Positive & Negative Die-cut Masks
This tutorial shows you how to use negative and positive die-cuts from masking sheets to create beautiful masks for blending
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For this technique I will show you how to use your dies to create masks to use on your cards. The trick to achieving a crisp and precise result with this masking technique is to use a masking sheet to die-cut the masks. Masking sheets are thin sheets with a low-tack, removable adhesive on one side. You can use any die to create a detailed mask by die-cutting the sheet and applying the die-cut to white card. You can then add colour to the card and the masked area will remain uncoloured.
For these projects I have added colour by stamping or blending Distress inks over the card and mask. You could use other products such as ink sprays or chalks but I would advise keeping the card and mask as dry as possible to prevent the mask lifting up. The masking works well when you concentrate the darker colours over the mask. When the mask is removed you have a good contrast of colours.
To add the look of texture and depth to the cards you can add masks between different colours of ink such as the snowflakes in the Happy Christmas card. Another technique to try is faux bleaching – splatter a little water over the ink colours and blot off with a paper towel to remove some colour. This appears to add another layer to the colour. To use the negative mask such as the daisy, apply the ink colours with a small sponge to allow you to colour different areas easier.
Cut a white 14cm square and die-cut the word ‘Happy’ from the masking sheet. Remove the backing sheet and adhere to the card piece. Die-cut four different snowflakes from the masking sheet and secure these onto the square.
Use a blending tool and foam to apply Cracked Pistachio ink over the whole square as shown.
Die-cut more snowflakes from the masking sheet and affix to the inked areas of the card piece.
Blend Evergreen Bough ink onto the card, using the darker ink mostly over the word and a few areas over the snowflakes.
Remove all of the snowflake masks and sprinkle droplets of water over the card. Leave for a few seconds then blot the water with a piece of kitchen paper to remove the ink colour.
Remove the mask and matt the inked panel onto black cardstock. Die-cut the word ‘Christmas’ in black and attach as shown. Add gems to finish.
You will need
- White 13x18cm card blank
- Smooth white cardstock
- Black cardstock
- Stix2 A4 masking sheet
- Small butterfly die
- Evergreen Bough, Squeezed Lemonade & Festive Berries Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Ink
- Blending tool
- Blending foam
- Onyx Black VersaFine inkpad
- Gems
- 3D foam pads
- Woodware Just to Say stamps
You will need
- White 10.5x14.5cm card blank
- Smooth white cardstock
- Yellow & red cardstock
- Stix2 A4 masking sheet
- Cracked Pistachio, Pine Needles, Squeezed Lemonade & Festive Berries Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Ink
- Blending sponges
- 3D foam pads
- Joanna Sheen Large Daisy Signature die
You will need
- White 14.8cm-square card blank
- Smooth white cardstock
- Black cardstock
- Lemon Tonic, Chinese Red & Green Topaz Spectrum Noir Harmony Pigment inkpads
- Gems
- Stix2 A4 Masking Sheet
- Crafter’s Companion Floral Arrangements stamp set
- Crafter’s Companion Everyday Sentimentals 1 die set
- Crafter’s Companion Gemini Torn Edge Heart die set
You will need
- White 10.5x15cm card blank
- Smooth white cardstock
- Black cardstock
- Stix2 A4 Masking Sheet
- Squeezed Lemonade & Festive Berries Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Ink
- Blending tool
- Blending foam
- Gems
- 3D foam pads
- Creative Dies Focal Words die set
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