Monday 6 February 2017

2017 #2 Sneaky Mask {by Anneke de Clerck}

 2017 Topic 2: Masks



Not only does Anneke share a great masking technique, but as ever, she creates contrasting layers with thoughtful simplicity and in doing so, highlights the perfect contrast of colour and shape.

Hi everyone Anneke here.

Great to be here on the PA blog tonight with a post about masks. I'm one of the lucky wingmen who already could work with the brand new (and not yet released!) masks designed by Kim Dellow. I'm allowed to give you a little sneak peek tonight, how cool is that!
I used one of the masks to create a background for a birthday card. Below I'll show you two ways of working with masks. As there will be a bunch of PaperArtsy masks available soon (stay tuned!) this little tutorial will come in handy, won't it :)



In my opinion, when creating a project the most important part is choosing the colors. PaperArtsy has a wide range of Fresco Finish Chalk Acrylics so making a choice between all those yummie colors is often hard. Usually I'm looking for 3 colors in different shades, supplemented with white. Limiting the colors ensures unity. For color inspiration I often flip through my own art journals. 


While experimenting with the following masking techniques I experienced that a grounded background worked best. So I applied a coat of Snowflake to start with. This layer took away the porousness of the paper. I could easily remove paint and it prevented the paper from damaging while rubbing with a baby wipe.


After randomly coloring the panel with Candy Floss I started with the regular masking technique. I applied Smoked Paprika through the Kim Dellow mask with a cosmetic sponge. I made 3 prints as I'm always doing odd prints.



Next I continued by the reverse masking technique. I applied Mermaid paint first, put the mask on top...


...and rubbed away the paint around and in the mask with a baby wipe.


To finish I repeated the regular masking technique using Snowflake paint. I alternated the position of the mask while progressing and I made sure to overlap the previous prints. 


I didn't want to cover this background entirely therefore I've chosen to work with a single flower as focal piece. The moment I saw the new ETS08 stamp set by Tracy Scott I was in love with that beautiful flower! I stamped it on a sheet of paper I painted with Pixie Dust first.


I decorated the petals of the flower with Flower Soft. Flower Soft was very popular around here a few years ago. It was often used to create landscapes on cards. I applied PVA glue to the petals with a brush and sprinkled the Flower Soft on top.

Tip: When working with embossing powders or things like Flower Soft or glitter I'm always using a stencil packaging to work on. This plastic works great to collect leftovers.


Look how tactile this flower became. Love the texture! 



I often mix and match different letters and texts on my cards. For the birthday wish I combined sticky alphabet letters and a word from the JOFY 26 set.



I'm very into 'use what you have' (and never use any more) lately. So that's why I preferred to work with Flower Soft. You could easily replace it by embossing powder, glitter, glass beads....Just go through your stash, I'm sure you'll find something that can add texture!

I love what you can accomplish with just one mask and some paint. I'm very fond of this kind of layering techniques. Sometimes it's a bit scary because you have to work in layers and sacrifice some of the beauty of the layer underneath but at the end it's worth it! The layers start to interact and provide a beautiful end result.

I hope I could inspire you to grab a mask and join the challenge. I can't wait to see what you come up with!

Wow, it is so good to see the steps of how you used Kim's new mask so well with different colours! It can be confusing when building up overlapping layers, and you have managed to merge and soften the layers perfectly! Thankyou, and how lucky to get a sneak peek of a new product too!



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23 comments:

Helen said...

Gorgeous soft colours Anneke, and great masking.

Kim Dellow said...

It's stunning Anneke! Thank you for using one of my new masks xx

Arty Beginnings said...

I agree wholeheartedly - it's so helpful for me as a novice to many techniques, if the tutorial is really simple with excellent pictures, plus it always helps if the end product is beautiful, as is always the case with Anneke's work - thank you. Rachel

Hazel Agnew said...

Some great ideas here Anneke. Needed a refresh on masking techniques, love the textural flowersoft idea and have never used 2 different fonts or styles for a greeting. Thanks for this, it's fab! Xx

Kaz Hall said...

A really lovely idea thanks for sharing x

Jane said...

How pretty, gorgeous colours and such lovely texture xx

Ruth said...

Love the masking techniques shown, yummy colours and fab fluffy flower..inspired! x

I Card Everyone said...

I have never heard of, or seen such a gorgeous product as Flower Fresh!!! all new, and very exciting to me - even if it's been around your world for a long time!
Wonderful card... fabulous colors....
=] Michele

Unknown said...

Fantastic project, great ideas. I must consider my colours better. Thank you.

Kirsten said...

A gorgeous card, I love the background.

Craftyfield said...

A great idea to use the neglected Flower Soft at the back of the crafting cupboard!

Julie Lee said...

This is so original and unusual! I never heard of Flower Soft. You've created something lovely with it! xx

rachel said...

wonderful colours and inspired use of flowersoft - I have loads of that stuff just sitting around! Thankyou! Hugs rachel x

Lucy Edmondson said...

Ooh i love those colours and the way you've used the mask anneke!

Lucy x

geezercrafter said...

Love the techniques you have used, fab creation.

Raquel Burillo said...

I love it Anneke! Specially the reversing mask technique!

Ellie Knol said...

LOVE your background stamping, and that flower is so clever!

Ellie Knol said...

I mean background stenciling of course..

Maye M.L said...

Awhhh, this card made me smile. It is absolutely gorgeous. Cheers!

craftimamma said...

So glad I came for another look at this beautiful card on the 'big' screen as I think my comment from my phone didn't go though.

I love the technique you used, one of my favourites and your colour combination is simply stunning! One gorgeous card altogether!

Hugs
Lesley Xx

Marci said...

Stunning! I love it.

Mac Mable said...

Great colour combination, love the masking techniques and those ever so cute flowers x

Unknown said...

It's a stunning work of art- I love the colors, stenciling, stamps and the idea with fluffy petals, wow!
Lemon Creation