Articles : Tutorials - Paper Crafting

Using Masks in Scrapbooking and Paper Crafting

Objective:  To learn how to use a "mask", or reverse stencil

Materials Used:

also, alterable items, acrylic paints

Directions:

I am going to introduce you to the technique of masking.  It is a fairly simple technique, and it adds so much to any scrapbooking project, from pages to altered items.  I will then give you variations and ideas so that you can create many different projects!

First, you need to decide on a project to alter.  I was invited to a Halloween party recently, and needed to make a hostess gift.  I chose a box to start out with.  The thing that you need to remember most in masking is that the ORIGINAL paper or paint color is what you are preserving with your mask.  I painted my box a silver glitter color and applied the mask.  The mask has a sticky back, so you do not need apply any adhesive.

For the front of the box, I chose a cobweb and the letters B O O. 

I then applied white paint over the mask.

I quickly sprinkled black glitter over the paint, before it dried.

I covered the whole side.

After I did that, I put waxed paper over it, and used a brayer to make it stick.  I then removed the mask.  (I am going to tease you, and not show you that part yet )

I repeated on the opposite side, using the larger cobweb.

Again, I painted it.

After I added the glitter and used the brayer, I removed the mask.  It helps, when using glitter, to leave a little of the mask off the box, so that you know where to start removing the mask.

Here is the backside of the box.

See all that glitter?

As you probably noticed, I painted the sides of the box orange, as well. 

Next I did a little decorating...

and added a bottle of wine.  (7 Deadly Zins...how appropriate for Halloween!)

Here is the reverse again.

I then made some thank you tags, using the same techniques.

First, I used orange chalk to color a tag, and then I used a gold glimmer mist and sprayed the tag.  I added my mask letters, and dabbed black acrylic paint over them.  After removing the masks, I used a white Signo and traced in the letters.  I then added some Making Memories tiny alphas, and the tag was done!  I did add ribbon before I tucked them in their respective gifts.

Layouts

This technique translates well to layouts, as well.  In this first layout, I just placed the clock mask on black Bazzill cardstock, and painted over it with blue acrylic paint.  I removed the mask, and had a unique new look to my cardstock.  I just embellished as usual.

Chalks or distress inks work well for a softer look, too.  On this layout, I used the Tim Holtz Distress Ink and applicator to add the black soot ink.  I laid down the flourish, and inked the paper, always starting on my mat, and moving towards the paper.  A small patterned paper looks best for this technique.

My last project is an altered window.  I added the flourish right to the window pane, and dabbed on Staz-On ink.  Once the window is hung over the fireplace in our bedroom, the wall color will come through the flourish part.

The masks are easily cleaned with warm water, and will keep sticking for many applications.  I can't wait to see some projects and layouts that you create using these very versatile products!

About the author ...
Pam joined the ACOT Creative Team in October 2007and became the CT Coordinator in September 2008. Besides scrapbooking, she enjoys baseball, and spending time with her family and friends.

Published on 11/17/2008. Submitted by 4peasinourpod