Gifts as easy as ABC using StencilGirl® ATC Mixup Alphabet Stencils

Hi, everyone! Ann Barnes here!

2020-2021 has been a different kind of school year for people everywhere. The educators' roles have been more important than ever. Whether tackling new methods of educating remotely, or simply connecting with students they have never met in person, teachers have dedicated their time and efforts to the cause. With the end of the school year approaching, I have been contemplating ways to show teacher appreciation. I thought it would be fun to share a couple of these ideas.

I love giving handmade gifts. To me, there is nothing better than receiving something lovingly made with the recipient in mind. The first piece I am sharing is an artsy alphabet mixup pashmina. This lightweight accessory could be used throughout the year in a wardrobe, or as a simple throw. The varied designs in StencilGirl® ATC Mixup Alphabet stencils give this piece a lot of interest and the alphabet shapes lend themselves perfectly to a teacher gift. 

For this project, I use a recycled pashmina scarf. I want the piece to be monochromatic, and this silver grey color provided the perfect base. I did a bit of research before starting the project and learned that when painting on fabric with acrylic paints, it is best to mix your paint with a textile/fabric medium. There are many manufacturers that make this product, and it is simply mixed into the paint in a two to one ratio. Be sure to refer to specific product directions for best results. Painted fabric will become stiff, the fabric medium is supposed to alleviate this stiffness and allow movement.

Before working the stencils into my design, I paint each end of the scarf with an ombre effect. This helps to give a base to the design, grounding the splattering of letters. Unfortunately, this ombre paint effect also added an extra layer of "stiffness." In full disclosure, I must admit that my scarf is fairly stiff. I would recommend using an ink or high flow paint for creating the ombre, which I believe will allow the scarf to drape more freely. It's best to use a piece of cardboard underneath the fabric when painting, and securing the fabric in place will reduce the amount of stretch.

When the ombre "base" is completely dry, lay out some of the ATC Mixup Alphabet stencils in a random pattern. The letters located over the lighter section will be stenciled with darker paint, while the letters on the darker base will need to be lighter in order to stand out. I like that some letters extend beyond the painted base and onto the unpainted scarf material. (Tip: If you lightly spray the underside of the stencils with a removable adhesive spray before starting, it can help to keep them in place when stenciling.)

Using a foam wedge and very small amount of paint, pounce the paint through the stencil onto the base using an up and down motion. A few light layers of paint rather than one thick one ensures that the paint does not seep under the stencil where it shouldn't. When you are satisfied with the first end of the scarf allow it to dry completely. The second scarf edge can be completed in the same manner. 

When the scarf is finished to your liking, allow it to dry overnight then heat set the painted areas. The fabric medium directions recommend heat setting with an iron. When ironing, be sure to sandwich the scarf between an old towel so that you are not touching the paint directly with the hot iron. 

The artsy alphabet mixup pashmina is ready for gifting.

Knowing that spring brings many extracurricular and outdoor activities and there may not be much time to make gifts. A simple handmade gift enclosure with handwritten note can easily be created. You could  stick one in with a gift card or attach it to a wrapped package, these cards complete with a personalized note can mean a lot to that special teacher, colleague or friend.

 The ATC Mixup Alphabet stencils from StencilGirl® are perfect for creating a personalized gift enclosure.  The ATC size (3" x4") is just right for a small card. These cards can be as simple or complicated as you wish. I made a few different ones in a relatively short time. The first step is cutting the base cards. Since you may want some to open from the side and others to open from the bottom, its best to cut two different sizes while you have all of your tools handy. The base measurements for each directional card are 6"x4" and 8" x 3". When either of these bases are folded they will create a 3"x4" finished folded card. I cut my bases from Bristol paper; however, you can use any type of heavyweight cardstock. The bases can be cut from watercolor paper, or simply colored or patterned cardstock. It is best to consider what you will be doing to the paper and select appropriately.

Once the card bases are cut, scored and folded, choose a letter that corresponds to the recipient's name. With the stencil in hand, determine if you would prefer a top or side folding card. You will notice that for some of the cards, I cut around the letter shape. If you are making a shaped letter card, you definitely need to pay attention to the fold location. (For example: if the A is to be used as a shaped card, the fold would need to be at the top along the flat edge of the letter.) All of the ATC Mixup Alphabet Stencils will fit onto the 3"x4" card front. When you have chosen a folded base, and your stencil, there are limitless possibilities. I have shared a few different ideas to get your imagination flowing. 

The "T" card is created by tracing the stencil onto the card base with a permanent archival pen. Each of the stencil sections have been filled with doodles and then watercolor.

The "A" shaped card is created with spray inks, paint, and a gold gel pen. Ink the card cover with distress oxide spray inks and allow it to dry. Next, using a foam sponge and acrylic paint lightly pounce the paint through the stencil onto the inked background. Lift the stencil and allow to dry. Using a straight edge, draw a pencil line following the contour of the letter edges with an equal distance offset all around. Cut along the lines being sure to leave the folded top as an edge. When the excess is cut away, what remains is the  shaped "A" card that folds at the top and opens at the bottom. (You may want to experiment with this technique on scrap paper before making a final version to ensure the fold remains intact.) I also added accents with a gold pen to outline the letter and highlight the arrow design.

The "O" card is made by initially creating a splotchy watercolor background. I wet the card cover with a thin layer of water and then splatter watercolor paints onto it and set it aside to dry. Select a coordinating color of paint to stencil the letter with. When the background is dry, stencil the "O" with a pouncing motion. Lift the stencil. Use a paint pen to add details to the stenciled letter, following the pattern lines. Edge the card with the remainder of paint on your foam wedge to give it a cohesive finished look.

The "N" card is the simplest in the batch. Using a paint color of your choice, simply stencil the letter onto the card base. You can create an ombre effect with your paint color if you are looking to jazz it up a bit. This technique could be very interesting if done on a patterned base. You can also add a few additional marks or doodles to the finished design if time permits.

The "M" card combines a couple of the different techniques. This is a "shaped" card, where the stencil design is traced and then embellished with watercolor pencils. The "M" shape works best for a side folding card. Align the stencil so that the open design edge is set in from the fold. (Tip: if you cut the ATC stencils into nine separate 3"x4" sections, the edge around the letter design is sufficient offset. Simply align the stencil edge to the fold.) Using a pencil, trace the stencil design onto the folded card base. Color the design with watercolor pencils, then use a water brush to blend the coloring. Add accents to the mushrooms with a white paint pen. When completely dry, draw the offset lines around the letter design. Cut the excess off to create the letter shape, leaving the folded edge along the side.

These cards are really fun to make each one can be individualized to the personality of its recipient. 

I hope you are inspired to create something special to show someone that they are important and appreciated. It's the little things that mean the most.

Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by today, it means a lot to me.

Ann Barnes

StencilGirl® stencils used:
ATC Mixup Alphabet A through I, ATC Mixup Alphabet J through R, ATC Mixup Alphabet S through Z & 

Find Ann on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ann.sullivanbarnes
Find Ann on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aksbarchitect/
Ann's blog: https://aksbarchitectcreates.blogspot.com

A Sweet State Package Deal + Stenciled Girlfriend Trip Goody Bags

Hello!

Three years ago, I took on the task of designing state stencils. It was more complicated than I thought... I wanted every state to be relational to each other and every state to be a decent size for projects. In addition, I wanted to fit as many states as I could on one stencil along with including some fun little map icons. 

There was way more left brain involved than right (which is never fun, ha!) However, I'm glad I did as I LOVE having the states as part of my stencil collection and use them frequently for a wide range of projects from travel journaling to making goody bags (like the ones below.) 

Now, with the introduction of this 

SPECIAL 6 STENCILS/50 STATES PACKAGE PRICE

this is the perfect time to add these to your stencil collection!  

I so enjoy a girls getaway. 

And for every girl's trip I am very fond of putting together goody bags for my favorite girlfriends. 

This past May my group of five traveled to Los Angeles, CA. We had ELLEN tickets, which was amazing! Rob Lowe was the big guest and we won tickets to come back for the 12 days of Giveaways! I am still pinching myself. 

Anyway, to make the bags, I purchased a 10-pack of kraft gift bags from Michael's and stenciled the state of California in white. I let the state dry and added the starfish stencil on top in various shades of pink.

And here's what I packed inside! If you notice I'm a bit OCD about color. I wanted the bags to be pinkish so everything included inside is indeed "pinkish". Here's a list of what I included:

1) A stenciled scout book (see below) to record trip highlights
2) Migraine Relief for the morning after
3) A pocket tissue holder I made these myself using an online tutorial
4) Emergen C to keep us all healthy and energized
5) Personalized Wine Cups no explanation needed
6) Ghiradelli Chocolate everyone needs chocolate
7) Strawberry Face Masks to relax and indulge
8) Hand sanitizer a must for travel

To make the scout books, I simply opened the book flat and stenciled first the state and then the starfish. I added a bit of glittered washi tape at the bottom to finish the book as pictured above.

For each bag, I put together a monogrammed tassel making a tassel first, stringing a bead, adding a tag (paper flower and glittered letter adhered to tag) and knotting the top. Here's a visual of how it came together:

For friends visiting me this summer in my home state of Ohio, I customized similar bags for their visit. Instead of the starfish, I used the deer antler flowers stencil.

Below is a sampling of some additional projects I've completed over the years using the state stencils. As you can see from the large USA painting, every state is scaled relationally to each other so if you are so inclined you can fit them all together like a puzzle. This canvas is 24" x 24" to give you an idea of how large the entire USA ends up being.

My daughter used the stencils to help her learn the states by making a State Flip Book. Each page in this spiral-bound notecard book features a different state with fun facts.

For Christmas presents one year, I embroidered states using a heart for the city of family and friends. DIY instructions.

Below, I focused in on one state and some of the icons that remind me of Texas.

I hope you'll consider adding the states to your stencil collection. I'd love to see what you create!

You never know when the offer will disappear so act now!

Here is the link to get your favorite state stencils at a fabulous price! 

Altered Tile Coasters by Belen Sotelo

Hi friends! Belen Sotelo here. Today I'm going to share with you a fun project that just might come in handy during your next dinner party. We're going to alter tile beverage coasters!

These make wonderful gifts and are relatively inexpensive to make. I made this set for under $10.

I started with 4 tile coasters form the dollar store. These already came with a felt backing. If you pick some up that don't. you can easily add it yourself.

To begin, I added some heavy body acrylic to each one.

Using Thicket Background, I sponged on some Quinacridone Gold.

Next a dabbed on a bit of gesso through the Dancing Lights stencil.

I added some gold and bronze through Open Leaves.

To give my coasters a bit more texture, I added gold gesso through MaryBeth Shaw's Hash Marks stencil.

I added some dimension to my leaves with a Pitt pen in Nougat.

Just a bit more mark making with the Repetition Stencil and heavy body acrylic. Once that was done, I let my coasters sit a bit, just to make sure everything was nice and dry before moving on to the next stage, waterproofing.

I used Envirotex Lite Epoxy Resin for this step. I picked mine up at Michael's, with a coupon. You can also find it online, through Amazon. A 4oz package was enough to cover my 4 coasters, but it's available in larger sizes as well. You'll want to read the instructions carefully and have everything set up in advance, before you pour. I also recommend wearing gloves.

I chose to do this step outside. I placed my coasters into a shallow cardboard box, mixed the resin and and poured.

Make sure that you cover all of the edges of your coasters, when you do this, and that the resin creates a solid, smooth coating. I used a small brush to do the edges.

After about 15 minutes, you'll start to see small bubbles rise to the surface. Huffing on them will make them disappear. Do this until the surface is smooth and free of bubbles.

It will take about 72 hours for them to be 100% cured. During this time, keep them in a dust free area to make sure that things don't stick to the resin.

I hope you've enjoyed today's Team Tuesday tutorial and that it inspires you to use your StencilGirl stencils in different ways.

Happy Stenciling!
Cheers,
Belen

Stenciled Gift Bag

Turn a paper bag to an elegant gift bag!

October is an important month in our family. We are celebrating my mother’s birthday. This time I will put my present into this decorated gift bag which I have created from a simple paper bag. This is a super easy project. You will need only a few supplies and a little trick with a beautiful stencil, but in the end, it will turn out into an elegant gift bag. Let me show you the process itself step-by-step. Let’s get started!

Stencils I used: Terri Stegmiller’s Stepping Stone #1 Stencil

1.                  For this project I used the following supplies: a brown paper bag, scrap paper, cardstock (brown, pink and mauve), Sharpie/paint markers (pink and mauve), contour liner acrylic paint (sparkling gold), glue, ultrafine glitter (brown), glitter tape, organza ribbon and some rhinestones (brown).

2.                 First, it is important to attach the stencil to the cardstock temporarily, since at the end you want to achieve precise results. I used some washi tape for this. Then use water based glue (for the protection of your beautiful stencil) and cover the pattern of the stencil with glue – I used an old plastic card at this step. I suggest you to work quickly and prepare some lukewarm water in the sink in advance so you can clean your stencil immediately after you used it.

3.                 After you have removed your stencil and the washi tape, quickly pour ultrafine glitter onto the pattern and let it dry. Wash your stencil before the glue dries on it.

4.                 When the glue is completely dried, trace the pattern of the stencil using the Sharpies and the gold contour liner acrylic paint. Let them dry.

5.                  Use some glitter tape and organza ribbon and wrap them around the layered paper scraps. Trace and cut some flower patterns of the stencil from cardstock and glue them onto the bag. To make it more elegant you can put some rhinestones into the middle of the flowers.

6.                  For the final step doodle leafy branches around the main part – use the pattern of the Stepping Stone stencil as an inspiration.

Here you can see the finished project and some close-ups:

Hope you liked my project and will try these techniques in the future! Thank you so much for the opportunity. I am so glad and proud that I could share my tips with you, here on StencilGirlTalk. I would be happy to answer any questions you might have regarding this project. You can contact me through my blog or on Facebook.

Hello, from Hungary,
Brigitta Budahazi aka Gigi :)