Technique Blog Hop – Masking

I am starting to get back into some group crafting and sharing, which is exciting, and a bit confronting, after such a long time of crafting on my own.
My first Blog Hop today, is with the Crafty Collaborations group, and we are focusing on the technique of Masking, one of my all time favourite techniques because it can be done in so many ways.
Today, I have decided to keep my card very simple, and I’ve featured the leaf stamp from the Sale-a-Bration set Beautifully Happy.

I have used my Stamparatus to keep everything lined up, and used a one inch strip of scrap paper across a piece of Basic White cardstock, as a mask.

I’ve then inked up my stamps with Soft Seafoam Ink, and using a Sponge Dauber, added some Shaded Spruce and a tiny touch of Cajun Craze ink around the edge of the leaves.

Once I felt I was happy with the leaves, I removed the mask, and stamped a sentiment from the Wildlife Wonder stamp set.

This is such a simple technique, but so effective. I’ve layered this onto some Shaded Spruce to frame the main layer, and then onto a Soft Seafoam card base.

Here is where you will find the other’s taking part in the Blog Hop.
Happy Hopping, and Happy Stamping!
Chris

Let’s Set Sail

Stampin’ Up! Let’s Set Sail stamp set is another new set from the upcoming Mini Catalogue (available 4th January 2022), and I have used it for a very simple single layer card, inspired by the latest TGIF challenge, using the Masking Technique.

Masking is such a great technique and one that I haven’t used in a while. For my card I have used the reverse masking technique to create the sun.

I have cut out a circle using one of the Tasteful Label dies, out of a piece of scrap paper.

I’ve then placed the piece of scrap paper over my Basic White card base in the position I want the sun to be, then sponged using Mango Melody and Daffodil Delight inks.

Then I have just removed the scrap paper mask, and stamped the images where I wanted them.

I’m not too happy with my splodgy ink on the sails of the boat, but not to worry, I guess they are wet from sailing!!
Happy stamping!
Chris

Masking for Halloween Challenge

This week’s Our Creative Corner challenge from Marcy, is to create a scary creation in the theme of Halloween, and using a masking technique.

Oh dear, this one was a challenge for me, I don’t have any Halloween stamps (this seems to be happening a lot lately!!) so I went scouring the local craft stores.  Halloween is not big in Australia like it is in the US, however it is becoming bigger and more people are celebrating it, so I was not entirely without hope of finding something that I could use. Hmmm famous last words.  The best I could come up with were some stickers.  My son likes creating craft projects and uses stickers sometimes, so I knew they wouldn’t go to waste, and that he wouldn’t mind if I used one or two.
I’m not really sure that this little witch is particularly scary, she looks rather cute really.
I have used Serene Silhouettes stamp set in Midnight Muse and Basic Black inks, and used the masking technique to get that layered effect, where some of the trees look like they are behind others.  The spider web is from Mixed Medley stamp set, (yes, it does have a couple of halloween stamps in that set) and is stamped using the Illuminate Glimmer Ink Pad (Page 23 of the Holiday Catalogue).  The moon was punched out of the silver Glimmer paper, and the stars are just some half-backed Rhinestones.
I hope you will have a Happy Halloween, and hope you play along with all of us at Our Creative Corner this week.
Happy stamping!
Chris

OCC Sketch Challenge

This week it is my turn to set and host the challenge at Our Creative Corner, and I have chosen a sketch challenge for you for this week.  I would like you to make a card for a male using the sketch, and an extra but optional challenge for you, if you choose to accept it, is to use a Monochromatic colour scheme.
The zebras on my card are from the Zoo Review stamp set and have been watercoloured, then one has been cut out and raised and layered over the other.  I have used a masking technique for the sun – I punched out a circle of Post-It Note and then sponged around the circle using a sponge dauber.  The tree has been double stamped with two different colours of ink to give it that shimmery look.
The background paper is from the Howlstooth & Scaringbone DSP (patterned papers), and the strips of Cajun Craze card stock have been run through the Big Shot using the Woodgrain Embossing Folder.
The colours I have used are So Saffron, More Mustard, Cajun Craze and Early Espresso.

So, here is the sketch for you to use for your own card.

 Make it as simple or as complicated as you want, we would love to see what you come up with. And make sure you check out the inspiration from the rest of the Design Team.
Happy Stamping!
Chris