November 9, 2008

  Hello,

I just returned from Virginia Beach where Stampin' Up! had a regional meeting.  I was a presenter of WOW cards.  I decided to demo masking.   Masking is when you want something to appear behind the front stamped image.  To make your mask, you will need vellum paper and clear contact paper.  Masks are also made out of post-it notes, printer paper or masking paper you can purchase at the office supply store.  I like vellum paper because it is so thin.  You can stamp your image(s) on the vellum and cover the image with clear contact paper on the front and the back.  Cut the image out on the inside of the image line so that when you stamp there is less chance of a halo or blank area around your image.  The clear contact paper allows you to clean your mask when finished and store in your box with your stamps.

To mask simply put some dotto (temporary glue) on the back of the mask and stick it on the image.  Stamp over the mask partially and remove the mask.  Now you have a image behind your first stamped image.  The box on the left is a example of masking.  I stamped the rose image with Stampin' Up! 2-step stamp, placed a rose mask over the rose and stamped the leaves.  When I removed the mask, the leaves were behind the rose.  It is very easy and so much fun to do.

The box is made with the Stampin' Up! exclusive die Top Note in Pink Pirouette card stock.  You will need to cut four top notes.  Adhere the sides to each other to form a box and then adhere the bottom together. Now that you have your box made, you will need to fill it with something.  I chose to use our scallop circle punch and a small flower from the rose set.  I used Peppermint Patties for the candy and adhered the scallop punched card stock to each side, added the rose which I put a rhinestone brad in the center for bling.  I made 3 for each box.  Enjoy.  I hope you love the box.  You can order supplies from me to make your box.  Simply email me the items that you need.  Thanks you for visiting with me today.  Martha