Mixed Media Gel Printing with StencilGirl® Stencils and PanPastel by Marsha Valk

Hi there! It's Marsha Valk here today, and I'm excited to share a new StencilGirl® Column and video with you!

I often share something about my latest little solo expedition or something that I've seen or read recently in this column. However, it's been months since my last visit to a museum, and by now I'm kind of bored of just strolling around the neighbourhood. 

All I want to do is to create. Something. Anything!

Luckily for me, there are online courses and events to help and inspire me. I'm still able to fill my 'creative well' even in lockdown.

One of my favourite past-times right now is Creative JumpStart. If you are reading this blog, you've probably heard of it before, and you may even be one of the participants!

If not, Creative JumpStart is an annual online event that is hosted by StencilGirl® designer Nathalie Kalbach. This years edition is even bigger and better than ever because of its tenth anniversary.

I'm lucky to be one of the 45 teachers this year, along with Mary Beth Shaw, Seth Apter, Nancy Curry, Carolyn Dube, Rae Missigman, Gwen Lafleur, and Jane Lafazio, Kae Pea, Kristin Reese Williams and Tina Walker.

I always try to create along with at least some of the daily video lessons. Some years I fill a whole journal, other editions I only manage to do a couple of projects. And, that's totally OK. CJS isn't a challenge. Its purpose is to spark inspiration!

This year's theme is 'Storyteller', and for some reason that prompted me to dive into some of the art, I created as a child. So for my video lesson, I kind of did a collab with my younger self.

The fun thing is that my childhood art came in handy for the embroidery project Kristin Reese Williams shared in her CJS lesson too.

So with the StencilGirl® Creative Team theme 'Mixed Media Pastiche' in mind, I could not help but wonder what would happen if instead of looking at the style or character of the work of one or more other artists, I would look at the style or character of my art as a kid.

Watch the video to see me create a mixed media gel print using a technique I learned from my friend Birgit Koopsen, combining lots of StencilGirl® stencils and PanPastel.

I realise I'm super lucky to have access to the art I created as a child. However, I feel the need to stress that even though I'm happy that my mom kept these, I don't want you to feel sad because you haven't hung onto every single item of kids artwork you've ever made or received.

Most of my childhood art only exists in digital form these days. The physical artworks are long gone. I did not enjoy them half as much when they were collecting dust and taking up space in my attic!

You can always use your (grand) children's art or create something new in the spirit of your younger self instead! Have fun!

Until next time!

Marsha Valk


Stencils used:
Interesting Dots Repeating Pattern by Jennifer Evans
Oval Grate Stencil by Mary Beth Shaw
Fragmented Line Columns stencil by Cynthia Silveri
Mid Century Modern Rocks and Leaves stencil by Jennifer Evans
Stone and Mortar Version 2 by Mary Beth Shaw
Ornamental Floral Screen stencil by Gwen Lafleur
Deconstructed Cabbage Rose, designed by Traci Bautista
Stitch a Doily Stencil by Maria McGuire
Midcentury Modern Elements #1 by Kae Pea
Central Ave stencil by Nathalie Kalbach
Teardrop Doily Stencil by Maria McGuire
Seeds Doily Stencil by Maria McGuire