Virtual Stamping Night:

Project 2 & Card Four of the Twelve Cards of Christmas.

Well, it's 7.30pm in the NT and it's time for the final challenge of this Virtual Stamping Night. This challenge is to create a one layer card using only one colour ink that's not a traditional Christmas colour. Bonus brownie points if you can also use a reverse mask (for beginners, there's a basic and short tutorial on how to do this at the end of this post).

The card I've created was inspired by my upline Karen who showed me the reverse mask when I was a novice stamper about 12 months ago. Although her card was different, it was the basis for my card below, which incidentally is another Christmas card as I still need more for my 'stash'. Please note, if you don't wish to do another Chrissy card (if your layout card ended up being a Christmas one), feel free to make any type of card you'd like.

Here's my example (sorry about the photo quality):

Supplies:

* Lovely as a Tree & Many Merry Messages Stamp Sets.

* Pale Plum Stamp Pad & Versa Mark (cause it's not a colour...he he he).

* Whisper White Cardstock.

* SAMJ, Heat & Stick Powder, Dazzling Diamonds, Sponge, 2-Way Glue Pen.

* CM Ovals Cutting System.

How to create a reverse mask:

For those who've never done masking before, basically, a mask is placing a piece of paper somewhere we DON'T want to over stamp. For a reverse mask, were stamping within usually a boarder to 'fill' a space.

Step 1:

Please cut a piece of scrap paper to slightly smaller than the size of your card front. I do this so I can totally centre the image and can see easily where the actual card is sitting. You then need to cut out the centre of the scrap piece of paper with the shape you wish your reverse mask to be. To cut my oval, I've used a Creative Memories Oval Cutting System. For those of you that don't have this, feel free to be imaginative and trace around an object then cut out the mask with either scissors or a craft knife. Be creative, although I've used an oval, you can use a square, circle, rectangle or any other shape you find.

Step 2:

Place your cut out scrap paper on the front of your card to where ever you'd like it to sit. Temporarily secure in place using a temporary adhesive or paper clips. I've used my 2-Way glue pen as a temporary hold. Once you've positioned your matt correctly, sponge within your cut out area. I've used SU Sponges, but again, if you don't have this, perhaps a kitchen or bath sponge can suffice. Alternatively for a different look, try scrunched cling wrap.

Step 3:

Carefully remove the paper mask template to see your masked creation. Continue stamping as desired. My example, because I was using such a pale ink is difficult to see, but you can faintly see the effect...which is subtle.

Thank you for joining me tonight in my Virtual Stamping Night. I hope you've made some great cards and you enjoyed yourselves. For those that wish to show their cards, remember to either comment below with a link to your blog OR email me your pictures and I'll upload them on my blog tomorrow.

Regards, Nerine

I'm back...I have a few cards sitting in my email box, so I thought I'd take the time to upload them now. Everyone's done such a great job on their cards, you should all be super proud of yourselves.

Here's Mel's:

Here's Judith's:

Here's Karen's:

Here's Tammy's: