African Mask Tags

Creating beautiful tags to have on hand is one of my favorite ways to use mixed media in my art making. Trena Brannon has an exceptional set of African art stencils for this month's StencilClub stencil set. The themes called to me to use earthy tones and play with the masks. Follow along to see how I created these pieces.

I started with watercolors on large tags in brown and pale blue. I did both sides as that left me the option of using them as book pages if I wanted to put them on a ring down the line. 

I then used the patterned stencils to add random printing around my tags. I used Dina Wakley Media paints in Marine, Cheddar, and Black Gesso. 

I wanted more texture so I added torn pages from old books to create more interest. I find that text works best for this.

I also had some African patterned papers on hand that I added to the edges to create even more interest and texture. 

Using the 4x4 stencil I first stenciled shapes along the edges in different colors. Then I went back over the shapes adding the matching patterns on top. I chose Black Gesso for this to really make the pattern stand out. 

Using Dina Wakley Sedona, Cheddar, and Mineral paints I painted some squares onto a piece of cardstock. Then I stenciled the masked faces over the colors and cut them out leaving a small border around the images. 

Lastly, added the masked faces to the tags and finished the tops with coordinating sari ribbon. These will be handy as future focal pieces or as part of a tag book. 

Join StencilClub by August 15 to receive these three exclusive stencils and accompanying video tutorial with PDF, and 20% OFF STENCILS EVERY DAY!!

My name is Megan Whisner Quinlan. I have been an art journaling mixed media artist for over 20 years. I love mixing styles and trying as many things as possible on my pages. I began with handmade books and altered journals and in the last 5 years have exclusively been creating mixed media work on anything I can find. I write for Stencilgirl© and also Ranger Ink and have also been published in Somerset Studio. You can find me on Instagram: Megan _Whisner_Quinlan and on Youtube: Megan Whisner Quinlan. I love to see what you create so tag me if you are inspired!