Magically Masked - CTMH Technique Blog Hop

Welcome to this month's Technique Blog Hop where we are using Close To My Heart products in our featured artwork. The theme for the month is "Magically Masked" and participants are able to interpret that as they see fit. I can't wait to see what everyone has created; how about you?!

If you are coming from Maz Wood's Blog, you are on the right track. You can find a complete list of participants at the bottom of this blog, if you were to get lost along the way. Otherwise, keep following the links in each post and check out what we have to share with you!

To showcase the masking technique, I decided to share the card I made - CASEing the original artwork created by Close To My Heart (used in the first photo). It's a great example of masking and I have worked to share the process with you below. 

If you look closely at the flower bunch, you'll see that all of the stems are placed BEHIND the not. That's all done with stamping and the process called "masking". Masking allows you to make stamped images appear dimensional. Let me show you how I achieved this look!\

Because the knot was going to be the forefront of the bouquet, I stamped it first.

Then, I stamped it again, on a sticky note - so it was close to the top where I could benefit from the sticky part. I cut the image right on the lines, and placed the sticky note image directly on top of the stamped image. 

Because I wanted this flower and stem to be in front of those to the left and right of them, I stamped it next. With the rope being covered, the stem appears to be inside of or behind it. Cool, huh?

Next, I stamped the next stem of flowers to the right, without overlapping the other floral image. 

I had to create another "mask" for the first flower I stamped - just the upper part, as shown - so that the leaves and flowers from the stem to the left looked 3-D. You can see how I had both masks in place when I stamped both of the last two images to create the desired effect. 

And then...my bouquet was complete!

After I had stamped the floral images, I stamped the sentiment and colored the flowers in with ShinHan Markers.

"Many Congratulations" is the stamp set I used. 

This technique is fun for flowers, balloons, etc. - any time you want this look. Have you ever tried it? I would love to see what you create using this technique! It's totally fun and pretty simple!

Thank you so much for stopping by. Before heading to the next blog, consider leaving me a comment to let me know what you think of the technique or the card. I always love hearing from you! 

Now...go see what Michelle Loncar has to share with you! Wishing you a great upcoming week!

LIST OF PARTICIPANTS:

1. Melissa Robinson *YOU ARE HERE
2. Michelle Loncar
3. Debi McBain
4. Catherine Nowak
5. Haley Dyer
6. Darlys Recker
7. Wendy Kessler
8. Marciava Warrell
9. Sarah Devendorf
10. Maz Wood

Classic Summer Bash: May Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

It's May 1st and that means A LOT OF GREAT THINGS when it comes to Close To My Heart! Today is the day we release a NEW Seasonal Expressions 2 Idea Book, filled with wonderful new products and beautiful artwork, kicking off National Scrapbooking Month in a BIG WAY!

You can view a digital copy of it online and better yet, when you place an order, you will get a hard copy when your products arrive! You will definitely want one in your hands so you can make your wish list. There's no doubt you'll want plenty of new items! If you don't have a Consultant and would like one shipped to you, contact me directly and I am happy to mail you one.  

In fact, we also have an exclusive campaign called "Postcard Perfect" which includes a bundle full of fabulous product. 

I am thrilled you have stopped by my blog today where I and several other Consultants are highlighting this adorable stamp set, the May Stamp of the Month, "Classic Summer Bash". These 25 images are perfect for creating an invitation for a summer event or for other fun projects! You are bound to be inspired as you make away around this Blog Hop.

If you are coming from Michelle Stewart's Blog, you are on the right track. You can find a complete list of participants here.

Let's get started, shall we?!

I had fun creating this greeting card. As Close To My Heart Consultants we have access to some private groups where artwork is shared. Viewing what others create helped inspire me and I love what resulted.

It was fun making the papercrafted lemonade and I couldn't resist adding a Raspberry-colored straw. The jar was stamped in Pewter ink, onto a piece of patterned paper from the Adventure Fundamentals paper packet. It has an ombre' pattern in Lemon, perfect for my card.

To make the ice cubes look dimensional, I used the masking technique bystamping an ice cube on a sticky note. Then, I cut it out. By placing the image on top of a stamped image, I was able to stamp a cube again, without disrupting the previous image.

You might be wondering where I obtained the floral paper. It comes from our special kit for this month called "Postcard Perfect", perfect for celebrating National Scrapbooking Month! You can buy the paper packet by itself OR there is a bundle being offered that includes a coordinating stamp set AND a Cut Above Scrapbook Kit. Click here to view all of the related products.

This stamp set and paper are just one of the few items to be excited about this month. Be sure to peruse the contents of the online Idea Book and contact me, or your Consultant, if you have any questions.

To continue on the Blog Hop, please visit Melinda's Blog to view the artwork she has to share with you. We always appreciate you leaving a comment, so please consider doing so before you head her direction.

Wishing you a FABULOUS month full of Postcard Perfect Memories!