Happy Friday! Our TGIF Challenge this week is to use decorative masks. This is perfect, because it’s something I’ve been meaning to do for a long time, and this challenge prompted me to do something about it. I decided to pull out the beautiful Butterflies & Flowers Layering Decorative Masks from the JJ Mini Catalog and have some fun.
As a demonstrator, I have the awesome opportunity to purchase items from the new 2022-2023 Annual Catalog a month early so I can start playing with them and give you a little preview of good things to come. (This new catalog will go live on May 3, 2022.) The first thing on my list every year are the new In Colors, including the coordinating stamp pads, Stampin’ Blends Markers, Stampin’ Write Markers, and embellishments such as the 1/8″ Metallic Woven Ribbon on my card today. If you’re unfamiliar with In Colors, every year Stampin’ Up! introduces five trendy, new colors to it’s palette. They enhance the 48 core colors, coordinate beautifully with the previous year’s In Colors, and are only available for two years.
So with that said, here are the new 2022-2023 In Colors. I absolutely adore them! They are bright and beautiful and there are two blues!!!!
Starry Sky
Orchid Oasis
Tahitian Tide
Parakeet Party
Sweet Sorbet
I used three of the new 2022-2023 In Colors (Starry Sky, Orchid Oasis, and Tahitian Tide) on my card along with Fresh Freesia from the 2021-2023 In Colors and the decorative masks to create both the butterfly and background.
I created the butterfly in two steps. First, I used Blending Brushes to apply both Tahitian Tide and Fresh Freesia ink to Basic White Cardstock over the solid butterfly mask, and then I aligned the detailed butterfly mask over the first image and applied Orchid Oasis and Starry Sky ink.
Tips: I like to adhere my cardstock to my worksurface with a little washi tape rolled up underneath the layer. That way, it won’t move. I also use washi tape to adhere the mask to the work surface and cover any nearby areas on the mask that I might accidently hit with the Blending Brush. Also, I advise holding the Blending Brush by the handle (versus putting your thumb on the head.) This forces you to apply ink with a soft touch and it helps avoid brush marks. Also, remember that the ink stays on the mask, so start with the lightest color and graduate to darker colors. Lastly, clean your mask when finished with soap and water.
In the background, I discovered a cool technique purely by accident. I had been using Tahitian Tide ink and Blending Brushes to create a background that I ended up throwing away and didn’t thoroughly wipe off all the ink. Then, I used the mask to apply Embossing Paste. The Embossing Paste mixed with the leftover ink and gave it this subtle coloring! I LOVE it!!!
There’s more sneak peeks on this card. The label behind the butterfly is from the Fabulous Frames Dies. One die cuts both the frame and rectangle inset. After cutting it out of Orchid Oasis Cardstock, I used a Blending Brush to add Orchid Oasis ink to the center rectangle in an ombre pattern and then popped it up with Dimensionals.
The sentiment on this card is from a new stamp set called Happiness Abounds. I love the scripty font!
Hope you liked this preview of the beautiful new In Colors and a few of the products from the 2022-2023 Annual Catalog. Be sure to click over to the TGIF Challenges Blog and see all the designers’ projects featuring decorative masks. Then, create one of your own and join our challenge!
Have a wonderful and creative day.
Use Host Code 9ZEM4RAE for purchases at my online store to qualify to receive free exclusive project tutorials. This month’s PDF includes 12 fantastic tutorials designed by my demonstrator friends and I to inspire your creativity! The projects feature products from the 2024 Annual Catalog, Online Exclusives, and new January-April Mini and Sale-A-Bration Catalogs. Enjoy!
