How to Transform Gel Prints into Vibrant Stencil Art Panels

Hello, creative lovelies!

Martice here from @MarticeSmithArt, and I’m excited to share a fun way to transform gel prints into vibrant, stencil-layered panels inspired by the colors of nature and the changing seasons. These steps are approachable but still leave room for playful exploration, so you’ll feel confident no matter where you are on your art journey.

As summer fades into fall, I’ve been inspired by my time at the lake and the lush, tropical plants in my garden. With colder months approaching, I wanted to preserve those vibrant hues and capture the glowing sunsets I’ve been photographing during my quiet moments outdoors.

The result? Home or studio décor I’ll be proud to display—little bursts of joy and inspiration I can turn to whenever I need a creative lift.

In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to:

• Turn gel-printed papers into vibrant, layered stencil art.

• Capture seasonal colors and inspiration in your artwork.

• Use simple techniques that create a “Wow—you made this?!” effect, no matter your skill level.

Supplies You’ll Need: 

Stencils (My stencils are on sale! Use this code to get 20 percent off: MS20 

Shop here 👉🏽 https://www.stencilgirlproducts.com/stencils-martice-smith-s/2164.htm 

L863 - Graphic Mod Mask 1: 70s Play 

L864 - Graphic Mod Mask 2: Hole In The Wall

L865 - Graphic Mod Mask 3: Bubble

2-3 Smaller, detailed stencils of your choice

Wooden Panels (I’m using 8”x8” panels that I made)

Large sheet of drawing paper (I’m using 18”x24”)

Colored Tissue Paper

8”x10” Gel Plate (or larger size)

Acrylic Paints: Colors of your choice

Scissors

Utility Knife

Pencil 

6” Brayer

Sponge Roller

Paintbrush (for applying gel medium)

Stencil Bristle Brush

Gloss Gel Medium

Let’s get started!

Step 1: Use a gel plate as a stamping block to create the background. 

Using acrylic paints, a rubber brayer, and a gel plate, cover the paper with blocks of color. When these blocks are overlapped, they create another color! If you know me, you know I absolutely ADORE vibrant colors, especially jewel tone hues. 

Allow this layer to dry completely before moving on. 

Step 2: Use detailed stencils on top of the color blocks.

Next, we’re creating a layer that’s packed with small designs, shapes, and marks. Tip: Try rotating your paper as you work. This will help keep your work loose and playful. I like working my way from the background to the foreground. I find that it’s easier to create a sense of depth and dimension.

Allow the paper to dry for a couple of minutes. 

Step 3: Trace the inside part of the stencils/masks to create abstract shapes.

Trace the shapes onto colored tissue paper, then cut them out. This will be our collage fodder. I love the transparency of tissue paper because it lets the background layers peek through, adding visual interest to the piece.

Adhere the tissue shapes to the large paper. Put them in random spots or feel free to place them wherever you like - it’s totally up to you! 

 

Step 4: Place masks on top of your paper and cover them with paint.

I like using a sponge roller for two reasons: 1. It gives a grunge-like, speckled texture (whereas a rubber brayer creates a smooth texture), and 2. I can achieve transparency so that the background peeks through. This effect depends on how much pressure you apply as you’re rolling it across the surface. 

Step 5: Find the sweet spot! Position your panel on an area you like, then trace around it, leaving ¼” around the panel on all sides.

Step 6: Use a sharp utility knife (or scissors) to cut out the paper.

Step 7: Apply a generous amount of gel medium to the wooden panels.

Carefully place your paper on top of the panel, leaving a ¼” overhang on all sides.

Working from the center out to the edges, smooth the paper out to release any air bubbles. I prefer using the side of my hand for this. Allow this to dry before proceeding to the next step. If you cut while it’s still wet, the paper might tear and create jagged, frizzy edges. No bueno! 

Optional: Scribble with paint pens and markers to add more of your personal style. (I used Posca paint markers to add geometric shapes and hand-lettering, and a pencil to create drop shadows.)

Step 8: Brush on a thin layer of gloss gel medium to seal your work. Notice how those colors shine! 

And there you have it—a simple, creative way to turn gel prints into vibrant, stencil-layered panels that bring your favorite colors and memories to life.

Remember, this process isn’t about perfection—it’s about capturing the joy of making and letting your creativity surprise you. Even the simplest techniques can spark something magical.

I’d love to see how you bring this tutorial to life! Share your finished piece with me or tag me online so I can cheer you on. Thanks for stopping by today! 

Find me on Instagram @MarticeSmithArt

My stencils are on sale! Use this code to get 20 percent off: MS20  

Shop here 👉🏽 https://www.stencilgirlproducts.com/stencils-martice-smith-s/2164.htm

Stencils designed by me are on sale with code MS20:

L863 - 70s Play 

L864 - Hole In The Wall

L865 - Bubble

Other stencil used for this project: (Note, this is not on sale.)

L426 - Kilim Pattern

The Imperfect Patch

Happy October beautiful creatives!

Tina here from @tinahoisart and I am so stoked to share this up cycled project with you.

With fall in the air I always find myself wanting to curl up with a cozy blanket and a hot tea but, at the same time I want to create! 

My solution, slow, meditative and mindful stitches. You know something I can do in my favourite chair.

In my art journals I tend to up cycle and alter bits, fabrics etc. it’s better on a page than a landfill.

Here I reached for some canvas material I had removed off the frame ( frame was used for another project) but please use what fabric you have on hand ~ 

Armed with the idea of slow stitching  I decided on creating some imperfect patches using Alchemy created by Laurie Mika.  The stencil is full of magic and possibilities. Check out this spooky craft DIY tissue skin Halloween decor

Let’s gather our supplies and get started.

Supplies:

Stencil L783 Alchemy

Fabric or canvas material

Distress ink 

Ink applicator brush or sponge 

Embroidery needle

Embroidery floss

Optional- beads, trim, lace 

Step 1

With a light hand apply image to fabric 

Step 2

Start stitching!  I am by no means an embroidery expert hence the “imperfect” aspect of these patches.

Simply allow your intuition to take over and poke the needle through the fabric following the stencil outline. 

Step 3

Once the stitching is complete the patches can be left as is or if you are feeling a little EXTRA go ahead and add some fun accents like beads of pompom trim or layers of fabric as I did here. 

Thank you for stopping by. 

Enjoy creating these patches and find fun creatives ways to use them in your art.

Stay Cozy 

Tina 

Needle Keeper Book with Kirsten Varga

Welcome back to the wonderful world of making books! For this project I created something I desperately needed to keep my various needles organized. As I was going through my bookmaking supplies I realized my needles were everywhere and things needed to change!

When gathering my supplies I limited myself to one fabric, one stencil, a few analogous paint colors and one embroidery stitch. (BTW, in color theory, analogous colors are groups of colors that are next to each other on the color wheel.) My life outside my art studio is in a very busy season so by taking away options and keeping it simple I was able to relax and enjoy the process more.

My book cover is made from gray duck canvas. (It was a scrap I found in my stash!) The stencil I chose is A Day in the Park (LL1049) designed by Susan Rossiter. To keep with my limited options I decided to start with no underpainting and I wouldn't create multiple layers. Just place the stencil down on the plain canvas where I want, apply the paint and don't lift the stencil until I am happy with my blending. The paint I used is Golden Acrylics Quinacridone Burnt Orange, Quinacridone Violet and Titanium White.

When my single layer of paint is dry I grabbed a small embroidery hoop and needle. I picked threads that matched the canvas and paint. I decided on gray, orange and a red violet. The french knot is the stitch I chose and I repeated it over the canvas looking to the stenciled design to help place the knots. 

To cover the hot mess on the back of my fabric (I love simple stitching but am no expert!) I used a fusible webbing to attach it to a plain piece of gray canvas and then cut it down to 4"x6". 

The inside pages are made from pieces of 3.5"x5.5" black felt. You can use one piece of felt or two. Then I used a sewing machine to sew the layers together right down the middle with a simple straight stitch. (This step could be done my hand if desired)

Finished! 

To continue my limited approach I opted not to make a video this time. 😀 

Happy Creating!

Find me on Instagram: @kirstenvarga

Stencil used:

A Day in the Park (LL1049)

Other Supplies:

gray duck canvas

fusible webbing

acrylic paint/paint brush

scissors

embroidery thread

needle/embroidery hoop

iron/ironing board

ruler/rotary cutter

sewing machine

Chakra Prayer Flag Tutorial + 2 Week Sale!

Hello creative soul sisters!

This project invites you to create a set of chakra-inspired prayer flags layered with color, symbol, and sacred intention. Each flag becomes a visual prayer for peace, within ourselves, our loved ones, and in the world.

We’ll begin with the Root Chakra, the energy center that helps us feel grounded, centered, and safe.

Step 1: Paint the Background

On canvas paper, work with a monochromatic palette that reflects the root chakra. Its primary color is red, so I started with a red wash and built up layers of paint. To bring in earthy grounding energy, I added touches of brown and maroon.

• Lay down a watery red acrylic wash using a wide, flat paint brush.
• Use a makeup sponge to pounce red paint over a stencil (here I used SA1006 with a zig-zag design).
• Add words (grounded, rooted, centered) using rubber stamp letters.
• Continue to build color and texture, scraping paint using an old gift card.
• Spray water and scrap the surface with the card to lift some of the paint if it gets too dark.
• I repeated layering with the stencil, scraping paint, alternating with red and brown.

Step 2: Stencil the Mandala Framework

Place the Four Gates Mandala stencil in the center of your background. This sacred pattern represents balance, wholeness, and protection. This stencil has three borders. Trace the outer two borders in pencil, this gives you space to fit the chakra design in the middle.

Step 3: Add the Chakra Mandala

Using the chakra stencil, trace the Root Chakra symbol in the center of the mandala framework. The pencil tracings were outlined using a gold metallic paint pen and here I started painting the center design in red.

Step 4: Embellish with Paint and Pencil

Bring your design to life with color and detail:

• Outline the chakra and mandala with paint pens or brushes.
• Dark gold, light gold, white, and black outlines expand the design. Try varying the line weight.
• Add depth and shading with colored pencils.

Step 5: Assemble Your Prayer Flag

When the paint is completely dry:

1. Flip your flag over to the back side.
2. With a ruler, measure and mark in pencil where you’ll place the holes—¼ inch from the top and 1 inch from each side.
3. Use a grommet tool to punch the holes.
4. Thread ribbon, cord, or string through the grommets.
5. As you complete each chakra, hang the flags in order: root, sacral, solar plexus, heart, throat, third eye, and crown.

Note: These flags are best suited for indoor display. Hang them somewhere special, where their color and intention will remind you of your connection to peace, within yourself, with your loved ones, and in the wider world.

Root Chakra Meaning & Prayer for Peace

Muladhara – Root Chakra

• Color: Red
• Theme: Grounding, Safety, Belonging
• Prayer:
  May all beings feel safe and protected.
  May we stand strong upon the Earth, rooted in trust,
  anchored in the truth that we belong here.
  Let peace begin where our feet touch the ground.

This is the first in a series of seven chakra prayer flags. Each one carries a color, a symbol, and a prayer for peace.

Download the Chakra Prayer Flag Project Guide

Get a closer look at all seven chakra flags along with their colors, themes, and prayers for peace. This free guide will walk you through the deeper meaning behind each chakra and inspire your creative practice. https://www.truenortharts.com/prayer-flag

For 2 weeks, (9/10/25 to 9/24/25) today's stencils -- along with all my other stencils -- will be on sale!  Here's the coupon code -- KC20.  Use this code to get 20 percent off!  

Shop here —> https://www.stencilgirlproducts.com/stencils-kathryn-costa-s/2094.htm

May this project lift your spirit and bring you inner peace and joy.

(((soul hugs)))
Kathryn Costa
Instigator of Soulful and Creative Living
www.truenortharts.com

Stencils designed by me and used in this project. These are on sale!

L790 - Four Gates Mandala 

SET11 - 7 Chakras Stencil Set

Stencils by other designers used for this project. (Note, these are not on sale.)

SA1006 - Zig Zag (root chakra background)

S758 - Hexagonal Basket Weave (solar plexus chakra background)

S558 - Mark Making (sacral chakra background)

L578 - Spirit Wind Mask (throat and crown chakra backgrounds)

Supplies Used:

Canvas paper

Acrylic paints - red and brown for root chakra.

Pencil

Ruler

Old gift card

Paint brush - wide, flat for washes, and small for details

Paint Pens - gold, white, black, red

Rubber stamp letters and black ink (optional)

Spray bottle with water

Grommets

Hammer

Ribbon, cord, or string