Decorate a Journal Cover Using Stenciled Address Labels

Hi art friends, it's Martha and I'm excited to share a project today for my second StencilGirl blog post! This is an idea that was inspired by a mixed media artist named Cat Hand. I saw her video sharing this technique about 10 years ago when I first started doing mixed media and thought it would be fun to try it again. There is a link to her video down below.

I'm decorating a book cover using stenciled address labels. The first step is to choose a book you would like to use and paint the cover. I happened to choose a book that has a cover similar in color to the painted background I wanted. 

Next, it's time to add paint to those label sheets. I decided a mid-century modern theme would be cool for my book cover. Here are the paint colors and stencils that I chose to use.  I've listed the supplies below.

I used standard white mailing labels as you can see. For my project I wanted an off white background on the labels so I used a brayer to cover two label sheets with Titan Buff paint.

The next step is to decide in which order to use the paint colors and stencil shapes. Something to keep in mind if you are trying this project is which shapes and colors you want to stand out and which ones you want to be more in the background. If you are unsure practice first on a piece of copy paper. That's what I did. 

I decided to use the yellow color and this stencil as the first one in the background. This is the lightest paint color I used and it will look nice as a background color. I will use darker colors as I go along which will stand out more.

Next is the orange color. As you can see, I taped off the part of the stencils that I wanted to use. Another tip is to vary the shapes and sizes of the images.

This shape in green adds a nice contrast to the pattern and colors I have so far. Note that I am overlapping some of the shapes. I don't want to cover every single part of my labels but do want to spread out the shapes and colors so that when I pull off the individual labels they will have a nice variety of colors.

Continuing with this curly shape in dark blue. I want these next stenciled parts to stand out more. 

A rectangular shape in magenta is next - another nice contrast to what I have so far. 

Finally, I stenciled the shape that I wanted to stand out the most in turquoise. I love the way these colorful sheets look so far!

The last step before I start adhering the labels to my book cover is to outline and add marks to some (not all) of the shapes with a gold pen. This is optional of course, but I like this look for my project.

Here's a close up of one of the label sheets. As usual it's difficult to photograph the shiny gold, but hopefully you get a good idea of what they look like.

I used a thin layer of gel matte medium to adhere the labels. Starting on the right side of the cover I moved left in perpendicular rows toward the spine. Each row is staggered a bit and I left a small gap in between each label to create a tile like pattern.

This is what the front of my book cover looks like before I trimmed the top and bottom. I let that dry really well then followed the same process on the back cover, leaving the spine area open. 

Here is what my final project looks like. I like to add a closure to most of my journals (also an optional step) so I attached a couple of charms to a black elastic. I wanted to keep it simple so as not to detract from the busy and colorful patterns on the cover. I really love the way this bright and happy cover turned out! I have not worked on the inside yet, but plan to use the pages on the inside of this book to do some art journaling. I hope you're inspired to give this a try. There are so many different options with colors and styles.

Suplies Used:

Hardcover book

Paint

Address labesls

Stencils

Make up sponges 

Paint marker

Gel matte medium

Scissors

Stencils Used:

Mid Century Modern Vibe 2 https://www.stencilgirlproducts.com/stencil-Mid-Century-Modern-Vibe-2-Jennifer-Evans-p/s584.htm

Mid Century Rocks and Leaves https://www.stencilgirlproducts.com/stencil-MidCentury-Mod-Rocks-Leaves-Jennifer-Evans-p/s586.htm

Slices 6  https://www.stencilgirlproducts.com/stencil-slices-6-terri-stegmiller-p/s094.htm

I recorded my process if you'd like to watch the video:

Cat Hand inspiration video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvEYq7O2ImU&t=14s

Follow me at:

https://www.instagram.com/mymixedmediafun/

https://www.youtube.com/@madebymartha

Grunge and Neon Mass Make Tags

Hi friends! Consie Sindet here with another fun project for you. I love how inspiration can show up. This project came about because of a tag someone made me, a birthday gift of neon paints, and my love of reading and using book paper.

If you are looking for a delightful gift for a bunch of people, try this project! It is a great mass make. Let's jump in to how I made them!

Let's start with the supplies I used:

ATC Mixup Evan stencil by Jennifer Evans: L654

ATC Mixup Apter stencil by Seth Apter: L664

Feather Patterns mask and stencil by Valerie Sjodin: S939

Interesting Dots Repeating Patten by Jennifer Evans: S769

8.5x11 white cardstock

Cookie sheet or tray

Watercolors

Water spray bottle

Makeup sponges

Neon + black acrylic paints

Black Sharpie pen

White paint/gel pen

Book paper

Teabags

Paper cutter

Corner rounder

Scissors

Sewing machine

Black eyelet/grommet setter

I started by grunging up my white cardstock using watercolors in brown tones. I sprayed water onto a cookie sheet, added brown watercolor to the sheet, sprayed the cardstock a little with water and then laid it down into the watery watercolor. I flipped the cardstock back and forth a few times, adding more watercolor and water to get the color and darkness that I wanted. I also added splatter with the same browns to get a mottled effect. Let it dry.

To add even more grunge to the cardstock, I used the Interesting Dots Repeating Patten by Jennifer Evans: S769 stencil and a dark brown to add random marks all over the page. The final step to the background paper was to splatter orange neon paint all over. Let this dry completely. Then cut the cardstock into 8 equal pieces: 5.5" x 2.125". I used a corner rounder paper punch to round the bottom corners of each tag. Set them aside.

I then created the teabag overlays. Each teabag was able to be torn in half so it fit over the tag pretty closely in size. I used one of the masks from the Feather Patterns mask and stencil by Valerie Sjodin: S939 to add a multi-colored neon acrylic paint feather to each teabag. I then used a black Sharpie pen to loosely outline the feather. Remember to keep it loose and imperfect!

Back to the tags... using the ATC Mixup Apter stencil by Seth Apter: L664, I added a word on each tag along with some fun background marks with black acrylic paint. I kept the words the darkest and added the marks with a lighter touch. I did put the words on the bottom of the tags.

On my book paper, I stenciled the faces from the ATC Mixup Evan stencil by Jennifer Evans: L654 and then ripped each face out. I used one larger and one small face for each tag.

To add more neon to the grunge, I added touches of yellow to the faces and orange to the edges of the tags. The orange on the tags picks up the splatters that we did earlier!

I glued a set of 2 faces to each tag above the words. I paid attention to the marks on the tags and moved the faces a little this way and that to take advantage of what was showing. I also added a white highlight with a gel pen on the eyes of all of the faces.

If you do not have a sewing machine for the next step, glue or a stapler are great options! I folded the teabag over the top of the tag, then sewed with a straight stitch a few times back and forth across the top of each tag, leaving the strings for a fun messy look.

Using a black eyelet and grommet setter, I added more texture and function to the top of each tag. Add ribbons, string, a bulb pin, a paper clip depending on how you will use the tag.

I left the back of the tags blank for journaling, quotes, or anything else you want to add! Since these are made in sets of 8 from one sheet of cardstock, you can make 16 pretty easily for a fun mass make to send out as happy mail, give to your bookclub or art group.

I would love to see what you create using these stencils! You can tag me on Instagram and find me in the following spaces!

Website: AtopSerenityHill.com

Instagram: @consie_atopserenityhill

YouTube: @ConsieSindet

The Creative Playground membership

Using Stencils with Encaustics Along with Jane Monteith

Jane Monteith here. I wanted to share a few tips using stencils with surface inks and reducing the amount of bleed from under them.

I recently tried using Jacquard's brand new alcohol ink formula. As you may know, I've been a fan of their products for many years, including the Pinata Rich Gold. 

They've now created a smoother, finer type formula which has been renamed to Gold Leaf. There are other colors too, as you can see here.

They work great on the the surface of encaustic because it's non-porous, and alcohol ink is designed for these types of surfaces.

To hold stencils in place, we generally use a temporary tack spray. But with wax we can't really do that because it leaves a residue on the surface.

So, here's the tip.

Start by warming your surface with a heat gun. While your wax is still warm, sit your stencil on top, and using a brayer, roll over the stencil a few times to set it in place. 

This will prevent it from moving and embeds it slightly into the surface.

 

You can now begin painting over it.

Keep in mind you'll see all brush marks, dents and pinholes in your encaustic because of the light reflecting off the metallic ink. 

I used the gold leaf formula with an old paint brush. Probably should have used a better brush. So don't be me. Use a foam brush or a nice soft bristle one. 

Once the surface is painted, leave it to dry and then simply peel back the stencil.

I ended up with a big pinhole in mine because I over heated (wasn't wearing my glasses to see what I was doing). 

But, we can fix that with the ink!

We can also fix any areas that did bleed. There were a few on the outer edges and a little bit in the middle. 

I suggest using a micro-makeup applicator for getting rid of excess ink. I use them ALL the time for things like this. 

I also use Jacquard's Claro-Extender (aka blending solution) because this isn't as harsh as rubbing alcohol. 

It's also great for cleaning the ink off your stencils. 

Once you've removed the unwanted ink, you can go back in with more ink on a fresh applicator and cover areas with more gold. 

You can also fill in any small holes, like the pin hole I created :)

You may decide to scrape away areas, too. I wasn't very happy with the overall look so I created a few guidelines guidelines with my ruler and removed the unwanted sections. 

I ended up with a more interesting pattern. 

To finish, lightly fuse with your heat gun to set it in place. Don't over fuse or the alcohol ink with burn and separate. Just a light touch is all you need :)

Whether you use stencils to create inlays or for surface patterns using inks, they're a great way to add interest to your encaustic work. 

The stencil I have used is called Linework.  It and all of my stencils are on sale until May 28th.  Use code ENCAUSTIC to get 20% off. 

Stay creative.

xo Jane.

Stitches, Stencils & Hoops an up-cycled decor project

It’s time for a wall refresh in my studio!

Hello friends, 

Tina here from Tina Hois Art  

Each season I like to update some of the decor in my art studio. This year I am in the midst of renovations and have a small corner that I craft in so I will update it with just a little somethin~somethin.

I had these embroidery hoops from a previous thrift shop and they inspired me with the perfect idea for my little corner ~ stitched wall art!

Off I went gathering the few supplies needed for this project (see supply list below).

I decided on denim as my fabric and the pretty stencil created by Jane Chipp.

The stencil is titled Seed Heads which is very fitting for this time of year before everything starts blooming. 

Visit the Stencil Girl Products page for this particular stencil and discover a multitude of ways to incorporate it in your art. 

I will be slow stitching it.

STEP 1 :

Trace the stencil on to the fabric with a gel pen

STEP 2:

With your favourite colours start filling in the seed heads and the stem. 

Remember this is about enjoying the process and does not need to be perfect. 

Just like Nature, be imperfectly perfect. 

By the way I am by no means an embrydery expert, I just basically place the needle in the fabric and out 

until my seed head was filled. 

STEP 3:

With a cotton swab add some bleach circles. This will add another layer of interest  to the fabric.

If bleach is not your thing create circles with acrylic ink or simply leave as is. 

STEP 4 :

Select the appropriate size hoop and remember you can always go bigger for a differenc statement.

STEP 5:

Create more texture with adorable seed stitches

I hope you enjoyed this quick and simple project and remember if stitching is not your thing use acrylic ink or modeling paste that has been mixed with your custom colour!

Most of all enjoy the process and be proud of the outcome!

Until next time!

T.

SUPPLY LIST

Stencil  Seedhead Silhouettes

Embroidery Thread

Fabric

Embroidery needle

Scissors

Embroidery hoop

 

"Make A Chinoiserie Inspired Accordian House using Stencil Club Stencils 5/26 "In the Wind" by Dee Dee Catron

Some materials carry memory without asking for attention. Maple seed pods—the ones we called “helicopters” growing up—are like that. They drift, they spin, and they show up where you least expect them. Quiet, familiar, and just a little bit playful.

Chinoiserie Inspired Accordian House using "In the Wind" Stencils

This month’s StencilClub set, In The Wind, designed by Dee Dee Catron, captures that same sense of quiet movement. The designs are rooted in nature but feel lifted—suspended mid-air. There are delicate maple seed forms scattered in allover patterns, birds resting on wires in a moment of pause, and one stencil in particular that leans into something more decorative, more historical. A repeating composition of birds, leaves, and branches that immediately called to mind the elegance of Chinoiserie—that Western interpretation of Eastern motifs, filtered through imagination and ornament.

I’m Kim Hamburg, a mixed media collage artist, and when I saw that pattern, I didn’t think “print”—I thought wallpaper. Not the kind you roll onto drywall, but the kind you build slowly, page by page, layer by layer, until it becomes something you can hold.

The House That Unfolds

This project became an accordion book shaped like a row of houses—something that feels both architectural and intimate, like a street you’ve walked a hundred times.

To begin, I cut six pieces of 4x6" cardstock into simple house shapes. There’s no template here—just trim a triangle off each side of the top edge until it resembles a roofline. Imperfect is better. You can make as many houses as you like, depending on how long you want your book to stretch.

4" x 6''    Cut Paper Pieces

Cut Each Piece into a House Shape then Paint with Solid Color

Each house was painted with a beige chalk paint—a quiet, neutral ground. I wanted something that would echo aged walls, the kind that have absorbed years of light and shadow. Once dry, I used a lighter tone and a sponge (or foam) brush to apply the Chinoiserie-inspired stencil. Not perfectly. Not evenly. Just enough to suggest wallpaper that has lived a little.

Then came the contrast. Using black acrylic paint and a blending brush, I added the “birds on a wire” stencil—carefully placing it only along the top or bottom edges of each house. It acts as a visual anchor, a horizon line of sorts, holding the softness of the background in place.

Once everything dried, I edged each house lightly with black paint. This step is subtle but important—it defines the shape, gives it structure, and makes each piece feel finished.

Building the Book

The construction is where it all comes together—literally.

Linen Fabric Hinge (double sided tape)

I used double-stick tape (I used the Gorilla brand) and strips of linen fabric to hinge the houses together. Tape one side of the fabric to the back edge of a house, then attach the next house using the exposed adhesive. Repeat this process until all the houses are connected in a continuous accordion.

The fabric hinge gives the structure flexibility and durability, allowing the book to expand and contract with ease. It also introduces a softness—a tactile contrast to the painted surfaces.

The Story in the Details

Once assembled, the real work begins—the part that turns structure into story.

I collaged windows, fragments of imagery, and small details onto each house. A suggestion of life inside. A glimpse of narrative without explanation. I added marks—lines, scribbles, gestures that feel almost like handwriting, though they say nothing specific.

Adding Collage Elements like windows and doors

That’s the beauty of these accordion books: they’re endlessly adaptable. I’ve seen them filled with photographs, layered with fabric, even used as visual journals. Each page can hold its own moment, or contribute to a larger rhythm across the whole piece.

And like those maple “helicopters,” the work doesn’t land in one fixed place. It moves—through memory, through interpretation, through the viewer’s own experience.

All done!

Supplies

• May 2026 Stencil Club Stencil Set by Dee Dee Catron, "In The Wind"
• 4x6" cardstock (6 pieces, or more) 
• Scissors
• Double-stick tape (I used Gorilla brand)
• Scrap fabric (I used linen)
• Acrylic paint and/or chalk paint
• Blender brush and/or foam (sponge) brush
• Collage elements (vintage papers, imagery, ephemera)
• Glue

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In The Wind is available exclusively to StencilClub members who join by May 15, 2026, and will ship the day you join. Membership includes 25% off all regular collection stencils, a project and PDF from the featured artist, and an additional members-only project from me.

Follow Dee Dee Catron on Instagram @deedeecatron
Explore more at @stencilgirl_products and www.stencilgirlproducts.com
Join StencilClub here: www.stencilgirlproducts.com/stencilclub

If you make your own version of this accordion house, I’d love to see where it takes you. Tag me on Instagram @gluepaperscissors_ and share your work—because every house, every page, every mark tells a different story.