I don't know about you, but I (Vivian) always have random letters left after I've used a set of alphabet stickers a few times. While I sometimes combine alphabet stickers from multiple sets for a fun and whimsical look, I'm trying to think outside of the box when it comes to leftover alphabet stickers. Enter today's tutorial: masking with Sticky Keys. Today I'm going to show you how I used Sticky Keys to create a confetti effect on a layout.
1. Start with a set of Sticky Keys (these are from the Woodland Park collection):
2. Choose leftover letters. You'd also probably be fine (depending upon what the names are in your family) using Js, Xs, Qs, and Zs from a new set of Sticky Keys. Stick them to a piece of white cardstock where you want the confetti bits to be. I knew I was going to use a piece of 8" x 8" patterned paper as a photo/journaling mat so I placed that on top of the cardstock to help me figure out where to put the Sticky Keys:
3. Remove patterned paper, photo, etc., leaving just the Sticky Keys:
4. Using a Sprinkler (here I used the Strawberry Creme Sprinkler from the 5 & Dime collection), mist over the Sticky Keys:
5. When dry, remove Sticky Keys (detail shot of top section of cardstock):
6. Assemble layout. I added a few small Designer Brads in the center of the masked spaces - and two larger brads outside the masked pattern - to create the confetti effect I was after:
Here's a detail shot of the top section of the layout:
While I used this technique to create confetti, it can also be used to create polka dots, shapes, etc. - there really is no limit! You can re-use the same Sticky Keys as masks on other projects as well, so this is really a very economical technique! :)
If you create any projects based on this tutorial, please share them in the October Afternoon Flickr gallery - we'd love to see your work!
Great idea, and finally a use for all of my Q's and Z's. Thanks!
Posted by: toni from | July 25, 2012 at 08:59 AM
Cool idea! TFS
Posted by: Renee VanEpps | July 24, 2012 at 05:43 PM
OK - that is just brilliant! There really IS a use for the X's and Q's!!!!!
Posted by: Tina M. | July 24, 2012 at 11:55 AM
Super fun way to add polkadots!
Posted by: Court's Crafts | July 24, 2012 at 11:06 AM
brilliant, love!!!
Posted by: danni reid | July 24, 2012 at 08:29 AM
Where and when are we going to see the Woodland Park collection??? I am dying to get my hands on some!!!!
Posted by: Marie | July 24, 2012 at 08:00 AM
Very clever, gorgeous layout!
Posted by: carmen Crosset Henrique | July 24, 2012 at 07:56 AM