| Masking |
| Masking is another technique that can be combined with Direct-to-Paper. Create a mask of a stamp by stamping it on a piece of scrap paper, and then cutting it our, paying attention to detail. Cut right on the lines of the stamp. Next, use masking tape to afix the image on your paper. You don't want it to stay there permenantly, so don't use glue! Using the stamp pads or sponges, make the background. When you take off the mask, the paper will show through the background colors. |
| Resist Embossing |
| This technique is similar to masking. You begin by stamping your cardstock with ink and embossing. You can use clear powder and clear ink so that the background papers will show through, or you can use any combination of ink and powder. Next, use Direct-to-Paper technique on the cardstock. The heated powder will resist the ink, so you can just brush it away using a tissue or QTip. |
| Tag Art |
| A current trend in stamping is the use of tags in your cards. Use any of the techniques described above to add tags to your work. Beware: when embossing a tag with a metal liner, the liner will require at least 1 minute to cool. |
| Mosaic Techniques |
| Save your scraps! It's easy to turn them into beautiful mosaics and collages. Begin by making a few different background papers using the techniques listed above. Cut them into strips. Prepare a mosaic surface by taking several long strips of masking tape and laying them side by side (do not overlap to avoid bulges) sticky side up on your paper. Use more masking tape to tape the edges of the tape down (did that make sense?). The remaining sticky side up area is your mosaic area, so make it as large or small as you want. Double sided masking tape is best, but can be difficult to locate. Lay your paper strips across the tape, working lenghtwise or diagonally. You can alternate directions. Also try adding strips of foil paper, handmade paper, or paper cords. When you have finished your mosaic (i.e., covered all of the tape), turn it over and cut off the excess paper and tape that is lying over the edge of your mosaic. Afix your mosaic to your card using double-sided tape or a glue stick. |