Showing posts with label StencilClub. Show all posts
Showing posts with label StencilClub. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 3, 2026

Create A Whimsical Infinity Roll for Your Mixed Media Projects

Hello again from Kim Hamburg, a mixed media collage artist who believes there is no such thing as too much paper. Today I’m sharing one of my favorite studio habits — making an “infinity roll,” a continuous strip of dyed and stenciled paper that you can tear from whenever your collage, junk journal, or assemblage needs an extra layer of texture and story.


Infinity Roll


ATC card with Infinity Roll Piece


The Infinity Roll

A never-ending strip of possibility for your mixed media projects

There is something very satisfying about a roll of paper.

Not a precious sheet you’re afraid to ruin. Not a perfectly cut background. A roll. Continuous. Practical. A little industrial. The kind that used to live in a cash register.

In the studio, though? It becomes an infinity roll — a stash of ready-to-use collage magic you can tear from whenever your junk journal, assemblage, or mixed media piece needs “just one more thing.”

This month, I decided to make mine monochromatic. I made one in purple and one in teal, and I’m honestly in love with how the edges turned out.


Here are the completed Infinity Rolls -- one in blue, one in purple.


Supplies


Step 1: Dye the Paper (Trust the Process)

First, tear off a workable section of your roll — about 3 to 5 feet. That’s the sweet spot. Long enough to feel abundant, short enough to manage without dye going everywhere.

Pour a little RIT liquid dye into a shallow cup or lid. Set one end of your paper strip directly into the dye so the edge can start absorbing color.

Let it sit for about an hour. If you want deeper color, leave it longer. After an hour, flip the strip and let the other end soak.

As it dries, the dye creates this beautiful watercolor bloom along the edges. It’s soft, organic, and slightly unpredictable — which is exactly what we want. Mine dried into these moody purple and teal gradients that feel rich but not fussy.

Let it dry completely before moving on.


Paper Cash Register Roll


RIT dye in shallow container


I flipped the paper over to dye the other half.
Notice how beautiful the dye takes to the paper.


Completely Dry 


Step 2: Add the Stencils (Layer It Up)

Once your paper is dry, roll it out across your table.

I used this month’s Stencil Club set — “Wonderfully Wonky” by Cat Kerr. It’s a two-stencil set filled with imperfect, handmade-feeling marks. They’re playful and organic, which makes them perfect for something like this.



Using a sponge roller and acrylic paint, I randomly applied the first stencil across the strip. I didn’t measure. I didn’t space things evenly. I just moved along the paper and let the marks land where they wanted.

Be sure to stencil both sides. That way, no matter how you tear or layer it later, you’ll have interest.

After the first layer dried, I used the second stencil from the set and added another color on top. The layered marks give it depth and movement — and suddenly your plain roll looks like something you bought at a fancy art supply store.

Except you made it.



Using a sponge roller to add first layer of stencil images


Adding second layer with a contrasting color


Step 3: Tear and Use

Now comes the best part.

Tear pieces off as you need them.

I used mine to create ATC cards (2.5" x 3.5") and layered sections of the infinity roll onto cardstock. Add collage papers, glue it down, build on top. The dyed edges create built-in softness, and the stencil layers make even the smallest scrap feel intentional.

Because the roll is continuous, you always have more. No pressure. No preciousness.


ATC Cards with Infinity Roll Pieces


Why an Infinity Roll?

Because mixed media artists need building blocks.

Because junk journals are hungry for texture.

Because it’s easier to create freely when you already have beautiful components ready to go..

And honestly? There’s something really comforting about knowing you can just reach over, tear a piece, and keep making.

Plus it looks great sitting in your art space ready for the next creative idea.

Here are few tips you may want to use:
1.  This is super messy!!  Make sure to lay down paper over your work surface.
2.  You can add water to the dye to make it less intense.
      Instead of RIT dye, you can use watercolor liquid.
3.  You can leave the paper roll in the dye overnight and you will get a really great result.
4.  You can mist the paper roll with water while it is sitting in the dye.
5.  Make sure to let it dry completely before adding the stencil designs.
6.  These make really great gifts for your favorite mixed media friends.  You can actually use an old spool to roll the paper around and then add a fabric bow to hold it together.



Wonderfully Wonky is only available to StencilClub Members who join by March 15th and will ship on that day.


Infinity Roll dry and ready to use


You get lots of great benefits as a club member, including a coupon for 25% off all regular collection stencils, a project and PDF from the artist, and an additional project by me that is for members only. So don’t delay!

Get more information about StencilClub

Stencil Club

I would love to see your work. Please tag me on Instagram — check out my IG 

Kim Hamburg Instagram

Facebook   Kim Hamburg on Facebook 



Final look at the completed Infinity Roll -- make sure to tag me when you make yours!

Thursday, February 1, 2024

Announcing the February 2024 StencilClub Collection from Lanie Frick


Lanie's StencilClub collection is based on her travels to ancient caves where she was captivated by the cruciform carvings and painted caves of native peoples.  The set is perfect for mark-making and as well as adding a native feel to your artwork. 




StencilClub is the best deal around if you love using artist-designed stencils in your work.  Check out all the benefits you get for only $25 (US) and $35 (international)!  











Monday, January 1, 2024

Your January 2024 StencilClub Set from Mary Beth Shaw


Mary Beth Shaw is our StencilClub designer this month and she's
 starting the new year off right with a collection of 8 abstract stencils! 

This set ships on January 15th so you'll need to join by then!


When you join StencilClub you're getting the best stencils around as well as StencilGirl's best deal on stencils all year long.




Friday, December 1, 2023

The December 2023 StencilClub Exclusives from Rae Missigman




Joining StencilClub means you have access to the coolest stencils around. 
Artist designs, made especially for club members.  This month Rae Missigman is our designer and she has a gorgeous exclusive project in store for members.  














Wednesday, November 1, 2023

The Stencil of My Dreams- October 2023 StencilClub Exclusive



If you are not already a member of StencilClub, here's a few reasons why you should be. 







Wednesday, October 4, 2023

Kirsten Varga - October StencilClub


Welcome back Creatives! Kirsten Varga here with a bookmaking project using the fabulous October StencilClub designs by Cat Kerr. The bold imagery is festive and fun. I pulled out my GelliArts printing plate and my stash of specialty papers to create this beauty. The name of this structure is a Gate-fold Book.


A gate-fold book has a cover that opens like a gate! :) I decided on a "gate" that is evenly divided but feel free to change it up. The left hand side could be wider or vice versa. The covers can overlap or not. Let your imagination and curiosity explore the possibilities.


My book contains two signatures created from a variety of papers in my stash like old dictionary pages, painted papers, handmade papers and patterned papers. All of them are the same height as the book but the width varies. I chose to do that so the papers could overlap to create interesting visual combinations.


I used a GelliArts printing plate to print the stencil designs with black and white paint onto deli paper. I like working with deli paper because it goes mostly translucent when glued to a surface.


The cover is a piece of 140 lb watercolor paper that is painted with vibrant acrylics. The deli paper prints are then glued on the entire surface, front and back of the cover, with matte medium.


I attached each signature to the cover with the 5-hole pamphlet stitch. This is one of my favorite bookbinding stitches because it is easy and fast!


This book is ready to be filled with pictures, drawing, poetry, songs, memories and more. I hope this project inspires you to create something to honor and remember a loved one.


Check out the video below for all the details:


Happy Creating!


Find me on Instagram: @kirstenvarga

Join StencilClub by October 15 to receive these exclusive stencils and accompanying video tutorial with PDF (both downloadable!), and 25% OFF STENCILS EVERY DAY!!

Stencils used:


Other supplies used:

140lb watercolor paper
various text weight and cardstock papers
deli paper
acrylic paint
matte medium
paintbrush/cataylst scraper
GelliArts® printing plate
brayer
ruler/pencil/scissors
bone folder
waxed linen thread/needle
eyelets and setter/hammer
3/4" circle punch
binding clips


Friday, September 1, 2023

Announcing the September 2023 StencilClub Exclusives!




Joining StencilClub means you have access to the coolest stencils around. Stencils that aren't sold anywhere else except to club members. Artist designs, made especially for club members. 



Each month, you get the following:

  • Two 9" x 12" EXCLUSIVE Stencils. 

Always Artist Designed

Sometimes there will be 2 designs, other times there will be multiple designs on two stencils.

    • An EXCLUSIVE video for MEMBERS ONLY provided by the designing artist. It's a class in itself!
    • A downloadable PDF with basic instructions to go along with the video for that month.
    • Entrance into a SECRET Facebook group for MEMBERS ONLY! A place to share, inspire and talk all about stencils!
    • Plus, as a MEMBER, you are eligible to purchase ANY past month for the membership price.
    • StencilClub members receive a loyalty coupon code each month good for 20% off stencils in the public collection. It can be used more than once.






    StencilClub is only:
    $25 USD - United States, monthly 
    $35 USD - International, monthly


    Tuesday, August 1, 2023

    Announcing the August StencilClub Designs from Gwen Lafleur



    Joining StencilClub means you have access to the coolest stencils around. Stencils that aren't sold anywhere else except to club members. Artist designs, made especially for club members. 




    Each month, you get the following:

    • Two 9" x 12" EXCLUSIVE Stencils. 

    Always Artist Designed

    Sometimes there will be 2 designs, other times there will be multiple designs on two stencils.

      • An EXCLUSIVE video for MEMBERS ONLY provided by the designing artist. It's a class in itself!
      • A downloadable PDF with basic instructions to go along with the video for that month.
      • Entrance into a SECRET Facebook group for MEMBERS ONLY! A place to share, inspire and talk all about stencils!
      • Plus, as a MEMBER, you are eligible to purchase ANY past month for the membership price.
      • StencilClub members receive a loyalty coupon code each month good for 20% off stencils in the public collection. It can be used more than once.




      StencilClub is only:
      $25 USD - United States, monthly 
      $35 USD - International, monthly



      Saturday, July 1, 2023

      Announcing the July 2023 StencilClub Exclusive by Ann Butler






      Joining StencilClub means you have access to the coolest stencils around. Stencils that aren't sold anywhere else except to club members. Artist designs, made especially for club members. 


      Each month, you get the following:

      • Two 9" x 12" EXCLUSIVE Stencils. 

      Always Artist Designed

      Sometimes there will be 2 designs, other times there will be multiple designs on two stencils.

        • An EXCLUSIVE project video for MEMBERS ONLY provided by the designing artist. It's a class in itself!
        • A downloadable PDF with basic instructions to go along with the video for that month.
        • Entrance into a SECRET Facebook group for MEMBERS ONLY! A place to share, inspire and talk all about stencils!
        • Plus, as a MEMBER, you are eligible to purchase ANY past month for the membership price. 
        • StencilClub members receive a loyalty coupon code each month good for 20% off stencils in the public collection. It can be used more than once.

        StencilClub is only:
        $25 USD - United States, monthly 
        $35 USD - International, monthly