Want more information on layering stamps? Click here.

Masked Card One-Layered Inspire Card

Supplies

• Altenew Dalhia Blossoms stamp set
• Sentiment from the Adore You stamp set
• Altenew Crisp Black Dye Ink
• Altenew Ocean Waves Crisp Dye Ink
• Altenew Teal Cove Cricp Dye Ink
• Altenew Galactic Streams Crisp Dye Ink
• Altenew Frosty Pink Crisp Dye Ink
• Altenew Puffy Hearts Crisp Dye Ink
• Altenew Coral Bliss Crisp Dye Ink
• Alternew Firefly Crisp Dye Ink
• Altenew  Just Green Crisp Dye Ink
• Altenew Moss Crisp Dye Ink
• Ninah Solar White Cardstock
• Medium pink cardstock
• Medium blue cardstock
• Paper trimmer
• Detail scissors
• Embossing folder and embossing machine
• Stamp positioning tool
• Blue glitter paper
• Double sided tape
• Double sided foam tape
• Double sided foam adhesive shapes
• Clear PVA glue
• Glitter pens
• Gems

1. Cut a card base at 5" by 6"
2. Medium pink cardstock is cut at 4 7/8" by 5 7/8"
3. Glitter cardstock is cut at 4 3/8" by 5 1/2"
4. Emboss the medium blue cardstock and cut it at 4 1/8" by4 3/4"
5. Set the pieces aside.
6. Stamp a drawing that depicts the design that you want to use.
7. Stamp and cut all of the pieces to create the number of masks that you will need for your design.
8. On the white cardstock begin by stamping the cental image of your design with the outline stamp.
9. Then cover the stamped outline with the matching stamp.
10. Leaving the mask on your first image, stamp the second image and cover it with the matching mask.
11. Continue stamping and covering each until all of your outlines are stamped. 
12. Now you are ready to add your layering stamps. You are going in the reverse order from where you started.
13. Start with the last outline that you stamped. Position your base stamp using the guide. If there is not a guide with the stamp set, you can go to the free resource page on the Altenew site. Look for the markings that help you position your stamp. Using a tool like the Misti or any other stamp positioning tool makes layering easier. 
14. Once you have stamped the base layer stamp the second or detail layer on the same stamp. Give it a second or two to dry and then proceed backwards till all of your stamps are stamped and dry.
15. Once you have finished all of your stamping, use a detail scissors to cut out your design.
16. Add details to the flowers with the glitter gel pens.
17. Mount the medium pink cardstock on the white card base with double sided tape
18. Mount the glitter card stock to the pink cardstock with double sided tape.
19. Mount the embossed piece of blue cardstock to the glitter card stock with foam tape.
20. Stamp your sentiment to a piece of white cardstock.
21. Mount that on a piece of glitter cardstock and then a piece of pink cardstock with double sided tape.
22. Mount your sentiment to the card with double sided tape.
23. Mount your stamped design with foam dots.
24. Glue the gems on as seen.

Masked Card 2-Thank You Card

Supplies

• Adore You Stamp Set
• Altenew Crisp Black Dye Ink
• Altenew Frosty Pink Crisp Dye Ink
• Altenew Puffy Hearts Crisp Dye Ink
• Altenew Coral Bliss Crisp Dye Ink
• Altenew Ocean Waves Crisp Dye Ink
• Altenew Teal Cove Crisp Dye Ink
• Altenew Firefly Crisp Dye Ink
• Altenew Just Green Crisp Dye Ink
• Glitter gel pens
• Gold Stickles
• Medium pink cardstock
• Medium blue cardstock
• Ninah White Solar cardstock
• Blue glitter paper
• Embossing folders and embossing machine
• Double sided tape
• Double sided adhesive squares (foam dots)
• Paper trimmer
• Detailed scissors
• Clear PVA glue
• Gems

1.  Cut a card base that measures 5" by 6"
2. Emboss and cut the medium pink cardstock into a piece measuring 4 3/4" by 5 1/2"
3. Cut a piece of glitter cardstock into 4 1/4 by" by 5"
4. Emboss and cut the blue cardstock into a piece that measures 3 7/8" by 4 1/2"
5. Create a design that you would like to use as a guide.
6. Cut all the masks needed for your design.
7. Stamp the central image with the black ink.
8. Cover the image with the coordinating mask.
9. Continue to stamp and mask until all of your images are completed. 
10. Starting with your last stamped image, use a blending brush to color each stamp. Start with a lighter color and the add details adding each of the color families. until well blended. 
11. Continue to uncover each of your images and color them separately. Give them a moment to dry so that you do not smear color.
12. Add details with the glitter pens and with the stickles as seen.
13. Cut the flowers out with the detailed scissors.
14. Glue the gems onto the center of each flower.
15. Stamp your sentiment. Layer it onto a piece of glitter paper and a left-over scrap from the pink embossed paper.
16. Layer the pink embossed paper on the card base with double sided tape
17. Layer the glitter paper and the blue embossed paper on the pink paper.
18. Arrange and secure the flowers on the blue embossed paper with the foam dots
19. Add the sentiment on with double sided tape.

I hope that you will take some of these ideas and tips and give masking a try. You can create some very interesting and amazing projects with this technique. Not only can you create greeting cards, but you can also create scrapbook pages and journal pages too! Think about what you can create with the stamps that you have in your stash. I always love to learn new ideas to extend the use of my tools and supplies. Don't you?

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Thank you for spending time with me today. You are certainly appreciated in this community. Please make sure to add any comments thoughts or suggestions. We always love hearing from you.

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Linda

Supplies You Need To Create A Masked Design On A Greeting Card