Technique Corner ~ Challenge # 5

I have a fun technique to share with you today. I happen to have found something that is really fun and easy to do. It involves using a mask. Yes… todays lesson is all about using masks.

Heidi Swapp has cornered the market on masks. She has some amazing designs out there right now. I love them all. I think I may even have them all too. One of my favorites is the crown mask. I can’t believe I have had it and never used it until now.

So… what the heck is a mask anyways? It is a repositionable template that works the opposite of a stencil by giving you the negative image. It has a sticky surface that will cling and stay in place once you have positioned it. You can use any medium on it. Everything from paint, ink and chalk. I have used them all and I like the effect they each bring. When you use paint you get a great even, strong coverage. With ink you also get great coverage. When you use chalk you can easily blend colors and get a softer look.

Once you have chosen your mask and your medium you need to chose your background paper. Position your mask on your paper and apply your paint, ink or chalk over the mask. Once you’re satisfied with the result, gently peel the mask away. You are left with a beautiful negative image!! Then, just wipe the mask clean. They are completely reusable!!

I used white paint with a little Ranger Crystal Stickles on the following layout of DD. I loved the overall effect.

You can also make your own masks by using stickers. This is very easy to do. Just place them on your layout, paint or ink and once it is dry, just lift the stickers off.

Have fun and play around with different masks and mediums!!

Challenge #4:

My challenge for you today is to use a mask on your next project. You don't have to use paint, ink or chalk, you can also just trace an outline of the image. I have done this before as well. If you don't have a mask use stickers as your mask. The possibilites are endless!

Email your layout to me at: thynner5@yahoo.ca to earn a ballot into this month's $50.00 Blog Rak draw.

Remember you are creating to win the following:

October Afternoon Tab Book

Pink Paislee Pixie Stixs

Glimmer Mist

Crate Paper Prudence Paper Line - all of it.

Crate Paper Rub ons

Mambi Rhinestones/Gems

**Due date: December 1st, EST**

Happy Scrapping!

~Tara~

Just for Fun!!

Some of you may now that my BFF, Ally is moving out to BC and leaves this week. It has been a whirlwind of activity for her as she prepares to move to the other side of Canada and leave her family and friends behind.

We met while designing for Creative Crafts and Stickers. Jen was a darling and entrusted us with running her design teams and after closing her main site, left us to run the Creative Crafts and Stickers Blog. The three of us bonded right away and have such a great friendship that I cherish.

I was lucky enough to spend the afternoon with her and Jen at her Mom’s house. We always have a great time together and it is like we are sisters. I am going to miss her…. but at least we live in a computer age and can stay in touch.

Here is a picture of us that my hubby took this afternoon: Tara, Ally & Jen

I must say that I have made my best friends through my scrapbooking. My online friends have become my family. I still have a few I would love to see again and some I would love to even meet!! I need to become rich so I could visit my friends in the US, Montreal, BC and Australia!! You know who you are. :)

~Tara~