Masking is the technique of covering a stamped image so that other images may be placed partly over it without the overlapping area being visible. This technique will add depth and perspective to your art. It is a simple procedure, but it requires patience and careful cutting.

SOME WAYS TO USE MASKING:

CUSTOM DESIGNED BORDERS & INSIDE BACKGROUNDS:
Design your own border. Cut out inside area. Use as a template for sponging or brayering (fig. 1A) or center a smaller shape template on card and sponge around it. (fig. 1B)

SKY BACKGROUND:
Mask all stamped images which protrude into the sky area. (fig. 2A) Tear a paper into cloud shapes. (fig. 2B) Using a light touch with a sponge and blue ink from a stamp pad, sponge clouds into your sky. Move the cloud mask around so it doesn't form a repeat pattern. (fig. 2C)

Figure 2A: Butterfly Mask	Figure 2B: Sky Mask Figure	2C: Card Example

BASIC MASKING:

1. Stamp the foreground image on your card; for example, the fence. (fig. 3A)

2. Stamp the same image onto a Post-it note, stamping close to the top so that the sticky part can be used.

3. Carefully cut the image from the Post-it note, staying just inside the stamped outline. This is the mask. (fig. 3B)

4. Place the mask over the stamped image on your card, lining up exactly, so that just the outline of your stamped image shows from behind. Having the mask slightly smaller than the original image will prevent a white "halo" where the ink doesn't print.

5. Stamp the image (or a different image) again, overlapping the first image. (Fig. 3C) When the mask is peeled away, your new image will "disappear" behind the first one. (Fig. 3D)

STRAIGHT LINE MASKING:
When just a small area will overlap, or the point of overlapping is straight, a piece of Post-it paper can be used without cutting out the shape. (Fig. 4A thru Fig. 4C)

MORTISE MASKING:
makes use of the open or cut-out area of a mask. 1. Stamp your image on a card, for example the ornament. (Fig. 5A) 2. Stamp the same image onto a Post-it note. Carefully cut away the inner shape, just outside the outline. Place over your stamped image. (Fig. 5B) 3. Stamp desired image onto the exposed center area.(Fig. 5C) When the mask is peeled away, your new image will appear to be inside the first one. (Fig. 5D)

S T A M P I N '   T I P S

• Work from the front of your scene towards the back. The foreground items, closest to the viewer, are at the edge of the picture. This is the exact opposite of the techniques used to create backgrounds in painting, where the background is completed first. For stamping, mask the front images and continue to work your way back.

• It takes time and patience to cut a mask. Your time will be well spent, because you can save your mask pieces and use them again. Save them in an envelope, stamping the images on the outside for reference, or attach them to a clear sheet and place it in a 3-ring binder.

• If you are using Post-it notes for masking, be sure to stamp the image on some part of the sticky area, so it will stay in place when covering your original image. If you are using ordinary paper, apply temporary adhesive, such as Post-it removable glue stick.