Decorate a Metal Tin With a Mini Journal Inside

Hi Friends, it's Martha with a project that I have been wanting to tackle for a while now. I've decorated a metal tin that contains a mini journal inside. First I gathered some of my supplies to start gel printing on wet strength tissue paper. You could probably use regular tissue paper but be extra careful since it is more delicate. Deli paper could probably work too. 

I chose the paint colors in the picture above because I knew I wanted to use vintage black and white photos in this project and wanted colors that coordinated with this theme. I put some paint colors and stencils down on the gel plate and made a few prints. Then I lightly sanded the tin thinking that would help to adhere the tissue paper better. To be honest I'm not sure this is a necessary step but it can't hurt!

I started tearing pieces of tissue paper and using matte medium to adhere them to the outside of the tin making sure to use matte medium under and over the pieces. When the outside was dry I worked on the inside of the tin until all parts were covered in tissue paper. I tore off or cut the pieces of tissue hanging over the sides.

The stencils I used on the gel plate didn't show up well because there wasn't enough contrast in the paint colors I chose. So I decided to use a couple of stencils on the outside of the tin selecting a paint color (Paynes Gray) that I knew would show up and coordinate with my current color scheme.

I also used some gold paint to tidy up the edges of the tin.

Time to work on my mini journal. I used khadi paper to make my journal but you can use any type of paper you'd like - there are lots of options. Because I don't like to measure I used the tin to mark the approximate size of my journal. Note that since the lines indicate the size of the outside of the tin, I did tear the paper inside the lines I drew. I also doubled the width because I folded each paper in half to create the journal. 

Once the pages were torn to the correct size (I folded them in half and made sure they fit inside the tin) I rounded the corners of each page. Then it was time to add some color. I used Golden High Flow Acrylics in the same paint colors I used on the gel plate. I added the high flow on the papers, spritzed them with water and let them drip and move around the pages. I did that for both sides of the papers. You could also achieve this effect with sprays, inks or watered down acrylic paint.

To match the color scheme on the outside of the tin, I used Paynes Gray paint to stencil on each page. Again I stenciled on both sides of the papers. I wanted to create an interesting background for the vintage photos I planned to use. After the stenciling I added some spatters of gold, still following the color theme of the tin.

We're in the home stretch now! I gathered some vintage photos and bits of laces and ribbons to add a focal point to each page. Deciding which photo and which piece of lace to use is really a matter of opinion. I auditioned different pieces to decide which ones I thought worked well together on each page. As I was auditioning the photos, I decided to add a torn scrap of book page behind each photo. You can see that in the pictures of the inside of the journal below. To adhere the images and fibers, I used Dries Clear Art Glitter Glue (does not contain any glitter-that's just the name). Any strong glue would work.

I also added some pieces to decorate the top of the tin. Finally I tied a piece of ribbon around my pages to easily bind my mini journal.  With that my project is complete!

I do hope you enjoyed this project and will give it a try! All supplies I used are listed below.

Supplies Used:

Waves 6 Stencil https://www.stencilgirlproducts.com/stencil-Waves-6-erri-Stegmiller-p/s087.htm

ATC Mixup Missigman #1 https://www.stencilgirlproducts.com/stencil-ATC-Mixup-MissigmanArt-Marks-Rae-Missigman-p/l792.htm

Vintag Ledger Script Small https://www.stencilgirlproducts.com/stencil-Vintage-Ledger-Script-Small-Jennifer-Evans-p/s827.htm

Acrylic Paints

Gel Plate & Brayer

Wet Strength Tissue Paper

Metal Tin

Sandpaper

Matte Medium

Khadi Paper

Ruler

Gold Paint Spray

Golden High Flow Acrylics

Vintage Photos

Scraps of laces, ribbons, etc.

Book Pages

Glue (I used Dries Clear Art Glitter)

Follo me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/

My YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@madebymartha

Make a Stenciled Fabric Journal Cover with August 2026 "Washed Ashore" Stencil Club Stencil Set

Turning an Ocean-Inspired Stencil into a Fabric Journal Cover

Hello! My name is Kim Hamburg, and I am a mixed-media artist with a particular love for stencils. I enjoy discovering how a single stencil can change depending on the surface, the colors, and the way it is layered. Lately, I have also been interested in making journal covers, so this project brought those two interests together.

A handmade cover can transform even the simplest notebook into something personal and useful. It also provides a wonderful surface for experimenting with paint, pattern, and texture.

This month’s StencilClub exclusive is Washed Ashore, designed by artist June Pfaff Daley. June created the collection around a beach-inspired theme, drawing on organic forms found in the sea, including kelp, seaweed, plankton, and other drifting, plantlike shapes.

That was her vision, but one of the things I love most about stencils is that they leave room for each artist to see something different.

The large, flowing stencil immediately reminded me of bamboo. Its long stems, segmented joints, and narrow organic shapes made me think of tall plants growing together in a grove. I decided to follow that interpretation and use the stencil to create a layered fabric design for the cover of a small notebook.

Supplies

• Washed Ashore StencilClub stencil set, designed by June Pfaff Daley
• Small notebook or journal
• Cotton, linen, or cotton-linen fabric
• House paint or acrylic paint for the base color
• Jacquard textile paint in three colors, or any acrylic paint
• Stencil brush, cosmetic sponge, or foam applicator
• Posca paint marker
• Foam brush or sponge for applying glue
• Scissors
• Stapler
• Additional papers, optional, for creating your own journal pages
• PVA glue mixture

My PVA Glue Recipe

For this project, I used my original PVA glue mixture:

• 3/5 white PVA glue
• 1/5 water
• 1/5 gloss medium

For an easy-to-measure batch, combine:

• 3 tablespoons white PVA glue
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 tablespoon gloss medium

Mix the ingredients thoroughly in a clean container. The water makes the glue easier to spread, while the gloss medium adds flexibility and creates a smooth adhesive mixture for attaching fabric and paper.

Preparing the Fabric

For this project, I used fabric cut from an old pillowcase. You can use almost any fabric you have available, although I recommend cotton, linen, or a cotton-linen blend. Natural fibers tend to accept paint well and are easy to fold and glue.

Before beginning, make sure the fabric is large enough to cover the notebook you plan to use, with approximately one extra inch extending beyond all four edges.

Paint the entire piece of fabric with a solid base color. Depending on the original color and pattern of the fabric, you may need more than one coat.

I used regular house paint for the base, but acrylic paint will also work well. Allow each coat to dry completely before adding another.

Building the Three-Color Design

For the stenciled pattern, I used Jacquard textile paint in three colors, although any acrylic paint can be used.

I positioned the large stencil on the dry fabric and stenciled the entire design in white. Once the white paint was dry, I moved the stencil approximately one-quarter inch from its original position and stenciled the complete design again in green.

After the green layer dried, I shifted the stencil another quarter inch and repeated the process in yellow.

The slight shift between each color created a much more interesting effect than a single stenciled image would have produced. The three offset layers gave the design movement and depth. The bamboo-like forms remained visible, but they also became more abstract—almost like a hand-printed textile with intentionally imperfect registration.

When the paint was completely dry, I used a Posca paint marker to add small marks at the joints of the bamboo. These details emphasized the segmented structure of the plant and brought some definition back into the overlapping pattern.

The finished design created an interesting balance between botanical imagery and abstraction.

Preparing the Journal Cover

I used a small notebook from Dollar Tree as the foundation for my journal. I carefully removed the paper pages from the original cover, keeping both the pages and the cover intact so they could be reassembled later.

Place the open notebook cover on the back of the stenciled fabric. Cut the fabric so that approximately one inch extends beyond every edge of the cover.

This extra fabric will be folded around the edges to create a wrapped cover.

Attaching the Fabric

I used my PVA glue recipe to attach the fabric to the outside of the notebook cover.

Apply an even layer of glue over the entire outer surface of the cover. A foam brush or sponge works especially well for this step because it makes it easier to cover the complete surface, including the edges and corners.

Carefully place the cover, glue-side down, onto the back of the fabric. Make sure the design is positioned the way you want it and that approximately one inch of fabric remains around every edge.

Turn the cover over and smooth the fabric from the center outward. Press out any wrinkles or air pockets, then allow the cover to dry.

Once the fabric is secure, turn the cover over and begin wrapping the one-inch fabric allowance around the inside edges.

Before folding the corners, make a small diagonal cut in the fabric near each corner. This removes some of the bulk and allows the fabric to lie flatter when folded. Be careful not to cut too close to the edge of the cover.

Apply more PVA glue, fold the fabric over the edges, and press it firmly into place. Trim away any excess fabric as needed, then allow the wrapped cover to dry completely.

Finishing the Interior

To give the notebook a cleaner and more finished appearance, cut two additional pieces of fabric slightly smaller than the inside front and back covers.

These pieces will conceal the folded fabric edges and create a neat lining.

Apply PVA glue to the inside covers, position the smaller fabric pieces over them, and smooth them carefully into place. Make sure all the edges are firmly attached, then allow everything to dry thoroughly.

Reassembling the Journal

Once the cover is completely dry, place the original Dollar Tree journal pages back inside and staple them into the cover.

You can also replace the original pages with your own selection of papers. Drawing paper, writing paper, lightweight watercolor paper, painted papers, vintage ledger sheets, or a combination of surfaces could all be used to create a more personalized handmade journal.

The same technique could also be adapted for sketchbooks, travel journals, small albums, or handmade books.

Seeing the Stencil Differently

June Pfaff Daley created Washed Ashore with organic ocean forms such as kelp, seaweed, plankton, and other plantlike shapes in mind. I love that the very same stencil led me in another direction.

By seeing bamboo in the large design, shifting the stencil between colors, and emphasizing the plant joints with a paint marker, I was able to create a pattern that felt botanical, abstract, and entirely my own.

That is the beauty of artist-designed stencils. They give us a place to begin without telling us exactly where we must end.

I would love to see what you make with the Washed Ashore stencil set. Be sure to share your projects on Instagram and tag me so I can see how you interpret these designs.

Find me on Instagram:
Kim Hamburg — @gluepaperscissors_

Find June Pfaff Daley on Instagram:

@junedaleyart

StencilGirl Products:
Instagram: @stencilgirl_products
Website: stencilgirlproducts.com

How To Design Your Own Stencil-Bleached Upcycled Jeans

Hello Stencil Fans,

My name is Michelle (@michelle.schenker.art on Instagram), and I am a mixed-media and watercolor artist who loves transforming trash into treasures. You have likely noticed that my StencilGirl® blog projects follow this passion. 

I was doing a bit of wardrobe cleanup and was ready to donate a pair of old jeans to Goodwill when I realized I could reimagine them. So, I decided to play with my StencilGirl® stencils and some bleach to see what I could do to add these back in as a "new" beloved item!

StencilGirl® Stencil:

• Children, Our Future by Cynthia Silveri

Other Supplies:

• Jeans
• Bleach
• Fine-mist spray bottle
• Sturdy material to protect the jeans where you don't intend to bleach (I used a thick piece of paper and towels)
• Newspaper or a tarp
• Cotton rags or paper towels
• Low-tack spray adhesive or painter's tape
• Gloves and mask (optional)

Step 1:

Add 1/2 cup of bleach to a fine-misting spray bottle (this helps prevent unwanted drips). 

Choose a spot where you can work either outside or in a well-ventilated area. You might also consider wearing a mask and gloves.

Step 2:

Place a layer or two of newspaper or plastic on your surface to protect it (I used a tarp). Then, put a flat, thick piece of paper or plastic in between the pants leg and lay the jeans out flat. This keeps the bleach from soaking through. 

Step 3:

If you want crisp edges along the stencil design, use low-tack adhesive spray or painter's tape to secure the stencil in place. Then position your stencil where you want the design on the jeans, and tape it in place if you wish. Add some dry towels or plastic sheets around the stencil to protect it and keep bleach from getting where you don't want it. 

Step 4:

Once your stencil is down and the surrounding area is protected, spray the bleach over the stencil until it is damp, but don't soak it. Then, keep the stencil in place and use a cotton rag or paper towel to wipe up any excess bleach. This will keep your edges more defined. Once the extra liquid has been removed from the stencil, you can move it.  

Step 5:

While you may not see the lighter change color right away, don't worry. So long as it's wet enough to see it, the design will turn lighter relatively quickly.

Move the dry stencil to your next desired location and repeat steps 3 and 4. Continue with this until you are satisfied with your completed design. 

Immediately after removing the dried stencil.

This is after a few minutes sitting with the bleach!

Step 6:

Once your design is ready, immediately throw your jeans in the washing machine and run it. Then you can decide whether to put them in the dryer or hang them to air dry (it will not change the outcome).

Step 7:

Once dry, put on your new sassy jeans and walk your own personal catwalk! Maybe your dog will even admire them, like my pup Milo did!

Rock those new jeans and tell everyone that you designed them yourself. Way to go!

Cheers and have fun creating! If you decide to make these, please tag me on your social media posts (links below) - I'd love to see your creations. 

All the best,

Michelle Schenker

Michelle Schenker's website | Instagram | Facebook

Etsy | YouTube | Pinterest

Create Vivid Colors Using Alcohol Inks with Trena Brannon!

Hello Beautiful!

Trena Brannon is here on the blog today, showing you a fun, colorful technique with alcohol inks. My favorite thing about stencils is that you can use them with ALL THE ART SUPPLIES. ☺️  Full disclosure: MaryBeth taught me this technique. Over the years, I have made it my own, using the inks with stencils in different ways.

Today, we are using the inks to design our own fabrics for our models.  This technique works well with all stencil designs, both with large and small openings. 

Important safety information first: 

1. The inks can sometimes have a strong smell. Work in a well-ventilated area when working with the inks - open a window or have a fan in the room. 
2. It's ok to put the rubbing alcohol into a spray bottle. Never put alcohol inks or alcohol binders into a spray bottle. The inks and their binders contain resin. When airborne, it can be harmful to your lungs.
3. If you have sensitive skin or don't want to stain your hands, use gloves or a protective cream.
4. The inks can stain clothes and surfaces. Be sure to protect your clothing and cover your work surface. 

Step one:

Tape the closet stencil to a piece of Yupo paper and lightly spritz rubbing alcohol over the stencil openings. 

Step two (the fun part!):

Drip alcohol inks in the openings of the stencil. Use colors that blend to create new hues, and balance light and dark to give your designs more visual interest. If needed, spritz a little more rubbing alcohol over the inks. The ink will spread underneath the openings - that's ok. As the inks dry, they will define the shapes of the openings. 

Allow the inks to dry completely. The drying time depends on how much ink you have used. If you have dripped a lot of ink, you may need to let it dry overnight. 

TIPS: 

Use a toothpick to move the color around inside the openings. 

• When you do this while the ink is wet, it will mingle and create a smooth finish.  
• When you do this, when the inks are almost dry, you will create texture and your own unique design patterns. 

Step three:

While your inks are drying, you can paint your models. Use a small sponge (or paintbrush) to apply acrylic paint through the open stencils. You can tape the stencil down while you paint, or hold it down with your other hand. 

TIP: When you want a sharp edge of your stencil, use a dry brush (or sponge) technique, which means use a minimum amount of paint so it does not seep under the stencil. 

Step four:

After the ink has dried completely, use scissors to fussy-cut out your garments.  This is when you see how pretty your drips look in clothes! The vivid pops of color show up wherever they mingle and dry. How the inks blend is unique to this medium, and it's why I love creating with alcohol inks. 

Step five:

Lay your outfits over your models to "try them on" - during this step, I got warm, fuzzy memories of playing with paper dolls when I was little. 🧍🏽‍♀️👗👙

Step six:

Choose which outfits you want your models to wear and adhere them to the page. Adhere the rest of your models' clothes on the page however you want. Since it's summertime, I put swimsuits on my models. 🩱

I made a time-lapse reel on YouTube to share the steps visually.

Other ideas for this technique:

• Use pencils, pens, and/or paint to add hair, facial features, and make-up to your models.
• Create greeting cards for your friends/family featuring their favorite color outfits.
• Create several outfits in different colors for one model.
• Add designs and patterns to your clothes with gold, silver, and black pens. You can test the pens you have on the scraps of your Yupo paper. Be sure the ink is completely dry before testing your pens. 

Here are the Supplies I used: 

• substrate/surface: Yupo white for the inks and my 9x12 inch mixed media journal
• stencils: Couture Models, Couture Closet #1 Small
• color: Ranger, Jacquard Pinata alcohol inks, acrylic paints in skin tone colors
• tools: scissors, sponge dauber. low tack tape, e.g. washi tape
• adhesive: Matt medium in a container with a tiny tip
• other: Isopropyl rubbing alcohol 99% in a spray bottle, paper towels

All my stencils are on sale for the from today through July 30th! Use code: JOY.

I hope you have fun creating!!

When you create with this technique, I would love to see it! Feel free to tag me on Instagram @trenabrannon and/or Facebook at TrenaBrannon Art & Design.

Take care and stay positive! 

Trena