Stencil Club June 2026: Prairie Harmony by Cynthia Silveri -- A Stenciled Fabric Journal/Notepad Cover

Hello again from Kim Hamburg, mixed media collage artist, collage enthusiast, and collector of more notebooks than I'll probably ever use.

One of my favorite things about mixed media is finding ways to bring art into everyday life. This month, I used Prairie Harmony, a beautiful stencil set designed by Cynthia Silveri for StencilClub, to transform a simple notebook into a custom fabric-covered journal.

Inspired by Prairie School architecture, stained-glass design, geometry, and pattern, the Prairie Harmony stencil set reflects Cynthia's love of structured design while still leaving plenty of room for creative interpretation. The repeating motifs and clean lines immediately reminded me of the architectural details and decorative elements often associated with Prairie School design. These geometric patterns translate beautifully to fabric, creating a journal cover that feels both artistic and functional.

This is Cynthia's third time designing stencils for StencilGirl®, and her passion for color, pattern, and design shines through in every stencil opening. The architectural elements create an all-over pattern that feels sophisticated and timeless, making this set especially well suited for fabric projects.

I've made several fabric-covered journals over the years, and they never fail to elevate an inexpensive notebook. Whether you use one for journaling, sketching, note-taking, or gift-giving, a custom cover turns an ordinary object into something unique and personal.

Supplies

        Prairie Harmony Stencil Club Stencils June 2026

• White cotton fabric (canvas or duck cloth works best)

• Mod Podge for Fabric

• Acrylic paint

• Paintbrush or blender brush

• Paper tape or painter's tape

• Chipboard or cereal box cardboard

• Scissors

• Glue, Fabri-tac or PVA or use Mod Podge

• Notebook, journal, or notepad

• Decorative paper for lining the inside cover

• Clothespins or clips

Prepare the Fabric

Start by ironing your fabric if needed. A smooth surface will help ensure cleaner stencil prints.

Cut the fabric slightly larger than the stencil design area. Position the stencil on top and secure it with painter's tape or paper tape along the edges. Taping the stencil down helps keep it from shifting while you work.

The Mod Podge for fabric will stiffen the fabric and there will be no loose threads so it becomes easy to work with much like paper.

Stencil the Fabric

In a small container, mix your chosen acrylic paint color with approximately one tablespoon of Mod Podge for Fabric. Stir until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.

Using either a paintbrush or a blender brush, apply the paint mixture through the stencil. Work gently and build the color gradually to avoid forcing paint underneath the stencil.

The architectural and stained-glass-inspired patterns in the Prairie Harmony stencil set work especially well for this project because they create an all-over design that feels intentional and sophisticated once wrapped around the journal cover.

Allow the paint to set for about five minutes before gently lifting the stencil. Be sure to clean your stencil immediately after use. Because the paint contains Mod Podge for Fabric, it will harden as it dries and can become difficult to remove later. I like to take mine straight to the sink and wash it with warm water and a soft brush before the mixture has a chance to cure.

Once the stencil is clean, allow the fabric to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Create the Cover Structure

While the fabric dries, prepare the new journal cover.

Remove the front and back covers from the notebook, journal, or notepad you wish to customize. Use those pieces as templates to cut matching covers from chipboard or a cereal box.

You'll also need a narrow strip for the spine or top edge, depending on the type of notebook you're covering. Arrange all of the pieces in their proper position and tape them together, leaving a small gap between sections so the cover can fold properly when finished.

Cover the Chipboard

Once the fabric is dry, place the assembled cover structure on the unpainted side of the fabric.

Cut around the cover, leaving approximately ¼ inch of extra fabric around all sides. This extra fabric will wrap around the edges and create a neat, finished appearance.

To adhere the fabric, thin the Mod Podge slightly with a small amount of water. Brush it onto the back side of the fabric and carefully position the chipboard cover onto the adhesive.

Fold the excess fabric over the edges and glue it into place. You may need to make small cuts at the corners to reduce bulk and help the fabric lie flat. Usually a small snip at each corner is all that's needed.

Allow everything to dry thoroughly.

Finish the Inside

To give the cover a polished look, glue a piece of decorative paper to the inside. This covers the raw fabric edges and chipboard while adding another opportunity for color and pattern.

Use clothespins or clips to hold everything securely while the adhesive dries.

Once dry, reattach your notebook pages or notepad, and your custom journal is ready to use.

Turning the Everyday into Something Special

One of the things I love most about this project is how easily it transforms an inexpensive notebook into something that feels thoughtful and high-end. The stenciled fabric adds texture, pattern, and personality while remaining durable enough for everyday use.

These journals also make wonderful handmade gifts. Teachers, writers, journal keepers, and list-makers all appreciate having a beautiful notebook close at hand. Choose colors that reflect the recipient's personality, add a favorite stencil pattern, and you'll have a practical gift that is both useful and unique.

The architectural inspiration behind Cynthia Silveri's Prairie Harmony stencil set brings a sense of structure and elegance to this project. Much like stained-glass windows and geometric architectural details, the patterns create rhythm, movement, and visual interest. It's a simple project with a surprisingly professional finish—and a wonderful way to carry a little handmade art with you every day.

If you've been curious about StencilClub, members who join by June 15, 2026, will receive the exclusive Prairie Harmony stencil set designed by Cynthia Silveri. Membership includes artist-designed stencils, a project and PDF from the featured artist, an additional members-only project from me, creative inspiration from fellow makers, and a 25% discount on all regular collection stencils.

You can learn more about Cynthia Silveri and her colorful creative work on Instagram at @thepassionatecolorist.

I'd love to see what you create with Prairie Harmony. Be sure to tag me on Instagram at @gluepaperscissors_ so I can see your projects and share in your creativity.

---

About the Artist

Kim Hamburg is a mixed media collage artist living and creating in Springfield, Missouri. A self-taught artist, she began making collages during the COVID lockdown and has created art daily ever since. Working primarily with vintage papers, paint, stencils, and found materials, she enjoys finding unexpected ways to combine storytelling, texture, pattern, and composition in her artwork. Follow her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/gluepaperscissors_/

Create a Dimensional Garden Labyrinth with Modeling Paste

Hi, my friends! I'm Consie Sindet and this is my first post for StencilGirl®. I'm a mixed media artist that loves playing with supplies, experimenting in my art journals, and delighting in sharing what I come up with!

I'm a big fan of being outdoors and walking a local labyrinth in my town. I find the experience to be very meditative. However, sometimes the weather doesn't cooperate! Today, I wanted to share with you how to create a finger labyrinth in your art journal so you can always "walk" the labyrinth anytime you want.

BTW...I made a video of the process which you can find at the bottom of this post.

Let's start with the supplies:

Ceremonial Labyrinth stencil #2 by Cynthia Silveri: M228

Leafy Doodle Verge stencil/mask by Valerie Sjodin: S714

ATC Mixup Evan stencil by Jennifer Evans: L654

ATC Mixup Apter stencil by Seth Apter: L664

Watercolors

Makeup sponges

Modeling paste

Palette knife

Inktense pencils

White paint pen

The first thing I did was to create a background of mossy rocks to anchor my garden using a variety of green watercolors and a makeup sponge. The ATC Mixup Apter stencil by Seth Apter: L664 had a few different size circles that I could use to add a layered look to the page.

I then applied modeling paste with a palette knife to form my garden and labyrinth. I used the Leafy Doodle Verge stencil/mask by Valerie Sjodin: S714 to add the trees and foliage that I have at my actual labyrinth and the ATC Mixup Evan stencil by Jennifer Evans: L654 to add the garden on the bottom of the page to represent the flowers that grow in the surrounding woods. 

After I applied the paste through the Ceremonial Labyrinth stencil #2 by Cynthia Silveri: M228, I went back in to fill in the sections that were not covered by the bridges in the stencil. I wanted to have the walls as a single piece. Because I was adding the paste without a stencil, the finished texture had a wonderful rough stone feel about it!

A quick note: I don't as a rule clean my stencils except when using modeling paste. I did clean each of these stencils right after using them and allowed the modeling paste to dry with each layer on my page so I didn't pull up what I had already put down when I used the next stencil. 

Once all of the paste was dry, the next step was to add watercolor over all of the raised sections. I used a dry-ish brush to apply the paint. It is not really possible to drybrush with watercolor as you need moisture to get the paint to move! However, if you use as little water as possible, you can get the paint to catch on the modeling paste and not as much of the background paper. A light touch and layering works better than trying to get the color to cover all in one go.

After the watercolor had dried, I went in with my Inktense pencils to add more depth to all of the sections. Feel free to use watercolor pencils, water-soluble crayons, or any other supply you want to experiment with! I used the pencils to add shading to get all of the garden elements to really pop off the page. 

Most of the shading was done on the modeling paste itself. However, with the labyrinth, I wanted that to stand out the most. So, I shaded around the outside of the paste to really give it a raise stone wall look.

The final touches included a few highlights with a white paint pen on the flower petals and the labyrinth, and some splatters using the Indigo Inktense pencil. Now the labyrinth is ready to use whenever I need a meditative minute or two in my day!

I would love to see what you create using these stencils! You can tag me on Instagram and find me in the following spaces!

Website: AtopSerenityHill.com

Instagram: @consie_atopserenityhill

YouTube: @ConsieSindet

The Creative Playground membership

Make the Most out of Your Stencils and Paints - by Claudia Neubacher

Hi, servus and thanks so much for stopping by! 

Today's project is all about making most of the paints you are using with your stencils. The artwork that resulted from this task is a tiny folder holding a series of stencilled, stencil-printed and stencil-paint-residue-smudged and -rubbed (yes, I've obviously just invented these words) ATCs and I will explain all of these techniques in this post (though there isn't too much "magic" or "technique" involved honestly). As always I went for a project where I would embrace any imperfections that I would meet on my creative journey (and as I have already mentioned that a good deal of smudging has been involved, imperfection was certainly expected and hoped for) - and that led to some beautifully textured layers. 

I especially love how the folder turned out! 

I have of course done all sides of the folder (and had to pay attention to not accidentally do the front cover upside down!), but I will share images of the other sides later. First I want to talk about the set of ATCs which were inspired especially by one of the stencils I had quite randomly picked to use for my happy messy session with various spray paints:

The stencils I've used were: 

Sea of Skiffs Mini Stencil (M109)

and 

Fort Hill (M380)

by

Rae Missigman

Twisted Forest (S914)

by

Cynthia Silveri

and

ATC Mixup -  Carriker (L651)

by

Pam Carriker

...and it was Pam Carrikers head design on this stencil which inspired me to do an ATC series all about heads and what's in them (or comes out of them...). The fact that this particular stencil design also comes with the mask makes this stencil even more rewarding and versatile to play with. 

Building up layers by not only applying paint through the stencil but also using the paint that's then left on the stencil to make a print is great fun - and not a single drop of your spray paint gets wasted. I even used the paint residue on my craft mat that came from the cap of my blue spray paint (I had shaken the bottle too wildly so some of the paint oozed out and the cap left a blue paint circle on my mat) and took a "print" from it. 

But let's start with the first initial layers:

I worked simultaneously on the tiny Kraft folder and eight white ATC blanks. On these I used whatever spray paints I had at hand (Ranger Dylusions - white linen, Distress OxideSpray Paint - marmalade spice, Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist - Teal High Heel, I Zink dye spray - Cerise) and the only acrylic paint on this project that came in a jar: yellow Pantheon Paint (a gift from my wonderful boss, MaryBeth Shaw). The picture above shows the very first layers on the folder. I heat dried these so I could continue with applying the yellow paint through the sequin design stencil using a silicone brush. 

The silicone brush kind of forces the paint under the stencil, so you get a beautifully smudged result (if you prefer crisp and tidy designs and edges, you better apply the paint with a stipple or stencil brush or a sponge). The picture shows the smudged on (yellow) layer to the left, on the folder. The result looks a bit like fish scales (which I absolutely love). 

Then I used the left over paint on the stencil to print with it (by flipping it over) and add a base layer to the ATC. To fill in the circles with the brighter yellow I used a baby wipe and rubbed across the stencil (that was still in place) in circular motions. This gives a smooth pastel-like effect (and you are cleaning and using your stencil in one go).

I did the same with the teal Glimmer Mist on the Fort Hill stencil: first I sprayed some hills through the stencil to my folder's front cover...

...then I printed the (blue) negative space around the hills to a different background and finally I did the baby wipe smudging on another ATC blank.

Actually the only paint that was "wasted" throughout the whole project, was the one that got soaked up by the baby wipe. But everything else went on one or the other ATC - either printed or (baby) wiped. 

Another thing I found gave a cool result, was to apply spray paint to the head mask and print a head image with trying to keep the paint drops visible. Usually you print with a sprayed stencil by flipping it over, putting it in place on your substrate, then covering the stencil with a sheet of paper (or kitchen towel) and rubbing thoroughly to divide the paint evenly. 

This time I just picked up the sprayed mask with a pair of tweezers and put it face down on my ATC blank without adding any pressure at all. I just let it sit for a few seconds and then lifted it as gently as I could. 

Afterwards I "cleaned" the mask on top of another ATC with the baby wipe. This way the smallest amount of left over paint gets transferred to the paper around the mask. This is perfect to create soft transparent layers on top of printed or stencilled ones. 

Some of the results so far: 

I wanted to find out how the Distress Oxide Spray paint would behave when being layered onto different paints and substrates. I used it together with the Twisted Forest stencil on one of the folder's cover insides (and really like how it looks on the Kraft card stock). I layered two stencils this time and put the head mask on top of the forest design. This way I ended up with a clean head shaped area on the folder and two misted stencils to use for printing.

I picked two of the ATCs that already had stencilled or printed base layers on them and put them closely side by side  as I wanted to get two halves of a printed head in one go. 

Voilà!

I didn't think too much about which print or baby wipe layer was to go where - I just played and went by what I felt was the most fun, interest or contrast needed.  And (of course) my favourite ATC from the series turned out to be the one that I additionally cut from the sheet of protective paper (and which therefore had come together totally by accident and without any thinking at all).

Some final touches were added by going in with the stencils or mask again and trace some of the designs with a black Faber Castell fine tip PITT artist pen. With some of the ATCs I also shifted the stencil/mask on purpose, so the heads or hills didn't all just get a neat outline but some visual interest instead. 

Last but not least I also added some splatters and scribbling directly with the nozzle from a black acrylic spray paint and some cut out words (matching the "heads" theme) from old dictionary pages and collage papers. 

I think I will continue doing ATC series that go into separate folders each as I really like the concept of having themed ATCs stored in a visually matching folder. 

By the way: I've used a die cut folder (the one from the Tim Holtz "Specimen" Thinlits dies set), but you can just as easily cut out and fold a fast one from recycled sturdy envelopes or thin cardboard. This way not only paint residue on stencils gets a new purpose ;)

Of course I want to also share all sides of the folder - starting with some close up shots and then the back, the inside and finally the front cover again. I hope that you like this as much as I do and that I could encourage you to go wild with spray paints, silicone brushes, baby wipes and your favourite stencils! It's a great deal of fun (have I already mentioned that?) - you'll see! 

Once more thanks so much for stopping by! I hope you have enjoyed your visit!

Hugs and happy creative times!

Claudia 

xxx