Better Backgrounds: Masking with Tape

You may have thought of masking tape as a standard artist supply, but have you considered using it to create your backgrounds? Look at these two cards from my Better Backgrounds column in the June 2009 issue of Crafts ‘n Things.


At first glance, I think you’d be hard pressed to say how these backgrounds were created. Tape and Adirondack® Dye Ink pads are the answer. The details are on pages 92-93.

The two great stamps, Sherrie and Sharon, by B Line Designs were stamped with a Big & Bossy™ Two-tone Embossing Pad and embossed with Super Fine Detail™ Powder. (You could achieve the same result with the newer Adirondack® Pigment Inks.) This is also a perfect background for rub-ons as demonstrated by the addition of “thanks” (Creative Imaginations) to the card stamped with Sharon’s veiled image.
Here’s an example with colors that do not overlap. (Stamps: Time Flies, Stampers Anonymous; Eternity Slab, Postmodern Design. Nick Bantock™ Dye Pads: Chartreuse, Deep Turquoise, Vermillion Lacquer, Damson Plum, Chrome Yellow.)

For a completely different look, tear your tape to create the shape of your choice. After creating the grid background with tape and Clover Adirondack® Dye Ink, I added the flower effect with tape and Wild Plum ink. (Stamp: Printer’s Mark, LaPluma; Big & Bossy™ Two-tone Embossing Pad; Bottle Adirondack® Embossing Powder.)


Want to try something different? Let your tape be your guide!