Letting the Layers Lead the Way - A Mixed Media Zine with Stencils

Hello There!  Tiff here with a Zine project using some of my favorite stencils. What begins as copy paper becomes an exploration of stencils, resist, accidental FUN, layered paint, collage, and mark-making. 

Supplies 

• Copy paper 
• Stencils 
• Matte medium 
• Acrylic paint 
• Water 
• Instant coffee mixed with water 
• Black paint 
• Ephemera or collage scraps 
• Thread or stitching supplies 
• Tissue Paper 
• A journal pen or similar writing tool 
• Washi Tape 

My approach: I treat every transfer, stain, and imperfect edge as information. The surface keeps a record of the decisions I make—and the accidents I decide to keep.

Abstract Jungle - May 2024 StencilClub Collection

1. Start with copy paper and the first stencil 

I begin with a sheet of copy paper and my first stencil. I place the stencil over the paper, then apply matte medium through the openings. I am creating a resist rather than adding a visible layer of color, so the important thing is the pattern the medium leaves behind.I work with a light touch and let the stencil define the beginning of the surface. 

Wild Dreams Stencil (L949)

2. Repeat with a different stencil—and keep the surprise 

With the first resist dry, I place a new stencil over the paper and repeat the process with matte medium. This second pass adds another layer of structure without asking the image to become too complete too soon.While I work, leftover spray ink on the stencil transfers onto the paper. I did not plan that, but it creates an unexpected and appealing visual effect. The residue gives the surface a little more history, as if the stencil is carrying evidence from another piece into this one. I let this layer dry as well. 

3. Build a grunge effect with paint, water, and coffee ☕

Once the resist layers are dry, I start building the grunge effect. I mix acrylic paint and water with instant coffee, allowing the materials to move together across the paper. I am looking for variation rather than a flat, even coat. The coffee adds grunge and distressed qualities to the painted layers. It shifts the feeling of the surface and gives the paper a sense of age without requiring me to imitate a specific texture. Some areas feel soft and worn; others hold a stronger concentration of color.I move between transparent and more concentrated applications, watching how the earlier resist marks reappear or recede. A partial shape or faint pattern can be just as important as a bold one.

4. Fold the paper into a small book 📖

After the painted layers dry, I fold the paper into a zine. The flat sheet becomes something with movement: it opens, closes, and reads like a small book. Folding changes the way I see the composition. I do not need every section to match. The variety is part of the experience. Once the zine has its form, I can respond to the pages individually while still thinking about the whole object. Razzle Dazzle time !!

5. Add focal areas, collage, and stitched details 🧵

Now I add the final visual layers. I use dark paint through the focal stencils to make it stand out. The dark marks give the eye somewhere to land, especially when the earlier layers are light, transparent, or densely patterned.I do not cover everything. I choose where contrast will help the zine speak more clearly, then allow other areas to remain open and layered. A small dark shape can pull several quieter marks into relationship.Next, I incorporate ephemera and collage fragments. Finally, I add stitch details with thread and sewing machine if you have it. The stitches bring a physical, tactile line into the work. 

Inked Hands Stencil (S938)

6. Finish with found words and personal journaling ✍️

I finish with found words and personal journaling. I place found words where they can sharpen an image, create a pause, or introduce a new association. Then I use a pen to add my own personal messages. These final marks pulls it all together. Zines are such a great way to share a little art with a friend or your own personal collection.

What I carry forward: The strongest parts of the zine often come from embracing accidents, residue, layering, and experimentation. I do not need to know the final image at the beginning; I only need to stay present for the next mark.

I'd love to see what you make!  Tag me on instagram @southergals_designs and don't forget my stencils are now on sale through November 2nd use code ECHOES to get 20% off!