This is a technique inspired by one of my layouts titled “Determination”. It’s a layout where my son is trying his best and is determined to learn how to tie his shoelaces. Therefore, I decided to come up with a technique that showed some depth and determination on my part. It’s a simple technique which can be easily done if you too have the determination and patience to make it happen.

To try out this technique, simply follow the steps below.



Create a few simple masks to start. Place them onto your background paper or cardstock until you’re satisfied with the placements. Stick it down using temporary adhesives or just fold some normal sticky tape in a circle. Tip: Do not worry too much about your first placement. You can change it as you add more layers.



Use a cosmetic sponge to ink on all the edges of the masks. Choose your colors carefully at this step. In my example above, I’ve used some black and brown pigment inks.



Remove your masks and you’ll have your first layer. Tip: Don’t worry about its first look as it will get better with each added layer.



Place your masks for the second layer and ink it again. I used some black pigment ink for this step.



Remove the masks and you’ll have your second layer. You’ll notice that the different tones and shades are beginning to form. The places that you’ve inked the most times will have a darker shade and vice versa.



Place your masks for the third layer and ink it again. In my example, I’ve added some blue pigment ink to incorporate some of the colors that I’m going to use for my layout. I only added three layers of masking for this project, so I had to make sure the background design is balanced for my layout design.



Remove the masks and you’ll have your third layer. This is the final layer in my layout. You can do as many layers as you wish but try not to soak your cardstock or background paper. Also, avoid from doing designs that are too complex as they won’t turn out that well.

Determination Intermediate Project By: Irene Tan for Scrapperlicious Zoom in to view this project closer Make this project: Step-by-step instructions Mail a link to this project to a friend

 

This is the finished layout of mine titled “Determination”. The masking in layers technique gave this layout more depth without adding too many layers of patterned papers or cardstock.

Try this technique today and tell me what you think of it! For more techniques and projects, you can refer to my personal blog at http://scrapperlicious.blogspot.com.

To find the products mentioned in this article and shown in this layout, check with your local scrapbook retailer. Browse our Premier Retail Stores for coupons to a store near you.