Have a heart! Or two. Or five. Or a dozen!

Cecilia Swatton here, getting ready for Valentine’s Day or any other occasion to brighten with hearts!

I use leftovers in creating three-dimensional heart embellishments for greeting cards, memo magnets, hanging ornaments, art journal cover decoration, lapel pins, earrings, etc.

In this  project, I’m using 6” x 6” StencilGirl® Pavilion Shadows with heavy-body black acrylic paint and 6” x 6” StencilGirl® Ski Lift Works with heavy-body red acrylic paint. Dollops of these paints, as well as heavy-body gold and white acrylic paints, are waiting on my tablet of disposable palette paper. 

After I’m done using paints for my painting-in-progress, I place wooden craft hearts into the leftover dollops of wet paint.  When I lift them, they’re partially coated with paint. Next, I double-dip each heart to load it with a second color. I repeat this till all leftover paints are used. 

After my first set of hearts dry, they’re ready to become embellishments on a Valentine greeting card. More newly-dry painted hearts are going a step further – into bling!  After placing them in a beading tray, I add glitter glue and miniature iridescent beads.

My second way to use leftovers starts with scraps of stencil-printed papers.  Today’s example is a foil scrap. I flip the scrap backside-up and freehand-draw 2 hearts.  Or you can use wooden hearts as tracing templates. After cutting out the heart shapes, I glue them to a Valentine card atop a lace doily.

I have another paper that was left over from an earlier project, when I’d printed it using 6” x 6” ” StencilGirl® Sprigs and 6” x 6” ” StencilGirl® Ivy Frame 6 Stencil.  From this paper scrap, I cut a column to place on a card.  After gluing a number of craft wooden hearts to the back of the remaining scrap, I start to cut them out so I can glue them to the Valentine with the column, as well as other Valentines.

Here are today’s finished greeting cards:

Mary Beth Shaw's VLOG: January 2021

We hope you enjoyed this episode of Mary Beth's VLOG!

Stay tuned!

Mary Beth Shaw will be back again next month with another new VLOG post!

Mask it Journal by Sunila & Aditi

Hello,

Hope you've had a great start to 2021 and have a crafty year ahead. Today we are back with another video project for you all. Inspired by the theme- Masks we decided to create a layered journal page using masking tape, stencils and acrylics. 

We chose our black journal for this one and love the result we've achieved. 

Here's a look at our page

Here's the video tutorial to create this:

This was a fun play in our journal. Add strips of masking tape, and play with paint with a brayer. Layer light to dark with Carnation, Heather, and Magenta;  and add hints of Turquoise and Lemon for the pop.

 

We've used two stencils with the same colors, adding layers to our page. The stencils used are-  L663- Van Vorst by Nathalie Kalbach,  August 2019 Stencil Club 

For our focal, we used the Butterfly Mask and Stencil (Stencil Club March, 2020) and fussy cut it. 

This freedom in play is what we enjoy the most in our journals. 

Supplies used:

Stencils - L663- Van Vorst by Nathalie Kalbach,  

August 2019 Stencil Club, 

Stencil Club March, 2020 

Masking tape 

Golden matte medium 

Dina Wakley- Carnation, Heather, Turquoise, Ocean, Lemon, Magenta 

Brayer 

Aall and Create Stamps - 375, 434

Versa mark 

Lindy Magic Moon Pearl

Versa Fine Clair Nocturne 

Art by Marlene Stickers 

We hope to have inspired you!

Happy crafting!

Beautiful Minds Inspire Others Collaboration

Hello!  Tina Walker here and Happy Monday!

Welcome to my newest StencilGirl® Collaboration Post and today, we are honoring artists who inspire us. ♥

Inspiration is defined as:  

Inspiration can come from all types of people, objects, surroundings, or ideals.  For the purposes of this collaboration, we are drawing inspiration from our favorite artists, both historical and current.  

Go grab a cup of your favorite beverage because you will not want to miss this post!  It is truly going to delight your creative heart.

(PLEASE BE SURE TO CLICK EACH PARTICIPANTS NAME TO SEE MORE OF THEIR PROJECT AND DETAILS ON WHAT INSPIRED THEM)

Up first is JANET SMITZ. She has created a beautiful mixed media canvas, inspired by Mary Beth Shaw and Seth Apter.

Janet writes:
"This collaboration somehow really challenged me for the simple reason that I’ve never really seriously thought about artist’s influences on my own.  Sounds weird right?!  After looking inward a long time, I came down to two top individuals and their styles of artistry...Mary Beth Shaw and Seth Apter.  This year I have taken quite a few online classes not only from them but from other wonderful artists.  Mary Beth Shaw has influenced me with her knowledge of using stencils in a advanced way.  Seth, through his, One Layer Away class, and many others helped me to not stop at a few layers but “More is More!’  Then to really top it off I decided to try my hand at freehand painting these dandelions.  Thought I’d try something very simple and straight lines!  LOL!  So after a ton of layering, color combining, stenciling, drawing, shading, etc.  It came out as this.  Definitely something that I’m satisfied with. This won’t be my last attempt of this collaboration type of painting now the bug has bit me!"

Stencils used:
Tokyo
Longwood Florals Mask
Triangle Transitions
Eddy Rose 6

Next, we have LEIGH ANN BIERMAN with a beautiful Altered Tin, inspired by Pam Carriker. 

Leigh Ann writes:
"Pam Carriker’s face stencils were the first StencilGirl products I purchased. After seeing a Facebook post featuring Pam’s stencils, I was immediately drawn to the beautiful, haunting faces and images she creates. I look at those faces and wonder what stories they have to tell."

Stencils used:
Love Face
Remember Face

Next, is LINDA WYATT with stunning altered wood cubes, inspired by Mary Jane Chadbourne.

Linda writes:
"I chose Mary Jane Chadbourne because I have admired and been inspired by her work for years. Her art is whimsical and colorful, yet detailed and carefully constructed, with unexpected combinations of elements."

Several of the stencils used are:
Manhattan
Judy Judy
Tapestry

Next, we have MARGIE HIGUCHI, with a whimsical mixed media canvas, inspired by Debi Adams.

Margie writes:
"My favorite maker is Debi Adams. Not only do I love her aesthetics but I know her personally which makes it even more special! Her creativity is beyond mixed media – she is so talented in paper crafts, home décor to florals. I am in awe of her. The mushroom designs in her StencilGirl stencils really spoke to me. Mushrooms are a staple in Japanese cooking…well, my husband’s cooking! HA! The designs she offers really makes me smile like her creations . I added pattern papers from my favorite Japanese scrapbook designer to create a whimsical woodland canvas. It may be simple but I love how it highlights Debi’s mushroom design with a tad of whimsy."

Stencils used:
Tall Skinny Mushrooms

Next up is MARTHA RICHARDSON, with an Iconic wood block mixed media piece, inspired by Laura Mika.

Martha writes:
"For this collaboration, we were challenged to create a project, inspired by one of our favorite makers. I chose the talented Laurie Mika as my inspiration. Her artwork speaks to my soul for so many different reasons. Through her travels she has been inspired by the past to create mixed media mosaic projects. Laurie uses symbols and iconography from various cultures to weave together a piece that is rich in color, jewels, bits & baubles to tell a story. Using polymer clay, stamps & stencils, paint & mica powder to create a base to embellish on with beads, jewelry components and words is the basis of her many pieces. On top of her beautiful mosaic pieces she has created a multitude of stencils for Stencil Girl Products that can be used in your artwork."

Stencils used:
Pilgrimage to Mexico
Alchemy

Next up is RENEE ZARATE, with a gorgeous art journal cover page, inspired by Linda Edkins Wyatt.

Renee writes:
"Linda is my inspirational artist; I have been encouraged over the years by her drawings of unusual faces with the use of stencils and her intriguing use of colors." 

Stencils used:

Talaya, Goddess of Rain     

Laugh Face     

Unfinished     

Next, we have SARA BRANSON, with a jaw dropping 16x20 in canvas painting, inspired by the well-known and amazing Gustav Klimt.

Sara writes:
"I am a huge fan of the art of Gustav Klimpt. He created amazing art incorporating repetitive symbols and patterns. I chose to paint this beautiful self portrait in Klimt's style and reminiscent of his portrait of Adele Bloch Bauer.  I even added gold accents similar to his paintings. Stencilgirl had some amazing designers who created the patterned stencils I chose for this artwork.  I am so happy with how it turned out."

Several of the stencils used:
Clouds
Random Squares
Tiny Grid Boxes

Next up is TRACY KRUEGER, with a wonderful mixed media painting, also inspired by Gustav Klimt.

Tracy writes:
"I was inspired by all of his tiny details. Everytime you look at a piece, you find new details."

Several of the stencils used:
October StencilClub
April StencilClub
July StencilClub

Next we have MARTHA CHRISTOPHER , who has created a grungy journal, inspired by Seth Apter.

Martha writes:
"The reason I chose him besides the fact that I love his grungy multi-layered style is that he is so encouraging and motivating to everyone who wants to create. He inspires me to not overthink and to keep going if I'm not happy with my work until I am satisfied. I used many of his stencils, stamps and other products.."

Stencils used:
Unfinished
ATC MixUp

Next, we have CHRISTY ANNE, with a bright and cheerful art journal page, inspired by Mary Beth Shaw.

Christy writes:
"I chose MaryBeth for many reasons. Her creative imagination is beyond anything I’ve seen in awhile.  I enjoy her creative use of stencils in her art and in her journals. She also uses tools and other non-tool items in ways I’d never imagined. Most recently, the use of calligraphy dip pens to add marks to journal pages absolutely blew my mind! MaryBeth’s stencil designs are the reason I found Stencil Girl and joined Stencil Club.

Stencils used:
Navigation Chart
StencilClub Feb 2015

Next up is HOPE MALOTT with an art journal page also inspired by Seth Apter.

Hope writes:
"Seth Apter as my inspiration, mostly because I love his grungy style and how well he layers paper and paint."

Stencils used:
StencilClub December 2017

Next we have ANN BARNES, who created a beautiful trio of postcards, inspired by Mary Nasser.

Ann writes:
"I chose Mary C. Nasser, artist, as my inspiration. Each time I look at Mary's art, it takes me to places afar. More often than not, those places involve peaceful seas and gentle breezes, warm hues of blue and green; reminders of sailing the Carribean Sea many years ago with my family. I created three mixed media postcards inspired by Mary's style and colors, as well as some recent pieces she completed for the Painted Paper Project" 

Stencils used:
Navigation Chart
Ancient Mariners Map Mini

Next, we have KERRY MOLINA with a soft and delicate flag book/journal, inspired by Rae Missigman.

Kerry writes:
"I chose Rae Missigman as my inspiration for this project. I find her so creative and her work has so much ease and playfulness.  Her abstract watercolors and vivid colors bring me a lot of joy.  Using her style as an inspiration, I made one of my flag book art journals." 

Some of the stencils used:
Botanical Stem
ATC MixUp
Grow Strong

Next we have MICHELE KOSCIOLEK, with a beautifully layered mixed media hanging, inspired by moi!  ;) 

Michele writes:
"Inspired by her creative style, her products and the person she is."
(awe - Thank you Michele ♥)

Stencils used:
Icelandic Church
Cathedral Floor
Vintage Typewriter - Lowercase

Next up is CANDY ROSENBURG with an incredible altered Dress Form, inspired by  Seth Apter. 

Candy writes:
"My inspiration is two fold.  First, I channelled my inner Seth Apter as his stencils are my most favorite and used in my collection. I love how he stacks textures in so many ways and the stencils really speak to my style. I took out an older art journal that had lots of DecoArt paint and hand-cut magazine pieces, back when I first started to art journal, most pages were either very simple or not finished.  The perfect background for using stencils.  I got busy with the stencils and Prima Paper Texture Medium, once completed I realized I needed to elevate this project.  One afternoon, Tina Walker had asked the Facebook world about what to do with her many art journal pages, cut them up into smaller snippets and offer them to the public? In this conversation is when I got the idea to take the finished journal pages and use them the same way I would have with normal craft paper, and create one of my signature dress forms using the heavy duty Fiskars punch.  I love the way it came out."

Stencils used:
Unfinished
Story Time
Numbers

Next we have SUSAN BROWN,  with a though provoking art journal page, inspired by James Rosenquist.

Susan writes:
"My box of StencilGirl stencils is a myriad of graphic patterns, floral & fauna and this beautiful face by Andrea Matus DeMeng. I spread them all out and was immediately taken back to an artist who inspired me in high school. James Rosenquist’s wall-size paintings resemble collage - combining painting with photographic imagery. The fragmented compositions are mysterious and bold. I had the pleasure of meeting him in 1988 at an exhibition of his work at the FSU Gallery & Museum. The painting “Pistil Packin’ Ladies” has inspired this art journal page."
 

Several stencils used:
Seek
Longwood Florals
Pretty as a Peacock

and Lastly, you have ME, with a quirky, fun, and eclectic art journal spread, inspired by Pablo Picasso.

I write:
"I choose Pablo Picasso for many reasons, but most importantly, for his sense of individualism and unique perspective of art.  His work evolved, changed, and developed as his life experiences affected his expression.  I feel connected to this because my art is always changing and I can never settle on one style, technique, or medium.  It is such a freeing release of emotion."

Some of the stencils used:
Gridded
Cathedral Floor
StencilClub Nov 2019

That's all for now!  I hope you enjoyed this wonderful inspiration post!  Till next time!

Candles & StencilGirl® Stencils by Megan Whisner Quinlan

When I was thinking of a fun way to use stencils for this project, I remembered back to a trick I had learned 20 years ago with stamping and candles. I wondered, “what if I try this with stencils?” It worked easily and I have to say, once I got started…it was hard to stop. This is a very easy project, but the results are beautiful. These candles become not just something practical, but 3 dimensional art objects that can bring some inspiration into your home. These also make a wonderful handmade gift. In fact, I actually used my first batch 20 years ago as wedding favors. Follow along to see how fun and easy these are to create.

 

Materials:

Batik stencil by Nathalie Kalbach
Create Face stencil by Pam Carriker
Geometric Sky stencil by Mary C. Nasser
Stone Statue Small stencil by Tina Walker

Archival Ink Pad Jet Black Ranger Ink
Mini Blending Tool Ranger Ink
Dina Wakley Media Collage Tissue White Ranger Ink
Scissors
Pillar candles in various sizes
Heating Tool

Step 1:

Coordinate which stencils you would like to use with which size candles. There are many options, you can for example use a stencil bigger than your candle and use only a portion of the print on your candle. Once you decide which stencil you want to use, place it down on a piece of white tissue. I highly recommend the Dina Wakley Media tissue for this project, because it is more durable than a piece of regular white tissue. Depending on the size and detail of the stencil, you may also want to secure it with washi tape to ensure that it does not move during the inking process.

Step 2:

Ink your blending tool very well and begin to spread it gently onto your tissue. You’ll notice this is a different process than when using paint. It will take some time to get an even amount of ink onto your tissue. However, playing with the vibrancy can also add to your project and give a more grungy feel.  You can also do this with a colored ink, (or colored candle) but for this project I chose black ink for maximum contrast.

Step 3:

Trim your tissue to fit the width of the candle. Then trim the excess where the two ends will meet. Align your tissue onto the surface of your candle.

Step 4:

A note of caution: In this project your heating tool is heating up the wax of the candle. Be careful not to place the heat of the tool directly onto your fingers etc. it can be very hot. Once you have your paper aligned, turn on your heating tool and hold it a couple of inches from the surface going back and forth in the same spot. You will start to see the wax melt and absorb the tissue. Work near a good light source so you can see the paper’s absorption. Keep moving the tool to the places that are dry. I have discovered that the best results come from beginning in the middle, and working your way out along the sides. It is super satisfying to watch how quickly your design becomes part of the candle. Be sure to lay something under your workspace as the candles will drip wax (I used a glass cutting board, not shown). This process does change the surface texture of your candle, but only in a small way. Any imperfections add to the handmade feel of the candle. Allow candles to cool and you will have a beautiful piece of art!

Hello! My name is Megan Whisner Quinlan. I have been art journaling and book binding for about 20 years. However, I took a 10 year break from paper arts when I had my first 2 children. About 5 years ago, I came back into journaling after some big life changes, including 2 more children. Journaling had always been a part of my life, especially to work things out in life on paper. When I first started out, I really only focused on making books by hand and some basic collage and stamping. I was intimidated by the amazing art journaling artists out there who could create elaborate, mixed media spreads.  When I came back to journaling after such a long break, I decided that I was going to really push myself to learn all the techniques I had been too afraid to try.  Painting and drawing have really allowed me to find so much joy in my creative process, and I now almost exclusively create mixed media every day. I feel excited to have joined the art journaling community and you can find me on Instagram @Megan_Whisner_Quinlan or on YouTube: Megan Whisner Quinlan.

 

Printing Botanical Cyanotypes on Silk with StencilGirl® Stencils

Hello there! Shari Replogle here! I love incorporating botanical printmaking into my encaustic art, and because I am also a photographer, and my favorite color is blue, cyanotypes were a match made in heaven for me!  Cyanotypes are a camera less alternative photographic process that traditionally will produce beautiful rich blue tones when the sensitized substrate is exposed to sunlight or other UV light. They have been both a passion and obsession of mine for a while now. My main art medium is encaustic, painting with beeswax and damar resin. I mount many of my finished cyanotype prints onto wood panels and incorporate them into encaustic paintings like I do with my photographs. 

My favorite go-to stencils from StencilGirl® are often by Trish McKinney. Her wispy branches and roots go right along with my natural botanical motifs. When I saw StencilGirl® made a giant Wisteria stencil my heart raced, and I knew it had to be interlaced into a natural botanical cyanotype on silk! This project can be used as a beautiful one of a kind art to wear silk scarf or embedded onto an encaustic wax panel like I show in the video. 

 It is January right now and the weather where I am at is not optimal, so for this project I use an indoor UV light to expose my scarves. This also enabled me to show you the full process of how they change color as they are exposed to the UV lights. Once the sensitizer is applied to the scarf it can begin exposing immediately if you are around any window or indoor lights that produce UV light. If you are not ready to arrange your stencil and botanicals, put the scarf in a black trash bag until you are ready to begin. Cyanotypes can either be done wet or dry. Wet cyanotypes will require a longer exposure time. 

Once the printing process is done the scarf will oxidize and the blues will become richer over

the next couple of days. I stained a 12" x 36" panel with natural walnut ink and add a few layers of clear encaustic medium, fusing with a heat gun between each layer to ensure each wax layer is bonded to the ones below. The silk scarf is then added with additional layers of encaustic medium fusing again with a heat gun. This cyanotype piece was finished with layers of oil pigment sticks rubbed into the wax surface to create a little more depth and unify the piece. 

The StencilGirl® stencil I used for this project is Wisteria Giant.
The sensitizer is a 2 part cyanotype kit from Jacquard 
The UV light used was an Everbeam 365nm 50W UV LED Black Light   

Thanks so much for joining me today and I hope you have a lot of fun with this! 
Xo and Happy Creating!
Shari 

Shari Replogle is an artist, photographer, and host of Wax on Wednesdays Encaustic Painting on YouTube. She has a new online workshop for Cyanotype printing, "Cyanotypes the Magic of Alternative Photography.”

Website: Sharireplogle.com
YouTube channel
Cyanotype workshop
Instagram

The new stencils Cat Kerr has designed were inspired by that someone special who lives in her heart and she thought you might like to celebrate your own special loved ones. Cat has prepared a video tutorial using the Flock Stencil to make a transfer.

These stencils are perfect for art journaling, tags, cardmaking, mono-printing, and mixed media. 

Glide is her version of the infinity symbol.

Glide, 4"x4", M327

Two Hands Become One is a stencil with a mask included (you'll need to snip the tiny attachment points). Perfect for cards!

Two Hands Become One, 4"x4" Stencil with Mask, M328

The Love Words Stencil makes a perfect background in your art.

Love Words, 6"x6", S858

The Flock Stencil is made for mixed media with random numbers superimposed over the slightly abstract birds headed to your art studio!

Flock, 6"x6", S854

The Always and Forever Stencil can be used in multiple ways. It makes a perfect background for journal pages or cards and can also be used to make the perfect anniversary card or "Just Because" card for that special someone. 

Always & Forever, 6"x6", S853

Are you ready to create a work of heART for that special someone, a spouse, life partner, or friend?

Valentine's Day is around the corner ;)

Click here to go right to Cat Kerr's new stencils.