Hello
Today, I will be showing you how quick and easy it is to use stamps with layering masks to make a stunning birthday card. I used the gorgeous Layers of Beauty Stamp Set (163514) and co-ordinating Layers of Beauty Decorative Masks (163517) from the new Stampin’ Up! annual catalogue. The sentiment is from the Sweetly Scripted stamp set (163600). We made the first sample in my May card classes, and kept it simple to show off the gorgeous large floral image.
Of course, the stamped image can be coloured in many ways, but as there are five co-ordinating layering masks, I couldn’t resist using them with some of my favourite colours: fresh freesia, gorgeous grape and garden green. It was so fun watching my ladies use the masks to add colour and depth to the image. It will make you feel like an artist! Colour combinations are running around my head. What would be your go to colours?
Now you can purchase these items separately, but if you buy them as a bundle (163519) you can get a 10% discount (at the time of writing this post). For these birthday cards, I decided to keep it simple and just use the stamps and masks.
Layering Masks
We started by stamping the large floral image in memento and used the masks to add colour with blending brushes. To make it easy for everyone, I used my stamping platform so it was easy to pop the masks and card right into the corner to make sure they stayed in place. The masks are numbered, so it is easy to use them, one at a time, to add ink to the image. By using the same tones you naturally build up shadows and depth to the image.
Adding a technique to create a wow factor
An easy way to step up a simple birthday card like this, is to do some heat embossing, which is still one of my favourite techniques. I just love the way the powder melts when you heat it with the heat tool. It’s like magic, and for me, it really helps elevate a project by creating a wow factor. The purples look great with silver embossing, but I wanted to use different colours so I chose yellow roses and gold embossing with granny apple green for the leaves. I hope you agree that it is a winning combination.
Does size matter?
Both of these birthday cards are slightly larger than my usual A6 card (10.5 cm x 14.8 cm or 4.1″ x 5.8″), at 5″ x 7″ (12.5 x 17.5cm) when closed. I do think it’s nice to make a bigger card for a special occasion. The stamped layer is 4 ½” x 6 ½” (11.5 x 16.5cm) and the colour layer is 4 ⅝” x 6 ⅝” (11.8 x 16.8cm).
Do you have a favourite? I love both and can’t wait use more Stampin’ Up! colours to make more. Click below to see me make the yellow version.
To buy any of these products simply click the photos below to go to my Stampin’ Up! online shop. If you live in the UK and don’t have a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator please get in touch as I would love to help you discover the amazing products we have on offer. And, of course, if you would like more information about shopping with me click this link.
That’s all from me today, as always, thanks for stopping by and remember to keep it crafty.
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