2017 #2 Let your Imagination Fly {by Ingrid Vichova}

2017 Topic 2: Masks

Are you ready for a bright and cheerful post? Something to whisk us away with the fairies into crafty heaven? Well Ingrid has certainly cheered me up no end with this delight! I really think she needs to frame these 2 pages and pop them on the wall, they look so fabulous! I'm going to be visualising you all grunging, painting, and layering with gay abandon tonight!

Hi everyone! Ingrid here.

Great to be here on the PA blog tonight. I've chosen to share with you my art journaling process using the fabulous mask by The Crafter's Workshop and a few PaperArtsy products. I can safely say that this is a match made in heaven!

A big part of being a Card Designer for magazines is to follow directions... colour schemes, supplies, card orientation and more, so art journaling for me is a way of relaxing. This is when I can completely let go and let my imagination fly freely. If you are familiar with my work, you will know that I love creating textures, playing with colours and my journal page today is exactly about this.

It's about playing and enjoying the process itself rather than concentrating on the final result. I truly hope that today's post will inspire you to not be afraid to just play without any pressure on yourself. Where do you start? Read on to find out what I did...

I don't tend to overthink it when it comes to journaling. I have a good rummage through my half finished items or embellishments and usually get inspired by what I find. 

It's amazing what one can find!!!! In this case I fell in love with the colours on the Prima flowers I coloured some time ago. I'll write another post on how to make them, so easy and fun! 

I continue to journal in my good old handmade file journal I made some time ago. The pages are sturdy and can take a lot! Which is great, because I really like to LET GO! :) A few layers of white gesso, old curtain, cheese cloth, book pages of a rubbish brain rot book I refused to read... and there... I satisfied my need for a textured background! 

Using this beauty with the PaperArtsy Grunge paste was a real treat. I think I need to buy some more paste though as I am in a danger one of running out of the paste!!! I use it a lot.. I love the grungy texture it provides me with and the way it takes colours.

I added some stamping with the journaling stamps by Sara Naumann - ESN03.  

A simple combination of the Stampendous Embossing Shabby White powder with some Potting Soil Archival ink on a chipboard embellishment was my next choice. This is when I start thinking about what direction I would like this to go to, but not necessarily know where exactly I'm going with it. 

I think die cuts are a perfect way to add dimension to any project. They need to coordinate with my other bits and bobs though and so I reached out for the gorgeous Fresco Paint in Gold and oh my!!! I got butterflies when I saw how beautiful they turned out! The colour of gold is to true it's amazing...Look! 

Now that I stopped oooh-ing and aaah-ing over the gorgeous golden die cuts, I proceeded to add colour to my background. I chose similar colours to the ones on the flowers. Why? I don't know, maybe I like things matchy-matchy :) PaperArtsy make my life so easy by creating such a wonderful range of colours. It was super-easy to find similar colours... I used Mermaid, Zesty Zing, Teresa Green, Coral and Blush. If you haven't tried this combo, you must! 

What would be the point of creating all this fab texture, if you can't see it as much. To make it pop out, I took some Snowflake Fresco Paint and dry brushed over the raised areas here and there. Yum! 

The next step is something you can completely omit in order to save yourself swearing like a farmer and making an almighty mess. That, my dears, is the Glass Glitter by Stampendous that ended up all over me! But it was all worth in the end and after I hot-glued my embellishments, I ended up with this...

In between the textures, colours and adding sparkly things to jazz it up, I can say I thoroughly enjoyed the process.

I used colours that worked well together, I think, and most importantly they made me happy and I hope the look at the pics will somehow uplift your mood too! :) It always is a pleasure working the Fresco Paints. 

It was my friend Donna Gray who introduced me to them and I never looked back. We all make crafty friends on our journey and discover new supplies, new technique and inspire each other.

The PaperArtsy blog and Leandra together with the team do a fabulous job bringing the community of artists and crafters together in the mot beautiful way and I am grateful to be able to share my work here with you today!

Thank you and all the best,

Ingrid x

Blog - https://ingridscraftscorner.blogspot.co.uk/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ingridscraftscorner
Twitter - https://twitter.com/IngridKristinaV
Instgram - https://www.instagram.com/ingridkristinav/
Pinterest - https://uk.pinterest.com/ingridkristinav/ 

Ohh Ingrid, what a riot of colour, and gorgeous layers!! THis looked like so much fun, even if you did wear some glass glitter along the way!! Goes with the territory though! Haha! Thanks for sharing this with us, very cheerful and makes me think of the warm summer to come! ~ Leandra

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, 26th February 2017, (note you have 3 weeks for this challenge) 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.

2017 #2 I just wanted to say... {by Gabrielle Price}

 2017 Topic 2: Masks

Masks are used to cover things up. And in crafting terms, this can be a bit of a 'thing' to get your head around, as you can use the technique to layer in very clever ways. Gabrielle has one such technique to share tonight - time to dog out the post-it notes!

Hi everyone Gabrielle from Crafty Thoughts here.

Great to be here on the PA blog tonight. I've chosen to share with you masking using post-it notes.

I chose to use post-it notes party because I'm a little stationery obsessed so I always have a lot to hand! Also because they can be really adaptable and I've tried to incorporate two ideas here. My finished item is a page in my black journal but it's really easily adapted for any project!

To make the background I used several brayered layers of paint, Snowflake then Pewter and White Fire. If you leave some of the black peeking through this give a really grungy textured finish that I really love. This is my new favourite start to backgrounds!

I used my mask in two ways; firstly by stamping the frame on the page and then on a post-it note and secondly by tearing up some post-it notes to add highlights. The Matte Glaze and the Black Knight Infusions on the top of the page will finish the grungy look. I really like the anticipation of spreading the Infusions on the page. The effects are always so rewarding!

This is what the page looked like when the post-it notes were removed. Look at all that lovely texture!

I wanted to add lots of stamped images to the background  and so repositioned the frame mask and stamped the background flowers. If you've never done this before it makes the stamping look as if it's behind whatever's being protected by the mask. An easy but hugely satisfying and effective trick!

Then the really fun bit! Painting with Infusions! I put a tiny sprinkle on my craft sheet, added a drop or two of water and painted in the flowers. For the bottom border I used water to remove some of the infusions from the petal shapes and added A Bit Jaded to the outside. I had a little left and so gave the outside of the frame a wash of colour which looks fabulous against the under metallic colours.

I hope you'll have a go at my super simple mask idea. Next time I'd even more torn pieces because I love those lightning shaped highlights! I have only really tried adding Black Knight Infusions to this metallic background so my next experiment is to try other colours - I'd love to see what colour combinations you might try! 

Gabrielle x
Blog: Crafty Thoughts
Facebook page: Crafty Thoughts
Twitter: @freyatom
Instagram: _freyatom_
Pinterest: gabrielleprice

I imagine in real life this must look so metallic, it's such a hard thing to capture on camera how the metallic paints really look! The infusions falling into the texture looks amazing, and gives such awesome depth! I would never have thought to mask the patterns too! Inspired!! ~ Leandra

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, 26th February 2017, (note you have 3 weeks for this challenge) 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.

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!

Thanks for stopping by!

Anneke

My blog

http://somefiddlingonthekitchentable.blogspot.be

Pinterest
https://www.pinterest.com/anneke1/

Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/somefiddlingonthekitchentable/

Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/anneke.declerck

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!

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, 26th February 2017, (note you have 3 weeks for this challenge) 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.

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!