I did wonder if I was the last person in the world to try out the masking stamping technique! However, it seems from my recent YouTube video, that perhaps I'm not quite the last person to try out this magic. So, I thought I would run you through a quick tutorial of how I created these pages in my journal.
Step 1: Grab your journal of choice. I'm using a standard size travelers notebook insert, which I keep inside a Vintage Lite cover from Start Bay Notebooks.
Step 2: It's a good idea to use a binder clip to keep your pages flat.
Step 3: Find some stamps that you fancy using, to create a border on your page. I was recently sent a copy of Creative Stamping magazine by CraftStash that included some great tropical themed stamps.
Step 4: It might be useful to pick quite large images, that will layer well. I went for a large leaf and flower stamp
Step 5: If you are using a clear stamp, then secure this onto an acrylic stamping block. Using some black ink, stamp your chosen images onto a Post-It/Sticky note. It's helpful to use water-proof ink, so that you can use wet mediums over the top if you choose.
Step 6: Carefully cut around your stamped images and put them to one side for now.
Step 7: Stamp any images directly onto your page, that you would like to be the most prominent on your border. I've stamped out the flower image 5 times.
Step 8: Use your cut-out pieces to mask off your first stamped image. I have covered the flower, so that I can stamp a leaf slightly-overlapping the flower.
Step 9: When you remove the masking image, you can see the really great effect, as it looks like the leaf is slightly behind the flower.
Step 10: Repeat the stamping and masking process along both sids of your journal page.
Step 11: Now you get to add some colour! I decided to use Derwent Inktense paints, as I thought the vibrant colours would suit this tropical theme perfectly.
Step 12: Before adding the next colour, you will either need to wait patiently for this to dry, or use a heat tool to speed up the process.
Steps 13 and 14: You can now move on to adding other colours. I am using Escoda watercolour brushes to apply the paint.
Step 15: Finally, you can add a quote and journal writing to finish off your pages. For the quote I used a Tombow Fudenosuke brush pen and for the writing I picked a black Muji Gel pen.
I have released a video on YouTube sharing this process too:
I really hope you enjoyed seeing how I used the masking stamping technique in my journal and that you might be inspired to try it out too.
Until next time, stay safe and well. Helen x
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