Faux Postage

This technique is fun and easy and gives your cards a unique look. The first time takes a little more work because you have to make your mask.

Supplies

Step-by-Step

1. Step 1

   Download and Print the faux postage sheet. Cut the sheet apart to make four separate templates.
   
   Download 42 cents template (PDF, 36K)
   Download 44 cents template (PDF)

   

2. Step 2

   To make a mask, cut a piece of Mask Sheet and place it over one of the faux postage templates.
   

   

3. Step 3

   Using a ruler and craft knife, cut out each rectangle leaving 1/8" border around the printed lines

   

4. 

5. Step 4

   Pop out the rectangles you cut. Your mask is finished!
   
   

   

6. Step 5

   Place over your other faux postage piece. Center the windows over the faux postage rectangles.

   

7. Step 6

   Stamp an image in one postage rectangle at a time. If neccessary cover the others up with scrap paper.
   

   

8. Continue until each postage rectangle is filled with an image.

   

9. Step 7

   Carefully take your mask off your cardstock.
   
   Clean mask and place aside for later.

   

10. Step 8

    Color your images.

    

11. Step 9

    Place mask back over your postage sheet.

    

12. Color the outer edge of the images up to your mask.
    
    Take off the mask again.

    

13. Step 10

    Cut closely around your faux postage piece with a postage scissor.
    
    

    

14. 

15. Step 11

    Finish your card.

    

Video!

Variations

Your own template
Create your own template and the possibilities are endless with this technique. Our template (at the top of this page) uses the Tables feature of Microsoft Word to create the grid pattern. If you'd like to try varying the one we used, try our editable version.

Download (Word doc, 48K)

Solid Stamps
When using solid stamps, diregard Steps 6 - 10. After placing your mask over your postage template, start sponging your rectangles with Dye inks. Once your rectangles look the way you want, stamp your image into each square.

Don't use the template
Gina K™ designs as well as other stamp company have stamps with postage stamps outlines. Those make this technique even easier.

Get crazy
Do a little poking around on the web and you'll find a whole world devoted to fake postage, including downloadable templates and related supplies.

Your Turn

You've seen the tutorial, now you try it! We've got a section of the gallery set aside for Faux Postage. Try this technique, then upload your artwork to the gallery. Show us your creations!

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