June 24, 2008

Masterboard Tutorial

A masterboard is a canvas which is created -- through stamping in this case -- and can then be used to create cards, altered art or any number of other projects. Since I am looking for ways to create cards quickly and economically, this is my tutorial on how to make a masterboard that will work well for that purpose.


Here is the completed masterboard I created for this tutorial.




I am starting with an 8-1/2 x 11 sheet of River Rock cardstock by StampinUp. You can certainly adapt this to a 12 x 12 sheet as well.



The stamps I chose for this project are all clear stamps by Prima except for the quote which is by StampinUp.


My preference is to use stamps that represent a theme and therefore will mesh well together. I find on the size paper I am using smaller stamps work well. I like to pick out some that will branch out such as my flower, some that are smaller to fill in empty spots such as my little bird, and also a word or quote as I like text on my masterboards.


I also look at the stamps as I am picking them out asking myself how they'll look if a portion of them is cut off or if placed on an angle.


I start with my larger stamps. In this case the flowering branch will take up the most room so I place that radomly on my paper.



It's very important to remember to stamp off the page as you apply every stamp. This will give you the most use of your masterboard as you start to cut it up.



My bird is also a larger stamp so that is the one I apply next. Your masterboard will flow better if you start stamping over images right away. Connect your images to each other while still trying to cover up your space.



My next stamp is a circle of text although it's made to be blurred. I just thought at this point the masterboard needed a shape rather than an image.


So far I've chosen three complementary ink colors -- cranberry, turquoise and moss green. I see that my moss green ends up looking quite like the turquoise. May be because of my shade of cardstock. But I'm satisfied with the way it's coming along.





I usually like to add something that is embossed on my masterboard. It really helps set the piece off. Since I've used pigment inks up to this point, I have to make sure to heat set all my inks before I start embossing. If possible, it's a good idea to use dye inks up to the point you want to emboss an image. Too often I've found myself with a whole piece of paper that is attracting the embossing powder.


I decide to gold emboss my birdcage. I am filling in a lot of the empty spaces with this stamp as I know it's the last of the larger stamps I will use. I make sure even with this one to stamp off the page.




I then add my quote -- using only the top half of the stamp in this case. I stamp over images previously stamped.



My last step is to fill in any big blank areas with my little black bird. Since I'll be using every bit of this canvas for my cards, I don't want any blank space standing out.


At this point you can just use the original to make your cards or make a color copy and save the original. I've used my original here to make these quick cards -- because I know I'll be making another masterboard soon!

21 comments:

Anonymous said...

Louise, the tutorial is wonderful. I would never have thought of embossing. Thank you so much. Now to get some embossing powder.

Crissi Harvey said...

Great masterboard i love to creat them to just posted one on my blog.
Thanks for joining on with the Arty Girlz challenge.

crissi xx

Jann said...

Louise, you do fantastic work! Thank you for sharing this . . .

Sarah said...

Informative, easy to follow, good visuals...what more could you ask for! Great job, Louise!

Dawn said...

This is great, lovely colours.
thanks for sharing!

liannallama said...

rockin' tutorial! Thanks!

Unknown said...

Oh my word this is absolutely stunning, I will definately be using your tutorial soon...thank you for sharing how!
Jx

Becky said...

Hi Louise! I love this idea! It looks wonderful! Great tutorial.
Love Becky xx

Julie Allain said...

Louise your masterboard is fantastic and your tutorial is brilliant

If you ever want to contribute to Inspirational Tips Techniques and Tutorials let me know by emailing inspirational.blogs@gmail.com and I'll invite you to become an author

Thanks for joining in with Arty Girlz once again xxx

evanyberg said...

Thank you for your great tutorial! It looks wonderful, I will try to make a masterboard.

Viola said...

Your cards looks so beautiful. Love them all!

Jacqueline said...

Thank you for this great tutorial - and the results are well worth making it!! Just super great, I'm going to have to try this.

Andrea, said...

Fantastic, great colours

Robin said...

Thanks for the tutorial Louise! Easy to follow directions and you explain everything!! TFS

deb said...

What a great idea, I often need quick cards and quick is one thing I really struggle with so I will have to give this a shot.

thanks for the tutorial.

Anonymous said...

Well, this is refreshing - - your stuff is not just pretty anymore. Now you're pretty AND informative. Thanks!!

Heather Robinson said...

What a wonderful tutorial and a fantastic array of cards created with your masterboard.

Allison Rankin said...

Terrific Louise!

Barbara Hagerty said...

I am just delighted with this! Thank you for this fabulous tutorial! Your paper is gorgeous, and the projects you made with it are spectacular! Bravo, Louise!!

Chris said...

Great tutorial, thanks for posting. I never thought to emboss on it. I can't wait to create!

Anonymous said...

Comdredsinems ComdredsinemsJB
Authentic Victor Cruz Jersey
Pink Arian Foster Jersey
Von Miller Jersey