How to use layering stencils for simple stamping

 

Welcome to the March Totally Techniques blog hop.  We are sharing ideas for using layering stencils which could be homemade using die cuts or using bundles like this Layers of Beauty version that I have created.  There are 5 stencils.  Start with #1 and work your way through all 5. 

After stamping your image gently attach it to a piece of copier paper or grid paper with some low tack tape.  Position stencil #1 over the image in the correct place lining it up with the image outlines.  You can then mark the position of the stencil starting at the top left with the notch in the stencil.  I've added pen marks for the corners of the stencil. 

 

Use blending brushes or sponge daubers to add colour to the revealed sections of the image. 

Once completed carefully remove stencil #1 and work through each stencil lining it up with the notch and corner marks.  Use the colours that suit your design. 

Once completed you can die cut the image or you can use the whole sheet on which it is stamped, however make sure you remove any tape carefully at a 45degree angle to reduce the risk of tearing the card. 

As you can see I die cut my image and added some extra die cuts using other dies from the set.  Again I added colour using a blending brush and added these extra leaves to my main image.  I use a little glue on the front of each stem to then adhere them to the back of the image.  

I also added a sneak peek sentiment from a new stamp set coming in May in the new Summer catalogue.  It's called A Family Celebration and has mainly the script font and a number of the words in capitals.  A great size and fresh looking.  I stamped in black ink and cut each word to add to my background of Wood Grain Wonder DSP.  

I added Wink of Stella to some of the petals for some shimmer along with a ladybird and clear epoxy dots to the Daisy flower centres.  I love a little #simplestamping and colouring in for an easy, effective and relaxing craft session.  

Enjoy the hop and gather the tips to create your own versions.

Thanks for popping by.

Happy stamping Zoe x

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Using Stencils and Masks to create a frame with Stampin Up Flowers of Friendship stamps

I recently shared some stamping at a socially distanced and number counted Stampin' Up! party for one of my customers. It was such fun and the ladies all loved the idea of being OUT OUT!

It was a lovely day so we sat in the host's garden and then were socially distanced while I shared some fun but simple techniques with the ladies.  

For this particular design I used the new Plenty of Patterns decorative masks and in particular this geometric pattern.  I stamped the pretty flowers from Flowers of Friendship Stampin Up stamp set and then coloured the image with Stampin' Blends aka alcohol markers.  I then placed the mask over the artwork and used a blending brush to add Pale Papaya ink and create a type of frame around the image.  It really makes the image stand out and adds to the wow factor of the card.  You can then add a sentiment, gems and bow and a matt layer or coordinating designer series paper (DSP) to finish the card. It needs few colours so is great for someone with limited supplies as well as more experienced crafters.  

Here is the same design this time using Fresh Freesia ink.  

 On this second example I also used some Wink of Stella to add sparkle to the petals.  It is possibly a little over sparkled as the pen chose to 'blob' just as i started but it smooth out ok. 

These colours are all part of the new In Colour selection and can be bought individually or as a bundle.  I also have a product share you can join for 5 months which will provide you with an ink pad, some ribbon, DSP, card, gems and Stampin' Write markers for £16.50 per month if you contact me for more details. 

The gems are really pretty as they are a little iridescent and really shine.  

Hope you have fun with this simple stencilling technique. 

Keep safe and keep stamping 

Zoe x

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More Stencils and mask techniques on our Totally Techniques Blog Hop

Welcome to our November Totally Technique Blog Hop. This month we are sharing ideas and tips for using stencils/masks.  I love getting inky and so went with the Basic Pattern Masks in the annual catalogue and first of all used my new blending brushes, which will be available to order in January from the Spring Mini, to add colour from lightest to darkest through the stencil for the card below and then I used embossing paste over the inky stencil/mask to create the detail on the card above. 

Most difficult part was trying to get a half decent photo on a dull day even with lighting these just did not want to play.  As my daughter, Liv said 'They look so amazing in real life!' You'll just have to take her word on it.  

So for the card below I used one blending brush and first of all added Balmy Blue ink directly from the ink pad onto my old Stamp a ma jig plastic sheet.  I held the stencil in place on my cardstock, but you might err on the side of caution more than me and so you may want to add some tape around the card to hold it in place onto your work surface.  I would also colour a larger piece of card that you can then use dies to cut the shape you want.  

Before adding any ink to the card  you need to make sure that you prime the brush before adding to your card stock.  Don't just swipe the brush over the ink pad really get it inky.  Then blend it into to the brush on a piece of plastic like a stamp positioner sheet.  When you are ready to add to the card start off the card to avoid any heavy ink marks.   The stencil will get inky too which is fine, but don't wipe it off if you want to use for a second card like the one above.  

As you add the darker inks then you can choose where you add different shades.  As I said I used the same brush and worked through the different blues including Coastal Cabana and Pacific Point.  

Once I was done with the inking I moved the stencil carefully to one side.  I then made sure the pattern was dry before die cutting with the Stitched Rectangle dies.  I layered it with white layers and added some die cuts from Stitched Stars and Painted Labels dies in silver foil card. 

For the top card I die cut a stitched rectangle from vellum and placed it under the inky stencil ink side uppermost.  I then carefully added a think layer of embossing paste and allowed the ink from the stencil to mix with the paste as I moved it over the stencil.  Be sure to remove the stencil carefully while the paste is still wet and then allow it to dry.  In the mean time wash the stencil and other paste tools. Do not allow the paste to dry on the stencil or it won't come off.  

I've added simple sentiments to both cards from a new spring set called Art Gallery and let the stencilled patterns be the focal points.  

 

Basic Pattern Masks

Embossing Paste

Stitched Stars Dies

Don't forget this is a blog hop so you can visit other international blogs to see their ideas for stencils and masks. 

Keep safe and keep stamping

Zoe x

 

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