reverse masking with die cuts

Reverse masking is a favorite of mine to use with stamped images and so I started thinking about other ways that I coud use the technique. I have done a variation on reverse masking where I have cut or punched a square to use as a mask and so decided to do a mask using a die cut shape.

I chose this leaf from the Turning a New Leaf die collection from Papertrey Ink and die cut it from a piece of copy/printer paper.

Next, I positioned it over a Fine Linen card base to where I wanted it on the card front. A little tissue tape was perfect for holding my mask where I wanted it.

Next I stamped polka dots over the mask with Ripe Avocado ink. Some of the polka dots didn't stamp clearly, but that is okay because I am adding more stamping to my image yet.

Next I stamped some text over the mask with Dark Chocolate ink.

Taking a peek under the mask, I am definitely liking what I am seeing, but I think it needs just a little something more...

I took my ink blending tool and added some Classic Kraft ink.

And I really like how that turned out.

I added another leaf to the top part of the card front doing the same steps as the bottom leaf.

To finish up my card front, I added some more text in Classic Kraft ink and then used the ink blending tool to ink the edges of the card front.

I added a sentiment in Dark Chocolate and finished off my card front with some Ripe Avocado gorsgrain ribbon, button twine, and Dark Chocolate buttons.

Besides the embellishments on the left side, this card is a single layer. You could just die cut the leaf from patterned paper, but the look of stamping and inking it through the mask is beautiful.

If you try your hand at reverse masking with die cuts, I would love to see your project! Link it up in the comments section.

Supplies:

all supplies from Papertrey Ink unless noted

Polka Dot Leaves Card

stamps: Mover & Shakers Sentiments, Polka Dot Basics II, Background Basics: Text Style

ink: Dark Chocolate, Ripe Avocado, Classic Kraft

cardstock: Fine Linen

other: Ripe Avocado grosgrain ribbon, Rustic Jute button twine, Dark Chocolate buttons, Turning a New Leaf die, ink blending tool (Ranger), corner chomper (We R Memory Keepers)