Yesterday’s project was a bookmark created with the help of a custom mask cut from a Post-It Note®. Today I decided to use a pre-made mask to create a very striking design with black ink on white card. Sadly Stampin’ Up! is retiring the Basic Pattern Decorative Masks, along with the embellishments and punch used today. However this weeks TGIF Challenge gave me the excuse to use them one last time. The result is this gender neutral thank you card that’s perfect for when someone really goes above and beyond.

DECORATIVE MASKS

This project really is all about the background and I began by choosing one of the four different masks in the Basic Decorative Pattern Masks pack. I love the movement of this pattern and decided to keep it simple with a black and white colour scheme.

I started by cutting two pieces of Basic White Card; one 2-1/4″ x 5-1/2″ and the other 3/4″ x 5-1/4″. After placing each piece under the mask I used a little sellotape to help hold it in place. Then I took a Blending Brush and Tuxedo Black ink pad and began to add colour through the mask to the card below. Using a circular motion I began at the top edge and gradually worked my way down each piece, As I was working I decided to give the pattern some subtle graduation so the colour is lighter at the bottom than at the top.

Once the two card pieces were done I washed the ink off the mask under running water and dried it on a towel. Then I placed the mask over the flap of a Basic White Medium Envelope and decorated that in the same way.

TIP – When stamping or using masks on the flap of an envelope I put the envelope face down on some scrap paper. Then I put more scrap paper over the back of the envelope, then fold the flap over the paper so the flap is the only thing showing. Then I can work without worrying about where else the ink is going.

Now the envelope was done, I was ready to start assembling the card.

BLACK, WHITE AND SILVER

I began by using my Paper Trimmer to cut and score some Basic Black Card. Then I folded it along the scored line and sharpened the crease with a Bone Folder to create the card base.

Next I cut a 4″ x 5-1/4″ piece of Basic White Card. Using Multipurpose Liquid Glue (Tombow) I attached the 3/4″ strip of decorated card down the right-hand edge. Then I glued the assembled layers inside the card base.

For my mat layer I cut a 2-1/2″ x 5-1/2″ piece of the brightest sheet from the Silver Foil 12″ x 12″ Specialty Pack. Then using liquid glue again I mounted the larger decorated piece on top before adding it to the card front.

For the sentiment I wanted something quite large and found this “thank you” in the Artfully Layered Stamp Set. First, using VersaMark ink I stamped the sentiment onto some Basic Black Card. Then I sprinkled the sticky ink with white embossing powder from the Basics Stampin’ Emboss Powders pack. After tapping off the excess I removed a few stray specks, before melting the rest using my Heat Tool set on 2 (high).

All I had left to do was punch out the embossed sentiment using the retiring Everyday Label Punch, and add it to the card with Stampin’ Dimensionals. Then with a few silver circle embellishments from the retiring Silver & Clear Epoxy Essentials scattered on the front, my card was complete.

I love the bold look of this card and am excited to try out the new masks from the 2022/2023 Annual Catalogue. What do you think?

MASKS CHALLENGE

Having been inspired by this week’s TGIF challenge: TGIFC364 I’ve uploaded it to their challenge page. I’m excited to see other projects entered for this one and will be sure to check out the gallery later in the week.

PRODUCT LISTS

RETIRING PRODUCTS – only available while stocks last. Both the punch and embellishments are on sale at 20% off, while the masks are 40% off.

CONTINUING PRODUCTS

BUNDLE BONUS – I ordered the Artfully Layered Stamp Set in a bundle with the coordinating Tropical Layers Dies. This meant I saved 10% off the cost of buying the two items separately. I’ve included a link to the bundle in case you want to explore that option.