ICS Blog Hop – Christmas is Coming

Aloha everyone!

Welcome to the Inspire Create Share Blog Hop, where we are celebrating 10 years of inspiration!!  I’ve been blessed to hop with these gals and  meet up at Stampin’ Up! events over the years, and we’ve made some lifelong friendships.

Our theme today is CHRISTMAS IS COMING.

Today, I’m sharing a step-by-step tutorial for creating a beautiful Christmas card using the Frosted Forest Decorative Masks from Stampin’ Up! These versatile masks are perfect for adding unique layers and textures to your holiday cards and projects. We’ll blend ink to create depth and dimension in our forest scene, and I’ll show you a fun technique using Embossing Paste to make the trees look like they’re dusted with snow.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Card Base
Start with a piece of Pool Party cardstock for your card base. Set aside.  Cut Country Woods Designer Series Paper (DSP) 4″ x 5″ and cut Country Lace DSP 4″ x 3 1/4″.  Rough up the edges with your fingernail for a rustic look!  Glue those two DSP pieces together then tie a piece of Baker’s Twine around it, letting the excess string hang loose for now.  Glue to card base.

Step 2: Position the Decorative Mask
Take your Frosted Forest Decorative Mask and position it over a Basic White scrap. Use low-tack tape to secure your white piece and the mask to prevent slipping. Mark where the notch is, to make it easier to match up the subsequent masks.

Step 3: Blend Ink to Create a Forest Scene
Using a blending brush, apply Old Olive ink in soft circular motions over the first mask (A). This will create the initial layer of color for the trees. Next, Use Mossy Meadow ink with the second mask (B) to add depth and dimension. You’ll love how the blending brush allows you to achieve a soft, seamless look that adds a natural feel to your forest scene.

Step 4: Add a Snowy Effect with Embossing Paste
Here’s the magic touch! Take a palette knife and lightly spread Embossing Paste over the third mask (C), to create a snowy effect. The paste adds texture and makes the trees look like they’re covered in fresh snow. When finished, carefully lift the mask to reveal your frosty forest design. Let the paste dry for a few minutes to prevent smudging.

Optional Step: Add Sparkle with Heat Embossing
If you’d like make your snow really stand out, here’s a bonus tip! Apply white embossing powder over the Embossing Paste before it dries, then use a heat tool to set it. This technique creates a dazzling, frosted effect that makes your card even more festive.

More Ways to Use Stampin’ Up! Decorative Masks

Decorative Masks are incredibly versatile and can be used in various techniques beyond blending and embossing paste. Here are some ideas to try:

1. Heat Embossing with Decorative Masks
   Use a sponge dauber to apply Versamark ink over your mask, then sprinkle on white or silver embossing powder. Heat it with your heat tool for a raised, shimmery effect that’s perfect for winter scenes.
2. Creating Backgrounds
   Decorative Masks are ideal for backgrounds! Try blending subtle colors to create a soft, snowy forest background, or experiment with metallic inks for a more dramatic effect.
3. Inking on Vellum
   For a unique look, place the Decorative Mask over a piece of vellum and blend ink lightly. The vellum gives a soft, frosted finish that’s perfect for layering over other elements on your cards.
4. Watercoloring Through Masks
   If you’re feeling adventurous, try lightly applying watercolor paint through the mask. It gives a soft, dreamy effect that works beautifully with the Frosted Forest theme.

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Final Thoughts
The Frosted Forest Decorative Masks are a fantastic tool for making quick, beautiful holiday cards with Stampin’ Up! I hope you’re inspired to give this Christmas card a try and to experiment with the different techniques I shared. It’s amazing how a few supplies can create so many unique effects!

 

Keep on hopping to see more great ideas focusing on Christmas!

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