Altenew Academy Level 2 Course: Masking Unleashed

Hello Crafty Friends!  Today I'm sharing a card created for the Altenew Academy Level 2 Course:  Masking Unleashed.  This course focuses on Masking tips, tricks and techniques for creating interest in your cardmaking. 

For my card, I've used the Altenew "Indoor Garden" Stamp Set to create a Friendship Card.  I like to have a nice variety of card themes in my stash and friendship cards are ones I send often.

1. To start my design, I've created a background panel that looks like it's been stenciled but the leaf design has been created using masks.  I die cut several leaf masks using a die from the Altenew "Poppy Arrangement" Die Set.  I also die cut an Oval from the masking paper as well.
2. I arranged the leaf masks in a random pattern and layered the oval mask over the leaves making certain all the masks were adhered very well.
3. I ink blended over the masked panel using a light pink and used a darker shade along the edges.  
4. I set the panel aside to dry; I wanted the ink to dry completely before removing the masks.
5. Once the panel was dry, the masks were removed to revealed the "faux" stenciled background.  I stamped the succulent images and basket directly to the panel using varying shades of blue and green inks.  
6. The sentiment, from the Altenew Paint-A-Flower Himalayan Poppy Stamp Set, was stamped directly to the panel.  
7. Before adhering the inked panel to the black mat, I wrapped Altenew's Enchanted Gold Metallic Thread  around the card to give the potted plant a "landing" spot so the image wouldn't appear to be  floating in air.  
8. Lastly, all were adhered to a 110 lb. cardbase and black gems were added for additional interest.

This was an enjoyable class and the best bit was using die cut masks to create a faux stenciled look.  Why didn't I think of this technique?  Thanks to the course, I'll use masks more often.  

This completes my class project and also completes all of the coursework in Level 2.  I now await my Level 2 Final Assigment.  I'll be back soon with the projects for that!

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Crafty Catz

Outlawz Festive Friday

Your Next Stamp

C.R.A.F.T

Krafty Chicks

As You Like It - I like to add color by ink blending but my fav way is with alcohol markers

Aud Sentiments

Through the Purple Haze

SSS Wed. Challenge

Penny's Challenges

Creative Inspirations