Decorative Masks Part II
Basic Pattern Decorative Masks (item #150697) come in a set of 4 masks, sized 6 x 6″ each. They are thin and pliable, plastic in nature and easily cleaned. The enclosed insert lists 5 different methods you can use when you create with these decorative masks: spritz, sponge, trace, emboss and texture.
The variety in the Basic Pattern Decorative Masks is wonderful, and this set has something for everyone. Part I in my mini series on Decorative Masks focused on the Dot Mask, and creating a textured background. To see that post, which contains great information and card making tips, click here.
In Part II of my mini series on Decorative Masks, I have focused on the Victorian Mask and the spritzing technique. I find this technique useful with any mask, and can use it in any color as well. Let me show you the fun of spritzing!
Spritzing Technique
Are you looking for big impact in card making on a low budget? I have news for you: spritzing is the way to go! The Stampin’ Spritzers (item #126185) cost $3 for a set of 2. Classic Stampin’ Ink Refill (in the color of your choice) costs $3.75. All you need now is rubbing alcohol or water, and you have the mixin’s for some wow.
The magic mix of spritzer lasts a long time, since a little goes a long way. In fact, I still had some left-over from another project, as can be seen in my blog post, here.
Tips For Mixing And Using The Stampin’ Spritzers:
*Stampin’ Spritzers can be used to spray color saturation on your paper.
*Add 6-8 drops of Ink Refill to the opened spritzer (protective cap pops off and spritzing mechanism/tube screws off) and dilute with rubbing alcohol or water. Rubbing alcohol is preferred to water, since the alcohol base dries quicker. Percentage on rubbing alcohol bottle is not crucial.
*The more liquid, the lighter the overall color. Add more ink or more liquid until you are happy with the result. Experiment!
*Shake your spritzer well before each use to avoid settling or separation. Store your filled spritzer upright.
*Spritz with care! You can use an empty card-board box to place your paper in and spritz away if you are concerned with making a mess. I find that having a great clearance around my work surface ensures that nothing gets an accidental coating of color from over-spray.
*Before using it on your project, you may need to flatten your finished color-spritzed paper. Drying time will vary depending on the liquid choice used and humidity levels in your home.
*Watercolor Paper or Shimmery White Cardstock work nicely with these wet procedures. And don’t rule out Glimmer Paper for extra sparkle.
*The spritzer bottle is easy to clean, just wash with soapy water and rinse. Don’t forget to clean the inner tube and spritzer mechanism too.
Set Up For Spritzing Success
Spritzing can be done with or without a mask. Just like in my previous Decorative Mask post using Embossing Paste, I highly recommend securing your paper and mask to avoid shifting mid-work while spritzing.
I took advantage of a Tombow Removable Adhesive Tape Runner, and secured my cardstock to my graph paper. This kind of tape runner allows temporary holds, and is easily removed without tearing or residue. In fact, when I rub my finger across the removable adhesive, it crumbles away like pencil erasing. Only a very small amount is needed here.
Next, I secured the Basic Pattern Decorative Mask Victorian design in the exact position I wanted it to be. This time I used Painters Tape to hold the mask down. I made sure I did not cover my cardstock with the tape.
Time to spritz! I applied an even coverage over the entire Decorative Mask. The alcohol scent can be strong, and liquid that does not hit the paper will remain on top of the mask. I absorbed the extra fluid by blotting with a paper towel.
By taping down one side of the mask only, I was able to lift the mask once it was dried off, to view my handi-work. I decided to spritz some more in certain areas, and placed the mask back in its original position to do so.
My paper dried quite quickly, and it did not need to be flattened before use.
Just Saying Hello
The light purple of my spritzed masked cardstock needed a strong coordinating hue to back it up, so I chose a Blackberry Bliss card base. To go with the soft pastel-color focal background, I added in Soft Sea Foam green, too.
I trimmed a small piece off of my spritzed paper, and set it aside for another project.
I was looking for a generic, large sentiment for this card, along with a basic die cut. So, I pulled out the stamp set, Tasteful Touches (item #152562) and inked “just saying hello” in Blackberry Bliss.
Next, I die cut the sentiment using one of my new favorites, the Tasteful Labels Dies (item #152886).
Victorian Flowers
The Many Layered Blossoms Dies (item #153582) provide two large open flower die cuts, which can be used individually or combined. I wanted a lot of my spritzed masked background to show, so I chose the thinner outline of the dies to use.
I die cut the flowers in Purple Posy CS, so they would not compete with my light purple background.
I love to add some greenery to my flower cards, but the Many Layered Blossoms Dies do not provide any leaves. Instead, I took small scraps of Soft Sea Foam CS and die cut just the leafy outer areas of the bolder die image.
Stampin’ Up! brought in a new version of Adhesive Sheets (item #152334), and I was so happy to use them on the smaller die cut flowers. This double sided sticky paper works wonders where glue or tape are impossible. Simply remove adhesive on one side, attach to cardstock, die cut, and you have an “instant sticker”.
Award Winning Ribbon
All this ribbon and not one is in the color I am looking for today. But, I have a super simple solution to make white ribbon the right ribbon!
Did you know that you could color white ribbon with any color of Stampin’ Blends and create the shade you want? My favorite ribbon to do this with is the 1/4″ Crinkled Seam Binding Ribbon (item #151326).
I chose the light Soft Sea Foam Stampin’ Blend, which was the color of ribbon I was looking for. I placed the ribbon on my Silicone Craft Sheet (item #127853, also great for use with glue and tape) and used the broad tip brush to swipe color along the ribbon. The ribbon soaks up the color and dries quickly.
A Little Hello
Remember that small piece of spritzed masked cardstock I cut away for another project? It was perfect for a mini card.
Mini’s are easy to make: cut a piece of cardstock 3 x 6″ and score at 3″ for a 3 x 3″ card. The mini cards fit the 3 x 3″ Envelopes (item #145829) for big impact.
As you can see, spritzing with the Basic Pattern Decorative Masks is easy and versatile, and another great way to incorporate masks into your projects. If you need any of the supplies I used in my cards today, head over to my online store, https://juliemakson.stampinup.net.
There are lots of options and uses left to explore with Decorative Masks, and I will continue to cover them in my ongoing mini series. Be sure to check back in, to see what I come up with next!