I have been stenciling since I was 20, so that is 27 years of stenciling (yes you just guessed my age! lol) I started stenciling on fabric, then walls, then baby clothes, then tiles and floors and rug/matts, holiday paper, paper for cards, quilt blocks well you get the idea. I have even stenciled walls in homes for money!
My favorite is stenciling on walls or paper. I have created a few photos for you to show you how not only to create your OWN stencil but to use it to make a 12x12 scrapbook paper! There is a special way to stencil on fabric, but I wont talk about it today.
I used my big shot and the So Shellie Favorite die cut "Tulipe". I bought some stencil plastic at a craft store (yes it really is blue so you can see it) and I used the die cut and the plastic in my big shot and created this lovely stencil!
I am sorry that the black tulipe die cut doesnt show well, but I know you get the idea!
I then used a sheet of very vanilla 12x12 cardstock and layed the stencil in the upper left corner, please notice in the photo that I DO have some of it off the page onto the grid paper.
now I used creamy caramel classic ink and a sponge just like you would on any other card project
it just looks so elegant and vintage! check out the next step....
And now here is the finished page- it took me LESS than 4 minutes to stencil this page. please notice that I have turned the stencil so that all the shapes are not going the same way.
Now think of the applications this technique can have to your walls, your papers, projects etc.... When I stencil walls, I use acrylic paint on a paper plate and I use a specific stencil brush with a pink handle! When I stencil on paper/cardstock I use a sponge and SU classic ink. Now think how this will look cut up and made into cards too! I am going to keep this page for vintage photos of my family.
Here are some other tips I found on a website I have added my own thoughts in parantheses ()
How to Basics: Stenciling
By Brenda Hyde
Stenciling is an ancient tradition that was practiced by the Egyptians, Romans, and the Japanese. It truly is an old fashioned art form. Luckily for us, it's one that is simple to master with the right tools and techniques.
The key to stenciling is patience. It's not a quick process. It's one that needs to be done little by little with a slow hand and a focus on what you are trying to accomplish. Here are some tips to help you with your projects:
-Flat and satin surfaces stencil easiest. The glossier the surface the more difficult it is for the paint to adhere. If you are trying to stencil a glossy area, lightly sand it first with a very fine sandpaper. After the stencil is completed you can coat it with a glossy sealer to restore the shine. (she is referring to walls, floors etc, when stenciling on fabric, paper or cardstock you will not need a finish coat)
-Color Tips: You will need a different brush (or sponge) for each color you are using in your project. Stenciling is basically a "dry brush" technique and trying to rinse the brush in-between the colors would take too long because the brush needs to be completely dry when you stencil. When using more than one color start with the lightest color, allow each one to dry, then continue on with the colors, doing the darkest last.
-The Stencil: Painter's masking tape that is removable can be used to adhere the stencil to the surface you are working on. You can also use a low-tack adhesive spray. Both work well, but everyone has their preference. Try both and see how it works for you.
-Painting: As mentioned this is a "dry" technique. It's a process of dabbing the brush in the paint, then using a circular motion on a paper towel or clean rag to remove excess paint. Do this 2-3 times. You will end up with very little paint on the brush, and it will appear dry, but then you brush or dab on the stencil at this point, then repeat the technique until the color is the way you want it. It's a process of layering on the color...there is no rushing.
-Positioning: You can use a chalk line or a chalk pencil to mark where you need to stencil your design. Make sure it's even with a level or by measuring from the bottom up to the design all along the area you are working on.
-Cleaning: After washing your brush, stand it upright to dry and reshape it by placing a rubber band around the bristles after they dry. Let them dry completely before using again. Wash stencils with dish soap and warm water. If adhesive builds up on the stencil you can use mineral spirits to remove it. If you are using an oil based paint you'll need to clean tools with paint thinner. (when I am stenciling walls I put the rubber band around the brush bristles before I dab it in the paint)
Each project will have it's own instructions and variations, but these tips should help you with small projects as well as large adventurous jobs such as a wall border or mural. Always start out small, and try practice projects before taking on large ones.
I hope this inspires you to use your big shot and cut out some stencils from the dies you have and stencil some cardstocks to create cards or scrap pages or even your walls! Wait till you see the NEW Decor Elements Catalog and the fantastic new selection of pre cut stencils in it! I cant wait to get a few.
if you have any questions feel free to email me or post them here and I will answer them!
have a fantastic day!
