2017 Topic #2: Masks {Challenge}

 2017 Topic 2: Masks

Hi everyone, Darcy here with topic number 2. This time we are exploring masking techniques. We have touched on these previously when we did 'resists'. However there are differences, a resist can be left in place, these can include paint and embossing powders amongst other things. Masks on the other hand are a temporary step in the process and are always removed. Basically a mask is used to protect an area, this area can be left totally blank or the mask can be moved around and layers built up. 

There are several techniques and things that can be used as a mask, and each creates different effects. Our designers over the next two weeks have some really lovely ideas for you. 

Before we start, let's see who won the Topic 1: Pink and Orange Challenge...

We had an amazing array of entries, from zingy brights to more subtle blended pieces. I think you will agree this was a winning combination of colours, whether it was your first time or an old favourite. 

The winner of Pink and Orange is: Mark from Mark's Art Book

Email Darcy to claim your prize. Darcydotneedles@gmail.com

Masks have been around much longer than you might at first think. How about going back to ancient aboriginal tribes? yes really that far back. it is crazy to think that some thing we use so creatively was being used thousands of years ago.Ochre,water and animal fat were put into the mouth and then the mixture was blown and sprayed from the mouth over their hand which became a mask. the result was a halo of colour around the hand shape. 

These were not a decorative mark but one of hierarchy. The higher on the wall the print is the higher the position within the tribe. The more an important a person was the more of the wrist arm was used aswell as the hand. 

Red Hands Cave

Next came pottery, masks were used under layers of glazes. This is an age old technique that is still used today. 

Rachel Dorn

Today of course we can still use our hands, why not try that by mixing up some Fresco paint into a spray bottle with water... please do not put paint in your mouth!

But there are other methods, from found objects, to various types of paper and tapes right through to specifically designed paper and mylar masks. 

Of course the easiest thing to use is paper, you can just grab a piece and use the straight edge to mask off an area, or you could tear it apart, perhaps into raggedy strips. These strips are especially effective for creating hillsides. 

Eileen Godwin

If hills aren't your thing then torn paper can provide a really interesting edge, just hold in place and add your ink or paint. Be very careful to not push your colour under the paper. 

Susan 

Another really popular paper to use is a post-it note. The added advantage of these is the sticky strip at the back which will adhere to your project while you add colour. In this next card the post -it notes were torn and arranged into squares. 

Birgit

This quick video shows how to stamp onto a post-it note and use the cut out image as a mask. 

You can also use punched out shapes and stickers as masks. Stickers are great as they will stay in place while you add colour, be careful as you remove them as they may tear up your background paper. You could remove some of their stickiness before using them. 

Patsy Collins

Next on the list of things to try is masking tape. It can sometimes be very sticky, and tear your background paper, you can remedy this by removing some of the sticky. You can also buy artists tape which is less sticky but much more expensive. 

You can rip the masking tape for interesting ragged edges or use it as it is for nice clean lines. Depending on how careful you are applying your colour, you can get crisp lines or allow some colour to seep under for a softer look. 

Jessica Taylor

Here is a great way to use masking tape, see how it has just been used in the main centre section of the page and all the decoration is around the edge, leaving a generous area of journalling. 

Sharna

Here is another fantastic journal page done with masking tape and doodles. 

Mumly

A really effective mask can be made from an aperture care, the ones with a circle aperture are the most useful, but you could cut a circle from card yourself. At first this may appear to be a stencil, and of course it is in the sense you are adding colour inside the shape. But remember you are also masking off the rest of the card and protecting it. 

First up is a video with a really nifty technique for creating a really effective circle. 

This card begins by adding colour in this way, through a circle, while protecting the rest of the card. 

The next step is to use the circle that you have cut out, and use that as a mask, now you can work on the rest of the card. 

The final card is stunning, and shows beautiful blending. These steps are by Kerin, pop over and see the rest of the tutorial. 

Here is another fantastic piece where you can see the circle of white has been protected by a mask. 

Robert Foster 

Here is another video for you, this time from Heidi Swapp, working on a gorgeous scrapbook layout, personally this is one I am definitely going to try. There are so many amazing collage type stamps from PaperArtsy that would be perfect for this technique. 

Masking fluid has been around a long time too, and it used by waterolour artists all the time. This is a fluid that is painted onto the paper and left to dry, then the watercolour paint is added and this too allowed to dry. At the end of the process the masking fluid can be gently peeled off leaving crisp white substrate below. This is a handy technique for keeping highlights really bright, for adding droplets and sparkles etc. 

Masking fluid is generally a creamy colour, but you can also get a blue one which is much easier to see. Though if you are concerned about marking the substrate beneath then there is a clear version too. 

Sian

I love this watercolour/masking fluid spiders web. 

Finally there are mylar masks, you all know about mylar, it is the same stuff that stencils are made from, and it comes in various thicknesses. Too thin and it is very flimsy and not durable, too thick and the colour or texture paste that you add into the design goes on too thick. PaperArtsy mylar is a mid range thickness and we think that it really is good for all sorts of applications. Keep your eyes peeled for some gorgeous new additions to the PaperArtsy collections soon!

It is easy to confuse stencils and masks, and they are interchangeable. Generally a stencil will give you the shape and a mask will add details, but this is not always the case and it can be reversed. Both are lots of fun and you just need to play with them and make them work for you. 

A perfect example of using stencils and masks together is this piece by Seth Apter his stencils and masks are interchangeable and all work brilliantly together. You can buy this particular mask HERE. 

I hope you have fun making and using masks over the next two weeks, don't forget our guests have lots of ideas for you so make sure to pop back here on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Weekends to see what they have for you. 

Don't forget to follow Darcy and Leandra's Pinterest boards if this topic pushes your buttons, you will see plenty more examples to whet your appetite there! I am really looking forward to seeing what you create over the next 2 weeks!

~ Darcy

We hope that you  learn something interesting from our blog. Our bloggers deeply appreciate your comments so much, so please take time to let them know you've been inspired! Why not join our challenge by blogging your interpretation of the current topic and link it here?

The current topic link will close 17:00 (London Time) Sunday, Feb 26th 2016, and the winner will be announced 2 hours later at 19:00.

All links go in the draw to win a £50 voucher to spend on products of your choice from the PaperArtsy online store.

Challenge Guidelines

• The challenge is a for you to show how you are inspired by the current blog topic. We encourage you to play with us and explore your personal creative style.
• Please mention which PA blog post inspired you and and why (link directly to that post). Please don't link to the home page of your blog because then no-one can track back to easily find the original post.
• We prefer your challenge blog post is created exclusive to our challenge, but if our topic fits perfectly with another challenge, then you may link to both if appropriate.
• You are most welcome to use stamps/ products/ substrates you have to hand from a variety of companies, we do not expect you to exclusively use PA products - it's lovely when you do though!
• You can enter as many times as you like. We don't want to restrict your creativity! 

NB. Link closes at 17:00 Sunday Feb 26th   (London Time)

Prize: The winner will receive a £50 credit voucher to be redeemed on the PaperArtsy Website. The credit voucher includes VAT and postage. We request that one of your purchases is an A5 rubber stamp. You can add any other items to your basket, but the final total should not exceed £50. It's your responsibility to claim your prize coupon from Darcy. 

email: darcydotneedles@gmail.com

NEW Challenge/ winner: Each fortnight on Sunday, the winner will be announced at 19:00 (London time). In the same post, the link for the next fortnight will be posted. 

Good Luck! If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask!