Oct 25 2007
Masquerade…
I thought with Halloween just around the corner, it would be fun to have a little masquerade for our Way’s to Use It Challenge You can use any type of mask you wish…positive, negative, try some blocked collage like I did, even decorate a mask for decoration or Halloween. As long as you use some type of mask…it’s all good! If you’d like to play along…check out the challenge at WT137 LOL Now I have that Masquerade song from Phantom of the Opera running through my head! I hope it doesn’t stay all day!
Joy Christmas Ornament
This technique just popped into my head last night before I fell asleep. I couldn’t wait to try out my new Snowflake Serenade set that arrived with yesterday’s mail. I was so busy trying to get this server connection fixed that I didn’t have time to use it. And so, I actually came up with this idea two years ago about this time. This is my new updated version with new stamps, new colors and different embellishments.
To create this design, you need a mask. I simply used a thin sheet of scrap paper and cut a circle out of it with my Coluzzle set. After laying it down on top of my white cardstock, I stamped my snowflakes with Almost Amethyst, Soft Sky and Bashful Blue. The Joy sentiment was then stamped with Purely Pomegrante. To give the ornament some depth, I sponged around the outsides of my circle mask. The closer you are the the edges, sponge it darker to make the circle look as if it is curving back.
Quick Tip: Use temporary adhesive to keep your mask in place. Post it Notes are great for small masks as well.
For the rest of my design, I decided to keep it very simple. I wanted this design fresh and crisp and the focal point to be on my stamped ornament. For the top of the ornament, I tied a little loop of silver cord and hid it behind the striped May Arts ribbon. The main card base of Soft Sky is stamped with snowflakes, tone on tone for a subtle look. My main image layer is matted with Almost Amethyst, Purely Pomegrante and more Whisper White. The top layer of Whisper White was free-style stitched with my sewing machine and to add the subtlest touch of texture, the other layer is distressed lightly with my Heidi Swapp edges distresser.
This morning is so cool here. It totally feels like winter is not so far away. I love Autumn but I love to see the first snowflakes fall too. Change is good, right!? Wishing you a fabulous day and happy masking! And oh…stop by later. I’m going to try and create a tutorial for you and tomorrow… fun designs from the kitchen sink. 
Cornish Heritage Farms Design Team Coordinator
To sign up for free e-mail notification each day my blog is updated, click on the below orange Feedblitz button
This is beautiful . . . stunning . . . georgeous! I totally love it! Thanks so much for sharing the idea!
I am totally stealing, I mean casing, this idea for my Christmas cards! This is gorgeous!!! I’m so glad you shared it with us.
Beautiful ornament card! I love the idea of using post-it notes. Thanks for all the inspiration you provide on your blog! I love reading it.
I LOVE it! Thanks for the inspiration.
Yvonne Wickenkamp
Lovely masked design, Julia!!! (you are gonna laugh when you see my Friday Faves tomorrow….LOLOLOLOLOL!) I especially love the colors!
So so pretty! I love the colors!
Oh I am so jealous you have your set already! This card is beautiful.
Wow..those colors are stunning together and the ribbon just brings it all together. You always give the best directions on how you put things together. Thanks for sharing!
Truly beautiful, Julia! I’d never have thought this didn’t start out as an ornament. It looks like a lovely set!
Beautiful, Julia! The red looks stunning against the pale blue. Thanks for sharing!
I love this Julia! It is so creative and so pretty! Great challenge too. I must get busy!
~Lynda
How beautiful, so thankful for people like you that help us that need it. HAve a Blessed Day. Jodi
So lovely!
So pretty, J! Love the sponging, stitching and distressing!
Oh so pretty, love your ornament!
Beautiful card!
This is absolutely beautiful!!!!
Oh WOW! Isn’t this cool J! I love how you did your ornament!! So pretty! Great job!!
I love this idea, might have to use it in some way on my cards. Thanks for sharing!!!
Beautiful!! I love the soft colors and the simple layout!
What a gorgeous ornament card!! I totally love it!!
You did an awesome job on the shabby chic. The colours are beautiful. Got to Art Stamp and found my Peel Off markers. Now to put them to paper!
What a beautiful card!!! I love the colors and thanks for the great tip about creating depth. Very elegant!!!
This is so elegant Julie. Recently found your blog and visit often now. Your tips are great - only sad that living in UK does not give me such a great source of products as you have. Thanks for sharing.
Love this card. I love the snow on the ornament. Thank for sharing.
I am so inspired by your cards Julia, i thought i would have a try!!
i love this card - i am so mask challenged, but you make it look easy. great job.