Andrea's Review	Kathleen's Review	Melanie's Review	Catherine's Review	Eli's Review

Review by Andrea

Heidi Swapp Masks: The Secret Behind Unique Pages!

I've always been one to try different techniques on my pages to make them interesting and to fulfill my sense of learning. Heidi Swapp Masks were one of those products that offered a very unique quality to one's project that I had never tried. At roughly around $3 each, it was a low financial risk to experiment with yet I hadn't been able to get my hands on any until this review!

Upon receipt, the product honestly didn't look like anything really special. The masks are die cut out of thin black flexible plastic and are stuck to a laminated white sheet in a cellophane wrapper. The masks have repositionable adhesive on the back so that it can be used over and over again. The patterns are the interesting part: flowers, bouquets, bats, flames, snowflakes and holly - 10 designs in all. Out of the 9 designs we received, the hibiscus is the one that I thought that I would use the most.

I was a little intimidated by the largeness of the designs. I thought they would look gaudy on my pages, almost like a Hawaiian moo-moo or something! Once I got into it though, I felt quite the opposite! The mask is used the opposite to a stencil - everything OUTSIDE is what is colored to make the image, not the inside. Once you get your mind thinking that way, you're off and running! Ideas spring forth like no tomorrow! Slap the mask down - ink, paint, trace or whatever around the mask - lift the mask and INSTANT design! Can you tell that I got excited when I saw my first result? You bet! It's rather addicting as you think of all kinds of ways to use the masks and what project to create next. And guess what? You can use only PART of the mask to make a design if you want! And you can use any medium over the mask because it rubs right off after use - very little cleaning is involved.

The Holly Mask was the first one that I used for a Christmas page. I loved the design - spikey and detailed just like real holly! I placed the mask on the paper where even the detailed parts of the mask stayed flat. I used Distress Inks applied with a stylus sponge tool so that I could into the small areas of the mask. I alternated the ink colors according to the part of the design that I was working on to achieve a realistic look (green leaves and red berries). I lifted the mask easily and the image just popped off the page! It was the perfect complement to the new Basic Grey Blitzen line of papers also used to create this layout.

Title: "Christmas 2005...the Grandkids!" Layout
Products used: Patterned Paper (Basic Grey, Blitzen)
Tag & Cardstock Stickers (Basic Grey, Blitzen)
Mask (Heidi Swapp, Holly)
Letter Stamps (Brenda Walton)
Ink (Ranger Distress Inks, Fired Brick & Peeled Paint)
Ribbon (Offray)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech, Permanent Glue Runner)

The Vine Mask was my next selection for the pumpkin patch pictures of Tori. I used an ink color close to the paper color so that the look was a bit more subtle while adding a nice design accent. I carried parts of the mask onto the photo mats to add a bit of interest there too. This mask was more difficult to work with since some of the design elements were thin and detailed. These features made the design more difficult to place exactly where I wanted it causing me to lift the design to reposition it. The darn repositionable backing would stick to the paper when you didn't want it to! I succeeded in the desired placement and inked all over the layout!

Title: "Fun at the Patch" Layout
Products used: Page Kit (Memories By The Page, Naked Pages)
Mask (Heidi Swapp, Vine)
Ink (Colorbox Fluid Chalk, Azurite)
Stamps (Stampin' Up! & CTMH)
Staples (Target)
Die Cut (Embossible Designs)
Fiber (Shoebox Trims)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech, Permanent Glue Runner)

Ok, this is the layout you love to hate! It's a rather personal story, but one that should be captured and recorded - Potty Training. I really believed that the Flame Mask was one that I would never use and bam! This lovely photo op comes to light where I have my lovely Mother to thank. I will say that I have NO idea why this song would make my potty training a success, but it did - look how happy I am! Good ole Johnny Cash would be proud, I'm sure! I painted over the mask with 3 paint colors then removed the mask to reveal the flames. I then used Kreinik's Iron-On threads in red metallic to highlight the flames. Take a look:

Title: "Ring of Fire" Layout
Products used: Cardstock (Prism Prismatics Frosted Yellow & Intense Yellow, Exclusives Aragosta)
Mask (Heidi Swapp, Flame)
Paint (Plaid & Delta)
Iron-On Threads (Kreinik)
Tag (Making Memories)
Stamps (Stampin' Up!)
Ink (Tsukineko Brilliance, Graphite Black)
Fiber (unknown)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech, Permanent Glue Runner)

I just had to use my favorite mask, the Hibiscus! An opportunity arose that would be perfect and I just happened to have matching paper and ribbon. I placed the mask on the diagonal across the lower right of the paper allowing part of the design to hang off the paper. Spray paint was easy to use by just lightly coating the mask. Upon lifted the mask, the beautiful hibiscus pattern was revealed!

Title: "From the end spring new beginnings" Layout
Products used: Cardstock (Prism Exclusives, Bianco)
Patterned Paper (unknown)
Mask (Heidi Swapp, Hibiscus)
Paint (Krylon Stained Glass Yellow Spray)
Ribbon (Shoebox Trims)
Staples (Making Memories)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech, Permanent Glue Runner)

There are many opportunities that I've thought of to use the masks again since creating these projects. Just like stencils, you can use the masks over and over on many different projects. A quick wipe with a paper towel removed the ink and paint. The masks can be a little fussy when it comes to the placement. I recommend placing one end down first then let the design follow its natural resting position. This is the best way to make sure the mask is flat to create the best design detail.

I can't say enough good things about this product! I highly recommend Heidi Swapp's Masks to add fun and unique design elements into your crafting projects. I hope she introduces new mask designs at CHA - I'll be at my local scrapbook store ready and waiting for them!

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Review by Kathleen

I have never worked with product from Heidi Swapp before, so I was pretty excited to find out I would have the opportunity to work with her new Masks. Though, I readily admit, I was a little nervous since this product is something I have never seen or worked with before.

A mask is the opposite of a stencil. Each mask design has a repositionable adhesive on the back, allowing you to temporarily place the mask on your paper, wood, fabric, or whatever medium you are working with. Once the mask is in place, you can paint it, chalk it, ink it, or just about anything. When you remove the mask, what remains is the negative image.

Below are some layouts I created using the various Heidi Swapp Masks. For more work created by our review team, please visit the Heidi Swapp folder in the gallery.

The first layout uses the Snowflake Mask. For this project I first went over the mask with a light blue acrylic paint. Then before removing the mask, I went around the image with blue metallic rub-ons to add depth to the image.

“{soggy} Snow Angel”
Products used:
Heidi Swapp - Snowflake mask
Prism Paper - Prismatics cardstock
Plaid - acrylic paint
Craf-T - metallic rub on
Scrapworks - fabric tab (www.scrapbookstand.com monthly kit)
Buttons Galore & more - snowflake button (www.scrapbookstand.com monthly kit)
Adhesive Tech - glue runner, PVA glue
Micron - black pen

The next project uses the Small Floral Bouquet mask. For this layout, I again used acrylic paints over the mask using a nearly dry stipple brush. One thing to note is that the mask, when removed, did remove part of my photograph image. I attribute this to the fact that I print my photos on a home printer, so it is quite likely that this would not occur with a professionally printed photo. However, I do not mind the look it gave this layout and felt that it really worked pretty well with the whole look.

“Laughter”
Products used:
Heidi Swapp - Floral Bouquet (small) mask
Prism Paper - Exclusive Papers cardstock
Foof-a-la - patterned paper, tag (www.scrapbookstand.com monthly kit)
Weavewerks - rag weave (www.scrapbookstand.com monthly kit)
Micron - black pen
Delta - Paper Paint
Making Memories - rub on
Adhesive Tech - PVA Glue, Glue Runner
Other - sewing thread

The third layout uses the Holly Mask. I used Ranger’s Adirondack Color wash over the mask and then sprayed water over the paper to blend the two colors of wash. After removing the mask, I used metallic rub-ons to lightly color in the negative space of the mask. The photo on this layout lifts up to reveal the journaling.

“Christmas 2004”
Products used:
Heidi Swapp - Holly Mask
Flair Designs - Christmas Toile Collection II, Merry Christmas Sticker
Prism Paper - Prismatics cardstock
Ranger - Adirondack color wash (lettuce, pesto)
Craf-T - metallic rub ons
Micron - black pen
Adhesive Tech - Glue Runner
Other - sewing thread

One thing I really like about the masks is they seem to remain tacky for quite some time. For each project I made, I placed the mask on the paper and removed it several times. Each time the mask kept its adhesive properties. You do need to take care to press all the edges of the mask down before applying inks, paints, etc. If you do not, the medium can easily seep under the mask and you will lose the adhesive property. Another item to note is you cannot use a heat gun to expedite drying time of your art mediums while the mask is in place. Unfortunately I learned this lesson first hand when I was using the Hibiscus Mask. I am now short one flower as it shriveled up beyond repair.

The masks from Heidi Swapp are also made from a very flexible material so you can easily use these masks on alterable items and wrap them around the edges of projects. At an average MSRP of $2.95, this reusable product is a steal that will give you a fun, edgy look to your projects no matter if you are a beginner or advanced crafter. I highly recommend the Masks from Heidi Swapp.

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Review by Melanie

Heidi Swapp has been known for her cutting edge techniques in the scrapbook industry for years. Her unique style and "out-of-the-box" thinking has left people begging for more. Heidi has developed her own line of embellishments that reflect her unique style. Heidi Swapp Masks are no exception. These "out-of-the-box" masks are, what I call, the reverse of stencils. These black masks come in an assortment of designs, from flowers, flames and bats to Christmas holly and snow. They are approximately 10" long by 5" wide and cling to your paper, "masking" off the design for you to apply ink, acrylic paint, chalk or dyes over the image. Once finished, you lift off the mask to reveal the design beneath.

I received an assortment of 9 of the 10 mask designs. The masks retail for approximately $2.69 each. They come packaged in clear wrapping with the mask clinging to white cardboard. The flexible mask material is lightly tacky with a repositional backing, allowing it to stay in place while you work with it. I used the large hibiscus flower mask on my beach layout. I used acrylic paint on the mask.

Title: Sun and Sand
Supplies
Cardstock: Prism Papers (Nautical Blue Dark; Frosted Kiwi)
Patterned Paper: Basic Grey (Skate Shoppe)
Paint: Plaid (Carolina Blue)
Flower Mask - Heidi Swapp (Large Hibiscus)
Chipboard Letters: Heidi Swapp (Schizophrenic)
Brads: American Crafts
Twill - Scenic Route
Ink: Clearsnap
Adhesive: Adhesive Tech Permanent Glue Runner

On my next layout, I experimented with making my own patterns on paper. I used bleach with stamps on the pink cardstock, and the Heidi Swapp floral bouquet mask on the blue cardstock. I used these images in the background of my layout.

Title: Have Your Cake
Supplies
Cardstock: Prism Prismatics (Twilight Medium, Spring Willow Dark) and Prism Exclusives (Onice)
Patterned Paper: Sweetwater
Stamp: Stampabilities (Large Gerber Daisy)
Mask/Stencil: Heidi Swapp (Floral Bouquet)
Paint: Plaid
Other: Bleach
Chipboard Plate: Sarah Heidt Photocraft
Rub On: One Heart One Mind
Brads: American Crafts and Creative Impressions
Ink: Colorbox
Pen: Zig
Adhesive: Adhesive Tech Permanent Glue Runner

On my next layout I used the mask to embellish a large chipboard letter. I placed the mask on the letter and used Krylon paper spray finish over the letter.

Title: Simply U
Supplies
Cardstock: Prism Papers (White; Herbal Garden Light)
Patterned Papers:All My Memories
Stencil Mask - Heidi Swapp Mask (Floral Bouquet Large)
Paint: Krylon Short Cuts (Kiwi)
Chipboard Letter: Sarah Heidt Photo Craft
Rub On Letters: One Heart / One Mind
I Love You Tape: Around the Block
Other: Ribbon, Gel Pen
Adhesive: Adhesive Tech Permanent Glue Runner

Heidi Swapp Masks are fun and unique. I have a few questions about how to clean the paint off the surface of the mask, which is a bit tedious. If you aren't careful, you can damage the fine detail of the stencil. The inside portion of the hibiscus flower is not attached to the flower, so you have to be sure and place it correctly on your image AND be careful not to lose it when returning it to it's package. It's worth the extra work, because the hibiscus flower was my favorite of the masks I worked with. I also think it takes experimentation with mediums and colors to get the look you want. I was happier with my first beach design than the others. I've seen examples of masks being used on patterned paper, with the pattern showing through the masked portion and it looks fabulous. I can highly recommend this product. It's fun and unique and there are so many ways to use the masks. If you love to alter things, use paint and ink, and - in other words, get messy and out-of-the-box with your scrapbooking, then you'll want to give the masks a try.

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Review by Catherine

I have to say first off that I adore Heidi Swapp products! I have found in the past that Heidi Swapp products are beautiful, well-made, and very budget friendly. The Heidi Swapp Masks that I was sent to review were no exception.

After designing pages and products for other companies for several years, Heidi Swapp branched out and began designing products for her own company. The Heidi Swapp Masks are a totally new concept in scrapbooking. Think of them like the opposite of a stencil. One need only place the mask down on the desired surface then paint, ink, or chalk over it. This is another Heidi Swapp product that I am now addicted to. I received nine of the original sized Heidi Swapp masks for this review. The masks that I received were Bats, Flames, Floral Bouquet Large, Floral Bouquet Small, Flower Patch, Hibiscus Large, Holly, Snowflakes, and Vines. Each of these masks is unique and beautiful, and create a great looking design on any scrapbook page. The masks are made of a very tough, flexible plastic and have repositionable adhesive on the back, making them stick to your page when needed but peel away very easily.

I began my review by using Chalk ink over the edges of the Mask. I used two different colors in order to make the image of the berries look more “Christmasy” on this page. I found that using the Cat’s Eye Chalk Ink Pads was extremely easy to accomplish with the mask design.

 

Christmas Cookies:
Products used:
Cardstock: Prism Papers
Mask: Heidi Swapp
Chipboard Kit: Heidi Swapp
Roll-On Transfers: Around the Block
Alphabet Stickers, Tag Maker: Making Memories
Adhesive: Adhesive Tech Permanent Glue Runner

For the next project, I used a portion of the Large Floral Bouquet mask to paint in the upper corner of this card. Regular acrylic paint is all that is needed to make a fun and funky design.

 

Thank You:
Products used:
Cardstock: Prism Papers
Patterned Paper: Basic Grey
Stamp and Punch: Stampin’ Up!
Adhesive: Adhesive Tech Permanent Glue Runner

On the next project, I decided to use spray paint. I used Krylon Stained Glass Spray Paint to go over the Flame mask for this fun boy-themed layout.

 

Hot Wheels:
Products used:
Cardstock: Prism Papers
Mask: Heidi Swapp
Patterned Paper: MOD
Spray Paint: Krylon
Acrylic Letters: KI Alphabet Soup
Foam Stamps: Li’l Davis Designs
Adhesive: Adhesive Tech Permanent Glue Runner

I have wanted to try using one of the Heidi Swapp masks on a t-shirt or other fabric project for quite some time. I figured that there was no better time than now. I embellished a simple canvas purse with a few Heidi Swapp products. This is my favorite of the projects that I created thus far.

 

Heidi Swapp Purse:
Products used:
Mask: Heidi Swapp
Paint: Heidi Swapp
Flower & Center: Heidi Swapp
Foam Stamp: Heidi Swapp
Iron-On Threads: Kreinik

In review, I found that using the Heidi Swapp Masks was very easy, and once begun I was inspired to use them in even more ways. I found the masks on sale on-line for $2.69 each, which is an extremely good value considering that these products can be used over and over again. Using the masks gives a very “artsy” look to any project with very little effort. I give the Masks from Heidi Swapp my highest recommendation. I believe that any scrapbooker or paper-crafter can find any number of uses for any of the masks in the Heidi Swapp line.

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Review by Eli

Heidi Swapp Masks: A scrapbooking tool that has a positive, negative.

For some time, many of us have used stencils to trace letters, create frames, begin drawings and the like. Heidi Swapp now introduces the opposite, the mask. By placing the low-tack cut out onto scrapbooking paper, you can use it to keep color off of the surface. Use ink, paint, chalk, or whatever you can find to apply a little color over the mask. The fun comes when you lift the mask off the paper to reveal a perfect shape, showing the negative space of the image. Creating your own backgrounds now becomes quick and easy. Each comes “stuck” to a slick plastic sheet, measuring around 6x12". I received a set of masks that included various floral images, Halloween, Christmas and flames.

For my first project, I actually used the mask as a stencil to cut out the flame pattern. The relative simplicity of the design made it a quick process.

Title: Melt
Flames Mask (Heidi Swapp)
Prismatics (Prism)
Punch out tag letters (Colorbok)
Blue fibers (Adornments)
Wizard embossing and cutting die [used to set all four eyelets at once] (Spellbinders)
Colorbox Cyan ink (Clearsnap)
A Fine Line...PVA glue and Permanent Glue Runner (Adhesive Tech)
Other: Blue eyelets

Next , I chose a floral mask, of which there were several options. I liked the look of the large Floral Bouquet mask which added some interest to my cardstock for a layout about a friend of mine on the day we visited the Botanic Gardens. This time I colored the image with white and yellow paints.

Title: Natural Beauty
Floral Bouquet large, mask (Heidi Swapp)
Prismatics Candle Glow Light
Paint for Paper, White and Simply Sage (Delta)
Letter stickers (Anna Griffin)
Brown pen (Sharpie)
Permanent Glue Runner (Adhesive Tech)
Other: make up sponge

Finally, I wanted to create a Christmas page and what better way to accent it than a row of Holly. I felt the image was a bit large for what I wanted so I cut it into two smaller pieces. After placing them on opposite corners of the spread, I inked over them. The soft textured paper did come up underneath parts of the mask but it was nothing that bothered me.

Title: Chez Gingerbread
Holly mask (Heidi Swapp)
Prismatics Intense Kiwi and Desert Coral cardstocks (Prism)
Punch out tag letters (Colorbok)
Christmas Splendor Stickers (Creative Memories)
Typewriter key letter stickers (Sticko)
Craft Essential definition sticker (JoAnn)
Fabric tag (Making Memories)
Fiber (D.G.I. LLC)
Green ink (Uchida)
Red ink (PSX)
Concho ring (Scrapworks)
Permanent glue runner (Adhesive tech)
Other: lace

One note of caution, do not use a mask on photos. I accidentally got a piece of the mask stuck on one and it tore the image.

Conclusion: Heidi Swapp masks are a fun product. Each one definitely got my creative mind thinking about the “negative” space of an image and how it can be used to the advantage in design. The product itself is high quality with an adhesive that releases from paper but keeps colorants where you want them. There is also a nice selection of images to choose. Recommended.

For more information visit Heidi Swapp