Painterly Art Tags with a side of Collage Paper

Hello Fellow Stencil Lovers!

I am so happy to be here with you today to share a favorite way to create painterly art tags to use in  all of your projects! The best part about this project is that you learn how to create some super quick and easy mixed media papers. I love to use these deliciously crinkly sheets as journal pages but they also make wonderful collage papers.

To begin you will need to gather some supplies. I am sharing what I used, but I always encourage you to reach for the supplies and colors YOU love.

Acrylic Paint

Paintbrushes

Art Sponge

Scissors

Pencil 

Ribbon Scraps

Recycled Safety Pin

Tracing paper

Shipping Tag

Watercolor Paint 

Water Mister

Hole Punch

Painterly Art Tag Supplies

To create your Painterly Art Tags, begin by painting the tag. I am using acrylic paint and my paint colors are in the same color family. I chose two pinks (Golden Titan Mars Pale and Liquitex Light Portrait Pink) and a white. I am painting with a one inch flat brush. Using a large brush helps to create lots of texture in the paint, making for a detailed interesting background. Let dry completely.

Once the tag is dry, position a portion of the Vintage Rose Floral Sampler Stencil (LL1027) over the tag. Using a sponge or flat brush, tap your lightest value of color (or white) through the stencil. Carefully lift the stencil  off the tag. Set the tag aside to dry and clean your stencil.

Spritz a piece of tracing paper with water. For a dreamy watery effect, like the one I made, more is better. For crisp images less is better. 

Place the Botanical Wildflowers Mask (L910) on the tracing paper and press down gently. The stencil will "adhere" slightly to the paper due to the water.

Using a flat brush, (I'm using a 1/2 inch flat angled brush) begin to add watercolor over and around the mask. You can blend colors together or keep the color blocked for a more interesting artsy effect. Be careful not to let your mask move as you paint. Do not remove the mask. Let dry completely. This might take a few moments because we want to ensure the paint that has moved under the mask with the help of the water is completely dry as well.

You can optionally use a stencil adhesive like Pixie Spray to secure your mask to the paper but you will not get the magical bleed of color. Also, you must adhere your mask to the paper before spritzing with water if this is the option you choose.

You can check your tracing paper by gently lifting one corner of the mask. Look for pooling paint. If you see any wet paint just lay the mask down in the same position and continue to let dry. (Guess what? You just made the mostly beautiful transparent collage paper!)

If everything looks dry you can lift the mask up and off the paper carefully. Lift one corner of the mask and peel up very slowly. Clean your mask and set the painted paper aside.

Going back to the original shipping tag and using your Vintage Rose Floral Sampler Stencil (LL1027) as a reference, use a colored pencil to sketch around the lightly stenciled image. Take liberties with your sketch and make it your own or trace the stencil design as is painted.

Lay your tag on the reverse side of the painted paper and trace around the edges with a pencil. Repeat for as many layers as you would like your tag to have. (I used two painted tracing paper layers for this tag)

Cut around the pencil lines to create tag shapes. Align these new painted paper tags with your original shipping tag and make a mark where the hole is and punch. Line up all of your tags and decide how you would like to arrange them. I like to use my shipping tag as a base and then layer my sheer painted paper tags on top.

Once you have the order decided, use a pin to secure the tags together. Add scraps of ribbon to the pin to create a pretty colorful tassel. I like to do this so that all the layers will swivel out from one another. You can alternatively thread the ribbons through the holes of the aligned tags.

Use these beauties for gift tags or to write pretty layered letters. They also make lovely fold out pages in your journal. Just use a piece of tape to secure one edge of the shipping tag to the edge of your journal page to create a hinge. 

And last, but certainly not least, these pretty painted sheets make wonderful collage paper. Just cut to size and adhere to your journal page using your favorite medium.

I hope you enjoyed creating this project with me today! By the way, my stencils are on sale for the next 2 weeks. Just use code  RM20  for 20% off. Coupon code good through May 27, 2205.

Happy Stenciling,

Rae

How to Transform a Metal Bucket with Distress Oxide Sprays, a Mask and a Stencil

Hello everyone! Jane Bellante back for another fun tutorial—this time, we’re turning an ordinary metal bucket into a whimsical, one-of-a-kind mixed media piece using chalk paint, distress oxide sprays, and some of my favorite stencils and masks.

If you're looking for a creative way to use your stencils and masks again and again while achieving fresh new looks every time, you're going to love this DIY decor project. Not only will you see how distress oxide sprays create stunning effects on curved surfaces, but you’ll also get ideas for layering rub-on transfers and adding finishing touches that tell a story.

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Materials Used:

• Metal bucket

• Chalk paint (2 coats)

• Distress Oxide Sprays (greens + blues)

• Open Bare Wisteria Vine Mask

• Rub-on transfers (I used a vintage Alice in Wonderland theme)

• Emotions and Feelings 2 Stencil by Carolyn Dube

• Permanent ink

• Makeup sponge

• Protective gloves (trust me on this one!)

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Step 1: Prepping Your Surface with Chalk Paint

I started with a plain metal bucket and painted it with two coats of chalk paint. This gives you a great matte base that helps the distress sprays really pop later on.

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Step 2: Using the Open Bare Wisteria Vine Mask

For this tutorial, I’m reusing the Open Bare Wisteria Vine Mask—one of my absolute favorites. I love showing you different ways to get more out of your tools. This time, instead of pastels, I used Distress Oxide Sprays.

A quick tip: wear gloves! I didn't, and I had stained fingers for days—but the results were totally worth it.

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Step 3: Spraying and Layering Color

I used three colors of distress oxide sprays: one green and two blues. I held the mask against the curved surface of the bucket (which did get my hands messy!) and sprayed in layers to build up rich, vibrant color.

As you spray, some areas will naturally blend, giving you that signature oxidized look that makes these sprays so addictive.

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Step 4: Don’t Waste That Spray—Make Prints!

One of my golden rules: never waste leftover spray on your stencil. After spraying, I immediately pressed a piece of paper over the stencil to create a print. These get added to my stash for future art journal pages or collage work.

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Step 5: Rotate the Mask & Repeat

I continued this process—rotating the mask around the bucket, spraying, and making prints—until the entire surface was covered in a colorful, organic pattern.

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Step 6: Adding Vintage Transfers

Once the oxide spray background was dry, I began adding rub-on transfers. I chose a set of vintage Alice in Wonderland images to tell a visual story around the outside of the bucket. The contrast between the whimsical characters and the bold background was magical.

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Step 7: The Final Touch – Stenciled Word

To wrap it all up, I grabbed the Emotions and Feelings 2 Stencil by Carolyn Dube and used a makeup sponge to dab permanent ink through the word "curious." It couldn’t have been more perfect for the vibe of this piece.

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The Finished Piece

This transformed bucket is absolutely adorable—a curious, colorful nod to creativity and storytelling. I’m in love with the way the oxide spray background brings the whole piece to life, and the Alice in Wonderland theme adds a playful layer of narrative.

Whether you’re creating home décor, art journals, or mixed media magic—remember that your masks and stencils are more versatile than you think. Try them with pan pastels, oxide sprays, acrylic paint, and more!

Want to Watch the Full Video Tutorial?

If you're a visual learner or want to follow along in real time, you can watch the full step-by-step video tutorial right here:

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Thank you so much for watching and reading! I hope this inspired you to look at your masks and sprays with fresh eyes. Don’t be afraid to get a little messy—just maybe wear gloves next time!

Find me at janebellanteart.com and @janebellante on all social media platforms.

Put A Bird On It StencilGirl® Collaboration

Hi all!  Tina Walker here with my latest StencilGirl® Collaboration project and post I call, "Put A Bird On It'.  What exactly is that, you ask?  Well...let me explain.

Awhile back, I sent 3 of my art friends a stack of eco-printed and dye-pot dyed papers.  (See, I have a problem when I get involved with an eco-dye or dye-pot dye sess and I want to dye #allthethings)

Each person created a journal out of the papers, in any shape, size, or form they wanted.  Each artist then selected 3 separate pages for the 'ground zero' or base layer of stenciling.   This is where it gets all special and stuff.  ;)  For this BASE LAYER + other, each artist had select just ONE stencil for the entire project.  Yup, just ONE stencil!  But that is where it gets fun.  Getting creative with all the ways to use 1 stencil gets my creative juices flowing.

Once the base layer was complete, each artist shipped their journal to the next artist in line.  That artist then added another layer of stenciling to the 3 pages, using their ONE stencil.  Once complete, they shipped that journal to the next in line, and so on and so forth, until each artist received their journals back from all participants.

As if that wasn't special enough, we had to go EXTRA SPECIAL for the finale, and finish off our 3 pages by 'Putting a Bird On It', using a variety of StencilGirl® bird themed stencils. Before I type anymore, let me share the cover to my journal.

Because we believe in sharing the love each artist video'd their work, layer by layer, for y'all to experience.  You get to watch it from bare page to finished page, for all 4 artists!  Love that!

I asked each artist to share a beauty shot of their favorite spread + a link to their YT channel video, so PLEASE be sure to check out each person's videos!  I'm sure they will full of inspiration and ideas.

Up first is Andrea Chebeleu!

WOW!  I love this layout SO much!  The colors, the design, and the subtle stencil magic!

Andrea used these 2 stencils in her journal:

Tower Stairs Small

StencilClub Feb 2021 

And don't forget about her YT videos, located >> HERE << 

Next, we have Nina Fickett!

This is such a striking page!  The layers and depth of color are incredible.

Nina used these stencils on her page:

Whimsical Waves

Tall Birds

Three Crows 

Want to check out her YT videos?  They are located >> HERE << 

Next we have DeeDee Catron

INCREDIBLE!  The bold use of black, really highlights the subtle layer beneath!

DeeDee used these stencils on her pages:

Catron's Orbit

Black Birds in Trees Invert 

And her video >> HERE >>

And finally, ME!  :)

Although the challenge was to only work on 3 pages, I can't wait to dig into this journal and finish her off!

I used the following stencils:

StencilClub May 2024 

Under the Sun

Block Print Birds 

Swallows 

And we can't forget my videos! 

Video 1 << HERE >>

Video 2 << HERE >>  (for layout above)

Video 3 << HERE >> 

I hope you enjoyed the collaboration!

Till next time!

Tina

Stencilling on Unglazed Ceramics

Hi everyone, 

Hope you are enjoying the year so far - I can't believe we are already four months down!!! Where has the time gone. I wish I could say it's been spending time in the studio, but unfortunately - life happens. However, I did carve out time to create these decorative plates after a recent shopping trip to our local Kmart (I live in Australia - it's still a thing here!). 

I first painted the plates with white gesso. While the plate was unglazed and receptive to paint, it had a grey tome I wanted to get rid of. Once dry, I then chose two 6 x 6 stencils with faces (create face and laugh face) to be the focal point of my decorative plates. I used a navy blue colour (night) which I loved, as the contrast between the blue and white was perfect. I used a paint brush to extend the image and fix up any places that needed a little more colour. I also used some white gesso to fix up any mistakes. 

I chose to add a copper edge to the plate, which I wish in hindsight I didn't add. But I was happier with it once I stencilled with the same blue around the rim. To do this, I used some washi tape to hold the stencil in place while I sponged the paint onto the edge (travel notes). I think this blended the edge back into the plate better. 

Finally, as I wanted these plates to be decorative, I stamped a quote on both plates. I used archival ink and white pigment ink with this. It really finished the pieces off. Now, the most important thing about these plates are that they are decorative only. I wouldn't eat off these, but they are fine to hang on the wall. There is food safe varnishes and sealers you can purchase - but I haven't gone down that route. However - if you are a potter/ceramisit like my mum, you can do the same as above on a bisque fired piece and sponge underglaze through the stencils. Just make sure you wash your stencils carefully afterwards. 

Here is a step by step video for you to follow:

Happy Creating,

Niamh

@niamhbaly IG/YouTube

Stencils Used:

https://www.stencilgirlproducts.com/stencil-Create-Face-Pam-Carriker-p/s646.htm

https://www.stencilgirlproducts.com/stencil-Laugh-Face-Pam-Carriker-p/s651.htm

https://www.stencilgirlproducts.com/stencil-travel-note-rae-missigman-p/s377.htm