Masked Floral Mandala Background

The Hero Arts line of Bold Prints cling stamps can be used in many different ways than just background images. One way to change up the look is to create a mask, then stamp the Bold Print image to eliminate a portion of the background. Today I've used the Floral Mandala Bold Prints to demonstrate this technique.

I began the card by creating a watercolor background using ZIG Clean Color Real Brush Markers. I like the hard edges watercolor can create so the method I used was to scribble some color on a piece of acetate, spritz it with water and then press it onto my watercolor paper. I did this several times being careful not move the acetate around too much, so I would end up with some splotches that would create those hard edges I was looking for.

Once the watercolor was completely dry, I created a circle mask using Nesting Circle Infinity Dies and stamping mask paper. I placed the mask over the watercolor background and then stamped the Floral Mandala Bold Prints over the top with VersaMark ink. Then I sprinkled some White Embossing Powder over the image. But before I heat embossed the image, I removed the mask to make sure I would end up with a clean line along the masked edge. Then I continued with the heat embossing.

Next, I mounted the watercolor panel to a piece of white cardstock, leaving about a 1/8th inch border, and then adhered that to a dark pool folded card.

And finally for the sentiment I decided to combine messages from the Birthday Hugs and Kisses and Hand Drawn Everyday Messages stamp sets. To tie in with the black stamped sentiment, I scattered a few black embellishments to finish off the card.

What are some different ways that you use your large background stamps? I'd love to hear!