Simple Masking Technique For Backgrounds and Borders

Today, I am sharing how to use a simple masking technique to create awesome backgrounds and borders for my cards. Masking is easy and can be used by beginners, as well as, experienced stampers. It allows you to add color, design and detail to specific areas of your card while maintaining crisp boarders and “clean space” for stamping or adding Designer Series Paper.

This technique can be done using either masking paper, which is an adhesive backed paper that is easy to remove. It can, also, be done using post-it notes or copy paper with temporary adhesive or washi tape. My preferred methods are to use either masking paper or post-it notes. In the examples below, I used the Forever Fern Stamp Set. This set is versatile and can be adapted to any season and occasion.

Watch the video below to see how to do simple masking to create awesome backgrounds. Further down in this post, you will find the measurements, written instructions and supply list. I would love to hear from you! Leave me a comment below and let me know which one you like best!

Simple Masking Technique from SIP To Steppin’ It Up!

The first card is a SIP card; simply stamps, ink and paper. Masking the center of the card to create an area for the sentiment is a great way for beginning stampers to create a background and add interest to a card. The second image shows the same background, but, on a layer of Basic White trimmed and mounted on a layer of Festive Foils. The Festive Foil and Gold Shimmer Ribbon was just enough to step-it up!

Masking SIP Card

• Basic White Thick: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2,” scored at 4 1/4″
  • Mask off front center with 1 3/4″ x 5 1/2″ Masking Paper or Post-It-Note
  • Stamp images to create background.
  • Remove mask.
  • Stamp greeting.

Masking Technique “Stepped Up”

• Basic White Thick: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2,” scored at 4 1/4″
• Using Basic White 3 3/4,” x 3 3/4″ mask center of layer and stamp background using Forever Fern Stamp Set.
• Stamp sentiment.
• Adhere stamped layer to 4 1/8″ x 5 3/8″ Festive Foil.
• Wrap layer with 3/8″ Gold Shimmer Ribbon and tie a bow.
• Adhere layer to Basic White Thick card base.
• Stamp sentiment on inside.
• Stamp leaf image in lower inside corners.
• Adhere Festive Pearls to front, if desired.

Masked Borders

Supply List

Stay Up To Date

Do you want to stay up to date with quick, easy cards and fun stamping ideas? If so, subscribe to my blog for updates on new posts. Sign up to receive my weekly newsletter. This will allow you to stay updated on new Stampin’ Up! products, sales and more! Click button below, it will take you to the home page where you can sign up in the right-hand column. Choose to what you want to subscribe.