Quick & Easy Mask & Blend Frames

Add a focal point to your cards with this quick & easy mask & blend frame technique. Simon Says Stamp sentiment strips finish off this CAS gift set.

YouTube Tutorial | Quick & Easy Mask & Blend Frames

Are they frames or mats? I think they’re mats, but my voiceover and graphics are done, so today, they’ll be frames. Anywho, watch the video here or in HD on YouTube for tips.

Easy Mask & Blend Technique

There are numerous ways to create masks for this project, however, I find the quickest and easiest way is to use four pieces of 2-inch Post-It tape.

I started each card with an A2 sized piece of Neenah Classic Crest Solar White 80 lb cardstock. Using my Cutterpiller Glass Mat as a guide, I masked off a rectangle in the center of the panel. Next, I ink blended a medium-tone color.

I’ve used 3 Altenew Crisp Dye Ink color schemes today: Misty Morning & Nimbus, Pale Mauve & Amethyst, and Vanilla Cream & Hazelnut. Those are from the Tranquility, Sugarplums, and Delectable Delights color families.

While ink blending a dark color, I noticed not much ink was coming off blender brush from The Stamp Market. I also noticed this brush was stiff compared to my other ones. Despite cleaning with mild soap and water, I can’t seem to make the bristles fluffy again. Please leave advice in the comments below.

After blending the center rectangle, I move my Post-It tape mask out approximately 1/4 inch and ink blended a lighter color. I focused on blending along the tape edge and avoided blending color on the center rectangle.

This created a gradient frame that faded to white at the edge of the center rectangle. Once the frames were complete I stamped various flowers from Simon Says Stamp Beautiful Flowers 2 with Altenew Permanent Black Ink.

Simon Says Stamp Sentiment Strips

I’m in love with these new sentiment strips from the Simon Says Stamp Love You More release. The black is supersaturated and the white text is clean, crisp, and easy to read. They’re super simple to trim and use.

Trimming the strips was a cinch with the CutterPillar Crop trimmer. I bought this in October and have been loving it. I don’t typically use the light when I’m cutting things to size, but it was amazing for these strips!! The light shines through the black paper for precise cutting.

That’s all for today! Thanks for stopping by and let me know what you think down below. Be sure to give me some advice on my stiff blending brushes too. I’ll see you soon with more inspiration.

For more inspiration with these ink families, check out my 12 Ink to Paper Backgrounds + 6 Cards post & video.

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