The Labyrinths of Thought by Frieda Oxenham

Sometime ago I produced a journal page for a challenge that seemed to work out so well so I thought today I would share with you how to achieve a similar effect using StencilGirl Stencils.

Here is the step-by-step tutorial: 

1.       Gesso two pages in your art journal. I used the A4 sized Dylusions journal. 

2.       Add paints and remove them through the large stencil from May 2016 StencilClub. Make sure to let each color dry thoroughly before adding the next layer.

3.       Add some collage. I used tissue wrap with big black letters (from 7Gypsies) as well as pieces of rose themed paper napkins (make sure to only use the top layer so the piece is transparent).

4.       Using the same stencil as step 2, add more patterns by spraying through the stencil with a permanent acrylic paint spray.  

5.       Add even more texture by using a rubber stamp and a black Archival stamp pad.

6.       Let some acrylic ink in different colors drip down the pages. Help it on its way with a water spray if necessary. 

7.       Add more rubber stamping with a text stamp of your choice. 

8.       Stencil on more pattern by using the same stencil as in step 2 and Titanium white paint.

9.       Now use stencil Blueprint of Archaeological Treasures and mark it out on the pages using a pencil. You can choose to do this mirror fashion or you can turn the stencil over, turn it upside down etc. till you find a way that pleases your eye.

My stencil has turned blue with paint over time. Tape down the stencil with masking tape to hold it in position while you mark it.

10.   Now start filling in the spaces around the shapes with a black marker (I used a Sharpie permanent marker W10. It can be hard to see where to fill in with black and if that happens position your stencil on top temporary to see where the black should be (i.e. where the stencil plastic is).

11.   Fill in the black spaces, apart from the frames around the rectangular blocks, with white little circles. I used a Signo Uniball white pen. 

12.   Outline the rectangular blocks with a thick white marker. I used a White Sharpie. 

13.   Add your chosen text where you want. I used text from a vintage book and added it bottom right. 

(C) Frieda Oxenham 2017. To see more of Frieda's work, please visit her BLOG.