Get Crazy with Stencils!

Hi all! I’m here to do a tutorial with stencils. Susana has so many cool STENCILS! I’ve had so much fun playing around with them, that I thought I’d share. Stencils can be used in sooo many ways!

Okay, let's get the party started!  Besides your stencil and the medium you will be using, you will need removable tape (I'm using Scotch Removable Tape), a scraping tool (to use with the embossing paste - here I am using the Tsukineko Squeegee) and some sponge daubers.  

For my first sample, I'm using Crafters Workshop "Flames" Stencil with Ranger Distress Inks. However you can use any type of ink you wish (Memento, etc.).  Tape your stencil down with the removable tape.  With your sponge dauber begin sponging ink onto the stencil.  If you are using several colors, start with the lightest and work toward the darkest.  When done, remove the stencil.

How about using Dreamweaver Embossing Paste? 

Marti & Suzanne have done some excellent videos on using Stencils & different mediums. So to avoid reinventing the wheel, I will list them here for you to check out. They are fun & cool!
Marti - Embossing with Stencils
Marti - Dreamweaver Embossing (Part 1 of 3)
Marti - Dreamweaver Embossing (Part 2 of 3)
Marti - Dreamweaver Embossing (Part 3 of 3)
Suzanne - Fun with Dreamweaver Products

Here I used the Dreamweaver "Small Damask Background" Stencil with Dreamweaver Translucent Embossing Paste and Goldfinch, Kimono Red & Navajo Sky Mica Powders on black cardstock.  So pretty - much sparklier IRL.

As seen in Marti's 1st Video, you can also dry emboss with stencils.  For this next piece, I dry embossed using my Bigshot and the Crafters Workshop Flames Stencil.  While the stencil was still taped to the cardstock, I rubbed my Versamark Ink Pad over the stencil to catch the raised areas.  I then removed the stencil and dusted on Dreamweaver Goldfinch and Kimono Red Mica Powders.

How about Chalk for a very subtle beautiful effect? I used the Dreamweaver "Small Damask Background" Stencil with various chalk shades.  I also used the Crafters Workshop "Bamboo" Stencil with various green, brown and yellow chalk shades. Gives a very soft, subtle effect.

Do ya love to spritz?  I do!  Using the Workers Craftshop "Circle Explosion" Stencil, after taping it down, I played around, spritzing with Maya Mists "Metallic Lime" (left side) and Smooch Spritz "Gingersnap" (right side).  So pretty IRL - love the shimmering effects!  Be sure to spray lightly and be careful when removing the stencil.  

Spritzing the same colors (kiwi on left & gingersnap on right) on black cardstock - for a totally different look!

For my last project, I used the Crafters Workshop Bricks Stencil. I wanted the bricks raised a bit so I taped the stencil to the paper, then ran it through my Bigshot.  While the paper was still attached to the stencil, using a Jumbo Sponge Dauber, I inked it with Barn Door Distress Ink.

I then inked various edges of the bricks with Fired Bick and Black Soot Distress Inks, using Small Sponge Daubers.

Removed the stencil.  Applied Liquid Applique "White" between the bricks (quickly, not being particularly neat).

Using the end of a paintbrush, I spread the Liquid Applique out.  (Note - Do NOT heat the Liquid Applique for this project.)

After the Liquid Applique dried, I sponged some Tea Dye, Vintage Photo & Black Soot Distress Inks over the Liquid Applique and brick edges.

Lastly, don’t forget the obvious - stencils can be used to make outlines with a pen that can be colored in later with Copic Sketch Markers.

I hope I’ve sparked your creative energy and you’ll join in on the fun!  We would love to see your creations using stencils. Link any creations to the comments so we can enjoy them!