Matting & Layering

Matting and layering was a term I had never heard of when I starting make cards.

I read about it in many magazine articles, but nobody explained what it was or how to acheive it. They all seemed to think that the reader would know what was meant by these terms.

Well I didn't !!

So here I am to help you.

The technique of matting or layering is quite simply building up your chosen image onto other papers or cards for effect. They are used to enhance your image or sentiment with 

co-ordinating colours. 

Cut your cardstock or Designer Series Paper into panels to fit your card, and you can also cut them in different shapes and sizes to add interest.

Have some with large or small borders, or try laying them down at an angle, or off set to each other for another effect. I also like to ink the edges too.

Move them around until you are happy with the result. Position them on the card in a practise "dry" run, that's where the card templates come in handy. Use the templates to see what layers work.

Templates thanks to Kylie Bertucci

Decide if you want to use a stamped, or

Templates thanks to Kylie Bertucci

printed image then plan your colour scheme. Stampin' Up!s papers, cardstock, ink and embellishments are colour co-ordinated to help you with your card building. 

Two or three colours that blend together is a good choice.

Flowers, stripes, swirls, dots in fact any patterns will go together as long as the colours blend.

If you are afraid to try colour combinations then have a look at the colour families in the Stampin' Up! Annual Catalogue. Or email me and I will send you our colour coach which shows colour combinations.

When adhering your layers if you have a very small border you will want to use a wet glue as this will give you time to re-position if you make a mistake.
Double sided tape is permanent and once you have placed the paper it's stuuuuck!!

Now comes the good bit....where you get to choose the embellishments to add your finishing touch.

A few gemstones, a bit of ribbon can all make the matting and layering special.

In all areas of cardmaking-matting-and-layering your efforts will get better and better the more you do. The best crafting tool you can have is a good quality trimmer. Stampin' Up! are developing a new better trimmer and when I know more I will let you know.

My classes which I hold once a month will help you with getting more confidence in your stamping, layering and all round design of your handmade cards.

Then you can send or hand someone a handmade card and see the look of appreciation on their face when you tell them that you have made that just for them.

Layering with cardstock and
Designer Series Paper

Layers don't have to be full cover

Different  layers in same colours

Happy Crafting