Layering Masks and Ink Blending

Layering masks are a great tool for quick colouring of stamped images. As the name suggests, they layer colour in different areas to add depth to the stamped image. You don’t need to decide where you want to add shadows on your image as the masks does this for you.

Tools you will need are the stamp set, layering masks, ink, blending brushes or a tool to apply the ink, and low tack tape. I have used the Layers of Beauty bundle for today’s example project.

Step 1:

Stamp your image.

Step 2:

Using some low tack tape, secure your stamped image to grid or scrap paper.

Step 3:

You will see on your layering masks that they are numbered. Take the first one and align it over the stamped image. Usually this will be the broadest, most open part of the colouring and gaps in the mask will sit over a whole image e.g. a whole flower or leaf. Once you have the mask lined up over the stamped image, secure it with low tack tape, making sure to cover any edges where the stamped image card stock sticks out from the mask. This is so you don’t accidentally add colour off the mask and onto the background of your stamped image.

Step 4:

Mark your notch on the grid or scrap paper. You can do this either by colouring with your blending brush (which I have done in the pictures here) or drawing along the notch edge with a pen.

Step 5:

Using your blending brush, apply a very light layer of ink over the gaps in the mask, colouring the image. Once you are happy with the ink layer, gently lift the mask off the stamped image. Do not move or remove the stamped image, leave it taped to the grid paper. I would recommend cleaning your mask straight away, just because the ink will sit on top of the plastic and you don’t want to accidentally transfer it to your project. Too easy to get inky fingers or put another mask on top and forget, then put it on paper, oh no, now you have ink in the wrong place!

Step 6:

Take your next layering mask and align it over the stamped image. Line up the notch in the mask to the notch drawn on your grid paper, also check if there are any easy to spot elements to line up on the mask as a secondary check. For example, the small flower centres are a great way to check that you have lined up the notch correctly. Using low tack tape, secure your mask in place.

Step 7:

Using your blending brush, apply a darker layer of ink over the gaps. This can either be a second layer of the same colour or a darker ink colour. On my example here, I have used Poppy Parade ink for both the first and second layers. It is amazing the difference in colour you get adding layers of the same colour. Once you are happy with the ink layer, gently lift the mask off the stamped image. Clean your mask and put it aside.

Repeat Steps 6 and 7 until you have inked over all of your layering masks.

On this example, I used Cherry Cobbler ink for the third and darkest layer. I initially used Real Red but did not feel there was enough variation between the colour layers, so chose a darker ink. Experiment with colours and layers of colours to get a blend of three layers that you like.

I used two layers of Garden Green ink for the leaves on this example.

When you have finished inking and removed the last mask, you can remove your stamped and inked image from the grid paper.

Enjoy how pretty your coloured image looks. It is now ready to be turned into a card.