Faux Postage Technique with Botanical Layers

Faux Postage Technique

An easy technique using a stencil and masking.

I paired the technique with the Botanical Layers stamp set and Rectangle Postage Punch for this card.

You can see more of my Faux Postage creations HERE

Here’s How:

1. Begin by creating the stencil for the panels.  I started with a piece of scrap Stampin’ Up!  grid paper cut to 4″ x 4 3/4″.  Using the grid paper will help you determine where you will punch the openings in the stencil.
2. With another scrap piece of grid paper, punch out four rectangles using the Rectangular Postage Punch.  These will be your guides for punching the stencil openings and also be your masks when you start to stamp.
3. Secure the four punched rectangles on the the stencil, using the grid sheet as your guide.  Place the punch over the templates and punch out the four stencil openings.  Keep the punched rectangles to use as masks.
4. Place a piece of Basic White card stock on a grid sheet, using the lines on the grid to ensure the paper is straight.  Secure the edges with pieces of washi tape so it doesn’t slip while working with the stencil.  I started with a 5 1/2″ x 4 1/4″ piece of card stock.  It is better to start with a bigger piece of card stock that can be cut down later.
5. Place the stencil on the card stock using pieces of washi tape to secure it.
6. With a Blending Brush, add color to the inside of the rectangles.  You could also use a sponge or sponge daubers.  I used Mint Macaron for this card.  Add as much color as you want.
7. Now stamp each panel.  Stamp an image from Botanical Layers in each rectangle using Memento Black ink.  Depending on the size and placement of the stamp, use the punched rectangles as masking for the adjoining panels.  I moved the card front to my Stamparatus, using it to get good stamped images.
8. Remove the stencil when satisfied with the color and stamping.  Trim the piece as desired.  My final card front measures 4 5/8″ x 3 3/8″. The final card measures 5 3/8″ x 4 1/4″.
9. Attach card front to Basic Black mat, then to a Country Gingham Designer Series Paper mat.  Attach to Mint Macaron card base.
10. Stamp greeting on a scrap piece of Basic White card stock using Memento Black ink.  Attach to Mint Macaron mat.
11. Attach greeting using Mini Dimensionals to pop it up.  Add Black Matte Dots to complete.

Save the stencil for another Faux Postage card.

The possibilities are endless!

You can view my Faux Postage Technique How-to Video Here