Masking With Stamps

This is a great technique to add dimension to your paper crafts without the chaotic look of layering stamp on top of stamp. The technique is called masking, and it’s possible because of a product called masking fluid.

When you begin your project, choose the stamp image that you’d like to appear in the foreground. This is the image that you’d like to appear closest to you. Take that stamp and stamp your image as you normally would.

Then take your masking fluid and apply the fluid directly over top of the entire image. Masking fluid comes in a pen tip applicator allowing you to apply it over fine lines and intricate patterns. Once you have finished, let the masking fluid dry.

Now take another stamp and apply it to your design, overlapping your original image as desired. The portion covered in masking fluid is protected against the ink and will not show. Continue this process until your finished image is complete.

When you’ve completed all your stamping, simply peel off the masking fluid. Use your finger to delicately push off and peel the mask.

Stamp Kissing

As someone who enjoys creating personal cards I find that working with the same stamps can become limiting in the creative process. How many different colours can you stamp something until it just becomes boring?

Well there is a new technique called stamp kissing. It’s ingeniously simple but will definitely add the much needed excitement to your craft projects.

Simply find two stamps: one should be an outline of an object like a heart. Your other stamp should be a pattern, texture, or design. Using 2 different colours, stamp your outline stamp, in this case a heart, into the main ink colour. Set the stamp down with the inked side facing up.

Now take your patterned stamp, and ink it in the other colour you’ve chosen. Take this stamp and place it over top of your original stamp. The two inked sides should be touching. In essence, the stamps are “kissing”.

When you pull them apart, you’ll see that your heart now has a patterned design. Place your stamp on a piece of cardstock and you’ll end up with an intricate designed heart. The heart will be one colour, and the pattern on it will be another.