Using Decorative Masks - Part 3 - Ghosting or Shadowing

I hope that you have been able try some of the techniques that I have shown you in Parts 1 and 2 of this blog series about using Decorative Masks. Another really effective and easy technique is called ghosting or shadowing. It's a quick way to add dimension to your paper craft projects.

Here is one card that I made to show off this technique. It is a box card based on a card fold that has been around for many years. I have adapted the pattern (which you can see at the end of this post) so that you can use the Gift bag punch board to make it.

 

It opens out to look like a window box. I think that this will make some great Christmas cards!

 

 

So how do we do go about ghosting with decorative masks? Easy - just follow the simple steps below.

1. Place a mask on a piece of cardstock. Mid colour strength works best. (Not too light and not too dark.) Sponge white craft ink through the holes using a sponge or dauber. Remove mask, clean and allow cardstock to dry naturally or use a heat gun to speed up the process. Who wants to wait? 
2. Place the mask back over the white. Now move it slightly up and to the right. Sponge or daub ink in the same colour as the cardstock. It will create a 3D shadow.
3. Stamp any images over the top or add die cuts to embellish.



 

Try different decorative masks to get different effects. I think this line and circle mask makes a great background.

 



 

Add a simple embellishment and sentiment and you are good to go.



 

When you have finished sponging the white craft ink through your mask it will be covered with in the ink. Don't waste it - use it to take a print with a dark piece of cardstock. I run a stamping block over the back of the cardstock to get a good print. There is so much ink on the mask that you will get several prints. These will make great backgrounds for other cards.



 

Now for the box card. It is one of those folds that you  need to start making and it will all make sense as you start folding!

Step 4 in more detail.

Step 7 in more detail.

 I hope that you enjoy trying this technique and card fold. Part 4 will be all about doodling and using Gesso.