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Idea of the Month Reverse Masking Here is a great technique for adding color or patterns to your stamped images. Reverse masking allows you to add soft color to even large areas quickly, without the harsh lines often left by markers (though our Close To My Heart® markers are remarkably low-streak!). The stencils you make for this technique can be used over and over, so keep them in a file near your stamping area.
Step 1: Stamp your image. Stamp your image on your card or layout. For this lesson, we're using a snowman.
Step 2: Prepare your mask.
Stamp your image as many times as needed on a full sheet of paper (or use glossy cardstock for a more durable mask). How many times? Well, this depends on how many different colors and/or patterns you wish to use in the final image. In this example, the hat, the hat brim/scarf, and the carrot nose will all be colored and/or patterned differently, so I needed to stamp it at least 3 times. Do not stamp near the edge of the paper, or the sponging you will do later will go over the edge and ruin your project. Using an exacto knife and cutting mat, cut out the various areas in each of your images that will be colored/patterned the same way. For example, the carrot nose will be gold, and nothing else, so only the carrot nose has been cut out of one of the images. Be careful not to cut out the same section of your image more than once! How much to cut away: To avoid getting a "halo" when you sponge, you must take care to cut out enough of the image. For solid stamps or areas bordered by thin lines, cut along the outside edge of the image. For images bordered by thick lines, you can cut about half-way through the line.
Step 3: Sponge to add color!
Now the fun part! Just position your stencils in turn over your stamped image. Use a stamping sponge (or sponge stenciler) and ink pads to sponge on each color. You can easily see from my stencil above the colors I used for each section. The more you sponge, the darker it will get, but overall it is a soft, even look. You can also sponge more heavily in some areas to add shadows, or use sponge daubers for more control.
Step 4: How to add patterns! The ability to add patterns to your images is what makes this technique shine...I love doing this! After sponging, leave the mask in place and ink up a texture stamp in a coordinating or contrasting color. Stamp over the mask, and voila! Add plaids, polka dots, textures, etc. I love adding patterns to the clothes my little stamped-up kids are wearing. The possibilities are endless!
Additional Uses for Reverse Stencils: Sometimes a large, black area doesn't come out as dark or even as you'd like it, even if you are using a freshly-inked ink pad. My solution to this is to use a Reverse Stencil and a sponge to add extra color. My reverse stencil is on the left. The completed,. darkened Panda bear is on the right. I just placed the stencil over my Panda bear and sponged on black ink to darken him up! Notice the contrast between the bear's eye area and the rest of him... I did not sponge the eyes so you can really see the difference the sponging makes.
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