The technique for Mask-erade today is using clear embossing powder as a mask. I generally call this "emboss resist" but six of one, half dozen of the other.
I followed Lauren's video this time and created a background on a tag. The background squiggle stamp is actually a candle from a retired CTMH set called "Candlelight." I used a manila tag and stamped with Honey, Sunset, Smoothie, and Cranberry. Once I had the background done, I did smart thing number one: I stamped the balloon strings before the balloons. Those stamps are from CTMH Artiste's Cricut collection. The balloon actually has polka dots on it. Since I wanted a smooth image, I turned the stamp over and used the back side. (And I'm not even counting that as smart thing number two!)
Once my balloons were embossed, I started sponging over top with several layers of ink. I started with Tim Holtz's Wild Honey Distress ink. It's the only distress ink I own. If I lay it down first, I can still get some of the water reaction even with regular dye inks layered over top. I used all of the background ink colors, starting with the lightest. I could have gone straight to the Smoothie and Cranberry, but I didn't know how much coverage I'd need before my balloons stood out well. After spritzing and letting it dry, I added Barn Red ink around the edges.
While the tag dried, I did smart thing number two: I washed my hands before cutting the card base. You have no idea how many times I've not done this and smeared my cardstock. Smart thing number three happened when I brought my crisp, white card base over to where I'd done my sponging on the tag. I turned my scratch paper over so none of the ink would transfer to the back of the card. Again, this doesn't happen often. Most of the time I end up cutting down my card front into a panel and mounting it over a new card base.
The sentiment comes from another CTMH set called "It's Your Day." I laid my tag on the card, stamped "BIRTHDAY!" over both layers lining up the space between the "R" and the "T" so I wouldn't have a gap. The tag was then popped up on a single layer of foam mounting tape. "happy" was black embossed on scratch paper, cut, and attached with a double layer of foam mounting tape after the waxy flax was strung and knotted.
BTW, did you know that wax-coated thread is sold in the jewelry-making isle at Hobby Lobby? I didn't. I found it while wandering the isles to say good-bye to HL. (There isn't one in Alaska. **Sigh**)
Well, folks, it's just about time to pack up the craft room. I spent today taking pictures and doing inventory. I've not done it for any other move. There's just something about an "overseas" move that makes me more nervous than normal.
I'm not sure when I'll be back to post something here. I hope you'll join me over at my author page, though, as I'll be posting pictures from our big road trip.
Until next time,
Becca
Cute card! Love the colors. Good luck with your move.
ReplyDeleteCool card!
ReplyDeleteGreat colors on your tag.
ReplyDeleteGreat card!
ReplyDelete