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

Colour-coordinated Gel Printing with StencilGirl® Masks

Hi there! It's Marsha Valk here today with a new column!

For the past 11 years, I've started the new year creatively, spending time watching the Creative JumpStart videos and creating alongside them.

If you're reading this, you're probably familiar with Nat Kalbach's Creative JumpStart, and perhaps you've even seen me mention it before.

However, if you don't know what CJS is: it's an annual monthlong online mixed media art event meant to inspire and motivate you to get creative.

It's like an advent calendar with a new video every day in January (this time it went into February) by outstanding teachers like Mary Beth Shaw, Kristin Williams, Martice Smith, Rae Missigman, Carolyn Dube, Gwen Lafleur, Jane LaFazio, Kae Pea, Nancy Curry, Seth Apter and Tina Walker.

So on January 1st, I grabbed a new art journal and started to follow along and/or create inspired by what each teacher shared in their video.

And this year, I really took stock of what supplies I enjoyed working with, which techniques made me want to dive right in, what I liked and did not like doing and what aesthetic I liked and did not like.

I tried to create one page after watching each lesson; however, I did allow myself to skip a few. Creative JumpStart isn't a challenge, and I did not want to make it into one either.

Besides, I was in the middle of (another) studio reorganisation, which did not allow me to pull out every supply needed.

Anyway, the lessons I enjoyed most were the ones that involved painting with acrylics. You know, the kind you do with a brush and perhaps a palette knife. Which surprised me, and it's something that I could potentially explore more.

The second realisation was that I love colour (no surprise there); however, it turns out that some colours fail to make my heart sing, no matter how hard I try.

Watching the other teachers and participants use colour palettes outside my comfort zone somehow convinced me to experiment with different colours. And… it didn't work. They don't feel like 'me', and I struggle with making them look good.

So… just for my enjoyment, I decided to take cues from a vintage magazine I found while decluttering. These colour combos excite me, inspire me and make me sooo happy!

Watch me gel print with a limited 70s colour palette and StencilGirl® masks by Mary Beth Shaw and Martice Smith!

   

Until next time!

Marsha Valk

Featured masks and stencils: 

Graphic Mod Mask 1: 70s Play by Martice Smith

Graphic Mod Mask 2: Hole in the Wall by Martice Smith 

Modern Monoprint Shapes Set by Mary Beth Shaw

What's the Point? Stencil by Nathalie Kalbach

Mini-Dots Stencil by Andrew Borloz

Paint colours used: Deep Turquoise, Mixing White, Phthalo Green (Yellow Shade), Process Magenta and Titanium White.

DIY StencilGirl® Hair Scrunchies by Martice Smith

DIY StencilGirl® Hair Scrunchies by Martice Smith

Hello there! It’s Martice, back with another stenciled fabric project! Here’s a fun fact for ya: back in the day - in the late 90s, - I would never wear scrunchies. It’s true! Not because I didn’t like ‘em...somehow, scrunchies would always find a way to slide out of my hair. I could never wrap them tight enough around my ponytails.

I was a chica who was more into wearing neon barrettes and glitter butterfly clips. Yes, I was that little girl with the noisy click-clack barrettes swinging on the ends of my long braids. I’ve always loved decorating my naturally curly hair with fun hair accessories!

My taste in hair accessories hasn’t changed much. I still love their playful vibe, bright colors and cute patterns! Scrunchies are super popular again so I thought ‘why not give scrunchies another try and make a few custom ones of my own’?

Supplies:

Stencils:

• Butterfly Journeys by Carolyn Dube

• Circles Circles by Traci Bautista 

• Cotton or polyester blend fabric (I cut mine 31 inches long x 5 inches wide) *this size will vary, depending on your desired scrunchie size
• DecoArt Soft Touch Varnish (optional)
• Acrylic paints
• Large, flat paintbrush
• 3/8” wide elastic
• Safety pin
• Sewing Machine
• Rotary cutter / Scissors
• Ruler / Quilting ruler
• Gel Plate (optional)

STEP 1: STENCIL YOUR FABRIC

I had some scrap fabric from another project but any cotton blend fabric will be just fine to use. 

I experimented with cutting the fabric in different widths to figure out how to get more of the beautiful stencil designs to show. I quickly discovered that the smaller I make the scrunchie, the less I’ll see the stenciled design. So, for that reason, I had to increase the width to at least 5 inches wide.

Use a cosmetic sponge and a small amount of paint. Dab off excess paint before applying it to your fabric.

Apply a variety of colors to add more visual interest.

STEP 2: APPLY SOFT TOUCH VARNISH (optional step)

Use a large, flat brush to apply an even coat onto the right side of the fabric. Soft Touch varnish creates a velvety feel on your fabric.

When the fabric is completely dry, you can move onto sewing it to make a scrunchie! 

STEP 3: MAKE THE TUBE

The "tube" will become the actual scrunchie once we insert the elastic.

Fold the short edge 1/4" and stitch near the folded edge.

Next, fold the tube in half with right sides together.

STEP 4: TURN THE TUBE RIGHT SIDE OUT  

Here's what it looks like...  

STEP 5: INSERT ELASTIC 

Next, we'll need to feed a strip of elastic through the tube. I cut a 10 inch piece of elastic to make a large scrunchie. (To make a mini scrunchie, just cut a smaller piece of elastic.)

Next, I attached a safety pin to both ends of the elastic, being careful not to pull the opposite end through. I found it helpful to pin one end to something sturdy (like my pant leg) to keep it from going inside the tube. Grab onto the head of the safety pin and gently move through the tube until you reach the end.

When the elastic is through the tube, secure the ends with two knots then clip off the excess elastic.

STEP 6: TUCK ENDS AND STITCH 

Next, tuck the end with the raw edge into the opposite end that was folded over and sewn in step 3.

Secure it with a straight stitch and you’re done!

It’s also important to note that working with stencils that have abstract designs produced a better result. It’s difficult to see some of the cute butterflies I stenciled but I still think it looks good. 

Here's another one I made using a gel plate! It's super easy to print on fabric. 

The piece on the left was made by rolling out some paint into the gel plate, placing down the circle stencil, then laying the fabric down directly on top to transfer the design.

On the right, I used the leftover paint on the gel plate to pull a ghost print. 

Thank you so much for stopping by today. Happy stenciling!

-Martice

To learn more about Martice and her mixed media art tutorials, please follow the inspiration trail in her newsletter, website, and Instagram.