gratefully copied from heroarts.com

By Shari Carroll

Masking is a beneficial technique used in stamping. A mask is something that will act as a barrier between images. 

I use masks when I want to stack images on top of each other but I don't want the images to mix together. In this example, I wanted to preserve the white paper under the owl but I also want to have a background. This makes it easy for me to color parts of the owl with pencils without having the background color interfering.

Here's some quick tips for successful masking.

Instructions:

1. Stamp the main image onto a sticky note. No need to make it pretty, black ink will do. I like the circle type notes because the sticky adhesive runs down the middle of the circle.
2. Cut out the image. Notice that I cut just a bit into the image which helps prevent Halo's later. (A Halo is the space between the mask and the background. If the mask is not cut in far enough the sticky note will leave a lip or edge that the ink of the second stamping can not fill.)
3. Stamp your main image onto your paper with desired ink. The first image you stamp and mask will become the main (front) image.
4. Place the mask over the stamped image. Align carefully.
5. Stamp your second image over the masked image.
6. Remove the mask to reveal both images.

Once you make a few masks, you'll make several as you discover their many uses. A simple mask as in this example is a great way to get you started.

Enjoy and create!