Stencils, stencils, stencils! I just can't help myself. I'm a stencil addict and keep adding more to my collection. Why? Well...they can be used over and over and over and there's so many ways to use them!
Usually when creating with stencils, you start with a lighter surface and add color. The other day I was doing a little experimenting and yes, you CAN use stencils on dark backgrounds. I'm loving the look! Here's how I did it...
First of all, I started off by creating this softly romantic card design.
The key to using stencils on black or other dark cardstock it to use pigment ink. Dye inks sink into dark backgrounds and you can't see them. While you can also add color with paint and/or embossing, I really wanted a soft dreamy look.
Pigment ink can be applied through the stencil using a sponge but I love these new Tim Holtz Mini Blending Tools. Apply ink to them and then lightly rub ink over stencil in a circular motion.
Designer Tip: To get a soft dreamy look, don't cover the entire background. I love just highlighting part of a stencil and allowing the color to fade off.
I've tried a few different pigment inks on these projects including Avery Elle, Memento Luxe and Hero Arts. I loved them all. One thing you'll want to know with pigment inks is that they take MUCH longer to dry. Put them aside for awhile to prevent smearing or dry them more quickly with a heat gun.
I adore these sweet little wood sentiments from Cosmo Cricket. Absolutely adorable! You may or may not be able to see in the picture but they come with tiny bumps where they were attached to the main sheet of wood. The Precision File Set makes quick work of smoothing them out with one of the many files included.
These pretty roses are lovely the way they come...all white. I wanted to add some color so I sponged them with the Rosebud Memento Luxe Ink to coordinate.
For the last step, adhere on all the wood and embellishments. I like adhering the wood especially with Glossy Accents as it holds it really well.
While I had all my supplies out on my crafting table, I decided to create another design. Nothing like procrastinating cleaning up, right? This design is a 3" x 5" tag and it's a much more masculine design.
Once again I'm stenciling with pigment ink on black. This time I've used white pigment ink for the stars.
A wood button is painted orange for a hit of color at the top of the tag.
To add in a sentiment, I first die cut an arrow from the MFT Lead the Way die set and then stamped it with a Hero Arts stamp from their Anything Can Happen Set.
Thanks for joining me today in the CLASSroom! Happy creating and have a fabulous weekend!
