AECP Celebrations: Stencil Techniques

Stencils are an inexpensive way to use many different mediums.  The same stencil can create images that look totally different.  I enjoy using stencils and have accumulated many different designs.
They are my favorite way to create backgrounds.

Here I made my own stencil using 120# cardstock and the Altenew Striped Leaf Cover Die.
Top Card
The top card was created by placing the DIY stencil over white cardstock and sponging various colors of green in over the stencil.  I adhered the cardstock to my glass mat then taped the stencil at the top so nothing would shift while I sponged.  Taping the top of the stencil allowed me to lift it to see where I needed more color as I worked on the card front.

I then used Altenew ink pads to stamp the layers of Build-A-Flower Hibiscus and cut them out with coordinating dies.

Bottom Card
I used the DIY stencil from the top card to create the second card.  Putting black under the “stencil” creates a dramatic difference.  i did sprinkle water over the “stencil” to create highlights.

I purchased Layered Dahlia Stencil A and B long ago.  Truthfully I forgot about it until I started this stencil class.  I found it to be truly amazing to work with.  I won’t forgot about it again!

I taped the stencil and cardstock to my glass mat as above.  Using three shades of red ink pads  and three shades of green ink pads, I sponged the flowers and leaves through the stencil.

I added just a small amount of gold to the very center of the flowers.

Stencil A is removed and Stencil B is lined up with the flower and leaf images.  For Stencil B I used a metallic gold ink pad to sponge.  That gave shadow, depth and a little shine to the card.

The Altenew die cut sentiment was cut three times, layered and adhered to the card front.

And then there is embossing paste.  It is so versatile and fun to use!
For this card I tinted white embossing paste with Altenew refill inks.  They are the same three Altenew ink pad colors I used for the flowers.  Its a great way to get a perfect match!
A subtle difference in this card is created by using a pale pink cardstock base instead of white.
I die cut Fantasy Floral Die in #120 white cardstock and sponged the colors onto the flower and leaf pieces.

The Happy Birthday sentiment from Altenew is die cut three times and brushed with Wink of Stella.

A few pearls complete the card.

Hint:  Embossing paste dries out even if you keep the lid tightly closed.  Tim Holtz suggest placing a piece of Press N Seal over the jar of embossing paste before screwing the lid on.  That will create a tighter seal and lengthen the life of your embossing paste.