Today I'm sharing my art piece for another #100daysofStencilGirl day.
This was an easy and fun way to mass-produce ATCs. Stencils are so much fun to work with!
To see many ideas for using stencils, check out the hashtag #100daysofstencilgirl.
I used a Tulip sponge to apply acrylic paint and inks through the stencil Couture ATC Patterns L916 for the background, designed by me. If you want a sharp image, sponge off excess paint for a dry brush technique. If you want a painterly/blurry image, do not sponge off. The harder you press, the more the paint will spread under the stencil. You may want to practice a few times to find the balance of paint and pressure.
After the background dried, I painted flowers on each card.
After the flowers dried, I added black outlines and dots in the centers to make the flower colors pop.
Thank you for stopping by to visit. I hope you are finding moments of peace and joy throughout your day!
In this post, I'm sharing some beautiful colors....
I am diggin' Seth's pigment inks! When I get new art supplies, I have to get to know them - build a relationship with them. 😊
I usually start with swatching. I used StencilGirl® stencils to provide divided spaces for coloring. I added the rich colors of the inks right out of the bottle with the little brush that is attached to the tops. I colored on both white and black cardstock to see how the colors look. Aren't the colors beautiful?!By doing this, I get a feel for how fluid or thick they are, the opacity, if I need one coat or two, and if they blend nicely - which they do!I also dig how they dry matte - except for the four metallic colors which are awesome on black!I plan to use them for my greeting cards and in my art journaling - and I'm sure I'll find more uses for them. Right now I have a couple blank journal covers waiting for some splashes of color... 😉📚
This month's theme is "Artful Celebrations." When I think of "artful," which I looked up, it inspired me to create a piece of art inspired by Street Art.
This month's theme is "Gratitude." The Creative Team is sharing some diverse projects! I have a different way of thinking about gratitude. As I was creating this post, the scripture of the day was from James 1:2-3
Trials and temptations 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
Today I'm sharing how I made this vibrant vase of flowers. I'm working in my large Jane Davenport journal - that has fabulous paper to create on! It's a nice quality watercolor, hot pressed on one side and cold press on the other.
My first step was to spread Golden fiber paste with a palette knife through StencilGirl® Spring Flower Vase L406 stencil. NOTE: this was the first I used it and had not cut it out yet. I dig the little boarder that showed up - I think it adds interest.
After allowing the paste to dry completely, I wrote some words/thoughts with a Sakura clear glaze pen. The gel pen acts as a resist. I learned this cool technique from Pam Carriker at a retreat last year. After the words to dry completely, I spritzed the page with water and dropped color, dripping warm colors in the flowers and cool colors near the leaves. I chose purple as the dominate color for the vase, dropping in some other colors and spritzing water to balance the page. I repeated the process until I was happy with the colors. For a couple highlights, I used Peerless transparent metallic gold.
When I got too much color in any one area and lost the detail of the stencil design, I dabbed with a paper towel or baby wipe - which turned out to be so pretty! I will save and use for collage!
I thought I had the adjacent page protected, but the color spilled over, so I just went with it - spritzing and dripping more color, pulling in some interest by wiping away color through StencilGirl ® Swirl M197. Had a ball and my fingers got REALLY inky [insert joyful face!].
Shout Out:MaryBeth Shaw for creating an awesome company that provides so many ideas for creating. I never know stencils could be so much fun!
This month's theme is "Favorite Craft/Art Books". The Creative Team has been sharing some cool books and awesome techniques! My blog post involves glass... Here's a little peek:
The theme was a challenge for me as I have MANY favorites!! :)
Please visit my post at the StencilGirl® Talk Blog to see the the full project(s) and a link to a video.
To celebrate, I'm giving away stencils with my new designs!
For a chance to win:
Leave a comment on this post and tell me how you would use the stencils in your artwork.
Leave the comment before June 21st noon USA Eastern time.
I'll pick 3 comments at random (2 USA, 1 outside USA) to receive one large and one small stencil.
Please be sure to include your email address.
I'll post the winners on my blog on June 22nd and also send email.
Enjoy reading through the comments to see all the creativity from around the world!
Now to tell you about the stencils and my artwork today!
I was inspired to create a brush alphabet and fun/positive words stencils because of how versatile letters are. Brush letters add flavor and style to any piece of art work. Letters can be used soft and subtle in the background, they can be used as elements in a focal point - they can be THE focal point! You can use the same letter over and over, or a group of letters that do not even spell a word, yet add interest to your art work. Plus, letters are just plain fun and part of our every day life!
Below is a two-page spread I created - can you feel her confidence!?
Before I get into the step-out tutorial, a video is available for you to see ideas and projects using the stencils.
Now for the step-out tutorial! In my Strathmore 400 Series mixed media journal I started with scribble writing using a Sakura clear gel pen. After it dried, I colored the two page layout with Distress Oxide Inks - direct to paper and also using a round blending tool. Since it was my first layer, I was not too concerned about how smooth or blended it was - just getting down some color.
Next I spritzed water to get that very cool effect that the Oxide inks make. I also used a baby wipe over my Brush Alphabet stencil (L645) to remove color and allow the letters to show through - this technique works best on darker colors.
For the next layer, I used Kristie's Diamond Dot stencil (L539) and a stencil brush to start adding depth and interest with the same three Oxide ink colors.
Added splatters with watered down Silks shimmer acrylic paint - staying with the same color choice.
At this point, I wanted to add some contrast. Using a darker shade in same color family that I already have on the background, I laid down some color. I chose Golden Turquois... so pretty! Before I added color, I added texture. I spritzed Distress Resist Spray in a couple areas through the Diamond Dot stencil (L539). I knew where I wanted my focal point, so I sprayed away from that area. NOTE: Be sure to spray inside a box or contained area and wash your stencil and any tools the spray touches with soap and water right away. The spray is a glue and will stick to everything it touches.
After the spray dried, I lightly stippled and swirled Turquois with a stencil brush over the resist spray. I also added color in other areas through the stencil. I brought in Golden Titan Buff and add a little more color with Oxide inks. I'm still following along in my color scheme.
Now to rough in my focal point - a face, Karen's Cool Attitude Large L613. I think she is fabulous - so confident! I used Golden Burnt Sienna - a darker color so I could easily see the image over my light backgroud. Since I had a lot of area to cover, I broke out my Smudgee to to apply the paint. I drew in a little face detail with a color pencil to envisioning her features and thinking about how I wanted to paint them in.
I started with her hair. To give it some texture, I combined Dylusions (thicker paint) black marble and Tourquois and used a paintbrush, picking up lots of paint and applied over the stenciled area. I filled in the gaps with Turquois. I added highlighted curls of black, Tourquois and Titan Buff with a little wooden stick.
Next I blocked in color in her face - not adding much detail yet, just getting mid tones and shadows in. I used Golden Yellow Ochre and Burnt Sienna for her skin tone.
I know what you're thinking...I covered up all the beautiful features of her face! No worries - one of the wonderful benefits of stencils is that you can lay the stencil back down in place and add back in her features. Please stay with me through the ugly stage! I'm trusting the process of building layers and imaging what could be...
After that layer dried, I smoothed out the color in her face with a mixture of the Yellow Orchre and Burnt Sienna , and also added some highlights and shadows. At this point, I thought she should have a scarf and I also decided to color her whole head of hair with texture. I'm just going with the flow of my mojo.
I also added words to melt into the background. Placement is so easy with stencils because you can see thorough the stencil to align!
For the impact words, I added a phrase from my These Jeans stencil (L647), coloring in with a Sharpie. I believe this is how we all should feel!
TIPS/Suggestions on using Alphabet/word stencils:
when applying paint, use a dry brush or dry sponge and dab off most of the paint to get crisp lines. If you want a different, more painterly look, use a slightly damp brush or sponge - totally up to you, go for the look you want.
press the stencil firmly to the surface and follow along the letters just as you would if you were writing the words with your handwriting - as with all stencils, be mindful of the tiny bridges that make the connections for the stencil.
use a thin paint brush or same color marker to connect the letters to each other to make them look seamless
if needed, smooth the letters with a thin paint brush or the same color marker
for words/phrases "in the center of an area," count the letters and start in the middle. I actually write them down so I don't get lost along the way. hehehe
for words ending at a specific place, start at the end of the word
I encourage you to take your time, just like with hand brush lettering
have fun!
Here's a photo of the supplies I used during my detail stage, in addition to the supplies I listed above:
Shout Outs: Sending a big THANK YOU and hug to Carol at StencilGirl® Products who is awesome! The background techniques were inspired by one of Vickki's wonderful videos.
I made the decision to jump in - in to Bullet Journaling. I've been thinking about it for while, learning about options (many youtube videos ).
What appeals to me about the concept, is that it offers a way for me to organization my tasks in visually at different levels and also allows me to integrate my artwork. I was already doodling and using color in my calendar and now I'm starting to do it in a more logical manner that works for me. That's what's great about it - you tailor it to fit you!
I'm using a notebook I already have. No need to buy a special journal (unless you want to - you know "bullet journals" are available ). The photo above shows my future log page. For each month, rather than drawing an outline of boxes, I'm using my March StencilClub large stencil (MaryBeth's design) to create boxes. I went old school and got out a stencil brush to lightly add color. In those boxes I'll fill in the things I want to make sure I get done. I will look a the page often as it helps to me to focus. There's so many in life want to do! I need a reminder to help keep me on track. hehehe
I admit I am a LLL - Life Long Learner! I love to take workshops, on-line classes, self-study courses, etc... - all in the spirit of getting better and better. That's one of the reasons I subscribe to Skillshare. They offer so many different types of classes! This week I'm focusing on my face drawing skills and I created a journal just for that. I used spray inks and stencils to create the cover on Bristol smooth. The March StencilClub set designed by MaryBeth helped me create a lovely background. I really dig the thick and thin lines in this design!
To assemble the journal I used discs. This method allows me to easily take the pages out and work on them flat, the journal opens flat, AND it's so easy to add pages and move them around within the journal. For years I've been using the Levenger Circa solution for my day job organization and found them to be a great solution for adding various papers/cardstock (plus the benefits I mentioned above) for journaling. Office Depot now offers a similar solution.
After the ink dried completely, I added a face and one of my favorites words to the front cover, punched holes, and added the discs to complete the journal.
Sharing a couple practice pages from the inside (I also sprayed the inside cover - both back and front).
Shout Out:Gabrielle Brickey does a great job of breaking down the face for drawing!
Sharing a layout in my art journal that is full with depth and color. I started this layout during the 2017 StencilGirl & Friends Art Journal Affair retreat at Kristin's Place - Ephemera Paducah!
Ephemera Paducah is an art studio and workshop space located in Paducah, Kentucky.
I had so much fun in each teacher's class and the evening events!
Back to the journal page... I added a base of color and marks to the background in Traci's class. When I received my new paints and inks from her line I thought what better place to get to know them than on this layout. As I was playing on the page, my December StencilClub package arrived - designed by Seth! I used the large and medium stencils on the pages. I love to incorporate faces in my art work and am always inspired by Pam's artwork so of course, there are faces - the profile is from Seth's stencil. I created those cool sketchy, dimensional circles using a technique I learned from MaryBeth.
I really dig the way the acrylic paint and ink layer, resist, integrate and play. So cool!!
Today I'm sharing a stamping tutorial with one of my most favorite stamp lines - Stampscapes. I sent this little scene to my stampin' sister Linda B in Canada - she is my Stampscapes swap partner for November.
To make the scene I started with stamping the cabin. I masked it with low tack tape and then stamped the mountains, stamping off first so they would be subtle in the distance. NOTE: when stamping, work from front to back - masking to preserve images. TIP: after inking up stamp, use a paper towel to dab off color on the bottom of the image when you do not want a harsh line. For the cabin, this allows space for the snow banks.
Next, I laid down a piece of scrap torn paper to mask the bottom of the tree line, stamped the trees behind the cabin in green and then removed the mask. I filled in any missing spots and added detail with markers.
Stamped off to add trees in the distance. NOTE: I inked up the just the top of the stamp so it would make smaller trees and they would look further back in the distance. Colored the cabin, added some shading and filled in trees with markers.
Added shading to the mountains and lights inside the cabin with markers. I also felt like the scene needed more trees, so I just added them in. This is one of the reasons I love making art - you see something you want in your piece and you just add it!
Next, I added in a soft sky with a marker, making horizontal strokes - leaving some white for clouds.
Added snow with a white gel pen.
Added dimension with glistening 3d paint.
To finish the scene, I added a tree branch and a fence in the foreground. With the fence being a darker brown, white acrylic paint worked better for the snow. I also added birds to bring life into the scene.
Is it ink or is it paint? I don' t know, but I'm sure having fun creating backgrounds with Judikin's Mica Gloss.! :)
I saw Judi a couple years ago demoing this technique and bought some of the colors (ok, I bought all the colors - hehehe). When I got home, I played with them for an afternoon and then neatly put them on the shelf. I recently took them off that shelf and created some cool backgrounds. I used stamps from Judikins, Seth and one I carved.
I'll be using these pieces for greeting card backgrounds!
There's a new Community in town - Alcohol Ink Art Community!! I have the honor and pleasure of being a contributor!! I'm so excited to create with such talented artists! When you join the Alcohol Ink Art Community , you get ACCESS to exclusive alcohol ink art resources. The library includes hours of alcohol ink painting lessons, projects, templates, guides and resources for learning to create, share, promote and sell your artwork online! All levels of artist are welcome and encouraged to join!
Here, I'm sharing a piece I did by dripping, tilting, dripping and tilting. Fun, fun, fun!
I used shades of blue (Ranger Indigo, Stream; Pinata Sapphire Blue), a little gold, a little white, a little black (Ranger Pitch Black; Pinata Mantilla Black [the shy one] and two types of blending solution on a piece of translucent Yupo paper.
Whenever I get new supplies, I like to get to know it. The first thing I do with new colors is create a color chart. For my alcohol inks (AIs), I actually dedicated a journal to getting to know my colors and practice techniques. I started with a 9x12" mixed media size journal, and had it cut in half at my local office store - economical nice size pages to work with (learned that from MaryBeth!).
I used a circle die cut and ruler to figure out how many circles I could get on a page, allowing space to write in the colors.
Next, I added a layer of clear gesso over the page. After it dried, I filled the page with circles using an alcohol friendly ink pens - I did not want the ink to smear.
I set up the bottles in color wheel order. I wrote the names, leaving some spaces - room for new colors. :) I used A and P to note the brand. For my Copic and Spectrum Noir ink refills, I use the marker chart I created as a color reference so no need to add them here.
I dripped color, not minding if it blended with the color next to it - actually I encouraged it, as it's one of favorite things about creating with AIs - the blending! NOTES and TIPS: (1) start at the top and work your way down :) (2) you can see how the different colors spread (3) do not open the cap over your color chart :) (4) have a side paper/journal to drip on before you drip on your chart to see how fast it drips (5) because you are working over gesso, you can blot color out while wet (6) have fun and embrace going outside the lines!
On another page I tested various pens and markers from my stash over the ink.
Over the years I have collected many pens and markers - thanks to all the wonderful artists and crafters who post their favorite pens and markers. :) I started with a layer of white gesso. After it dried completely, I dripped, dropped, and blended with finger (which was in a glove). I wrote with a variety of pens and markers. Now, I have reference of how they look over the AIs.
Sharing one last photo of the day - my desk space...this is what happens when I have blank paper and pens/pencils. hehehe
Shout Out: I have learned techniques from and been inspired by some awesome artists: Cathy Taylor, Alexis Bonavitacola, June Rollins, MaryBeth Shaw and many wonderful artist who share their talents via youtube videos. Thank you all!!
Today I'm sharing some messy fun! :) I spread medium through stencils on watercolor paper. NOTE: you can use any type medium/paste you have - you will get a different results depending on what you use. I made several A2 size pieces of watercolor paper at one time so I'd have lots of backgrounds.
After the medium dried completely, I spritzed water on two pieces of paper. I sprinkled powder on one piece and tilted it to move the color around. I laid the second piece of paper on top (I call this a kiss) and lightly pressed to pick up color. I then turned the piece right side up, and tilted, blotted, and sometimes added more water and/or powder, until I was happy with the result. I like to have light and dark areas on a piece. After the pieces dried, I used a slightly dampened paper towel to wipe away the color on the resisted design. I just love creating backgrounds with stencils - especially StencilGirl stencils (Stencils I used: S339, S319, L266, L213, SC-04-2014, SC-11-2016, SC-01-2017.) - such lovely designs! I'll use these backgrounds for greeting cards. For some some of them, I'll add a focal point, others are complete as they are.
The iridescent medium creates a more subtle design, yet very pretty!
TIP: Create a sample chart of your colors - get to know your colors. I used the chart below and the color wheel to choose color combinations for the backgrounds. I find it very helpful so I don't make brown when I don't want to. :)
Shout Out: These backgrounds were inspired by this video by Keren. She has a couple other cool techniques using powders.
I started with a background that already had color laid down from when I cleaned paint brushes off from other projects. I used a variety of stencils, paint, and gesso to create layers of color and design. I printed the digi face I made in Procreate onto regular printer paper, cut it out and adhered it on the page with gel medium.
After it dried, I painted her hair a base color of dark blue, gray and purple. After that, dried I painted her face. I'll just mention, at this point I poured a glass of wine - nothing like wine and journaling. :) I used variety of art supplies for the details in her face. To add dimension to her curls, I used high flow black paint in a Fineline applicator and a paint pen.
When I get new paints, or any coloring supplies, I like to create a color wheel with them. In Seth's set he includes a "yellow", "red" and "blue" which made it easy to create the other 9 colors on the color wheel. Since I took a color theory class, I think in "color wheel" and look for those 12 hues everywhere.
Love the beautiful rich, matte colors! The set also includes Buff, which can be mixed with the 12 colors to create a lovely "tint" of the each hue. Of course, I did not waste any paint. I cleaned my brush off in the art journal I made in MaryBeth and Seth's workshop I attended last year with my daughter. Click here to see the fun photos. Mary was there too!
I used two different texture pastes and a palette knife to create some interesting texture.
The yellow area is where I put the crackle paste.
After the paste over night, I painted a coat of white acrylic paint and allowed it dry. Next I dripped high flow paints and used a paint brush to encourage them to blend. I really dig how the high flow paints pool in valleys and creates rich depth. I had a lot of fun with this technique and will do it more!
On the left is a piece of cardboard (came with a paper pack) with three thin layers of Absorbent Ground - allow to dry completely between layers. On the right is a piece of watercolor paper.
All the Images and Text on this site are owned by the original creator, Trena Brannon. Please do not copy or use anything without asking permission. These projects and stories are shared for inspirational use only. Designs may not be copied for the purpose of publication or contest submissions. Thank you for your support!
I added a base of color and marks to the background in 
