Today I’m sharing a Christmas Card with masking & sponging techniques! Masking & Sponging. They’re actually two different techniques brought together for today’s card. I held a YouTube Live event last night where I demonstrated this card. If you’ve missed it, don’t worry, I’ve include the recording in today’s blog post below. I had a feeling you’d like to learn how to make this ombre sky using the masking & sponging technique.

I used the Dashing Deer stamp set (Holiday Catalog page 9), coupled with the beautiful tree from Winter Woods (Holiday Catalog page 27) for the silhouette images on this sponged background. In case you missed it, the Dashing Deer Bundle is featured in this month’s Card Making Kit (aka “Stamps in the Mail“) featured HERE.

On this card I used Post-it-Notes that measured 3″ x 3″ to mask off a portion of the card base. That’s what I had lying around so I thought I’d give it a try. If you look closely, you can see the “break” in the masking & sponging at the top of the shading. I decided to splurged on larger Post-it-Notes measureing 4″ x 6″ that I purchased from Amazon HERE. They made a world of difference, as you’ll see in the video below.

I used the Sponge Brayer to apply a layer of Balmy Blue ink within the masked area. Layers of Blueberry Bushel and Night of Navy ink were then applied using Sponge Daubers. The most important tip I can provide is that you need to overlap the colors so there isn’t a clear definition where one stops and another begins. Don’t be afraid to blend.

There’s not a single layer on this card but it almost looks that way, doesn’t it? The masking and sponging create that illusion.

An important tip is to allow the ink (blues) to dry before stamping the images of the deer and tree. You’ll be applying layers of color and, if your ink pads are really juicy, you could end up with a bit of a slippery surface when stamping the silhouettes.

Once the ink had dried completely (be patient), I used the White Chalk Marker to add tiny dots of white to the blue sky. It’s both subtle and provides that snowy winter feel!

Can you say “Ooops”?

Who noticed my “oops” on this card? So many of you have commented that my cards are flawless but they aren’t! I refused to redo this card simply because I wanted to prove that handmade cards are just that – handmade. Give yourself some grace when you’re experimenting with new techniques like masking and sponging. I promise you this, whoever receives this card will love it just as much as a flawless card. I’d much rather create a handmade card with a little “oops” then send anything store bought. When receiving your handmade cards, I’m certain your family and friends would agree. If you found my “oops”, leave me a comment and tell me where it is.

Subscribe to my YouTube channel so you don’t miss my next Live event coming up on Monday, October 22nd at 8pm EST. Subscribers receive notifications!

Card Making Kit – Final Day to Order is Tomorrow

If you have fallen in love with this stamp set as much as I have, you won’t want to miss placing your qualifying order to receive my free card kit featuring the Dashing Deer Bundle. Read all about my card making kits (aka “Stamps in the Mail“) by clicking HERE or on the image below. The last day to place your order, using the exclusive kit host code is Saturday, October 13 at 11:59PM EST.

Masking & Sponging Techniques Video

Is it You?

I’ve been receiving an influx of orders from customers who have selected “no contact” when creating their online ordering account. When you select “no contact”, then proceed to place an order, your identity is completely blocked. Because of this, I’m unable to provide any of my rewards because I don’t know who should receive them.

If you have placed an order within the last week in my online store, and believe you may have check “no contact”, please email me HERE.

The picture below indicates how the boxes should be checked to avoid placing a “no contact” order.

Here are the supplies I used to create my masking and sponging technique card. Click on any of the images to be redirected to my online store. I offer exclusive and generous online ordering REWARDS, too!