StencilGirl® Upcycled Bangle Bracelets

Hi everyone, Ann Barnes here, and I am excited to be back on StencilGirl® Talk. Today I am sharing these unique, up cycled, bangle bracelets, made using my Alphabet Mixup ATC stencils. 

Like most people, having spent a lot of time in my studio this past year, I noticed there's a lot of space taken up by my stash of collected items. These are the things that I can't seem to possibly throw away, things that have "potential" to be used in alternative ways for projects...things like spent tape rolls. 

This project uses empty tape roll cores. They can be from any type of tape as long as the circular core is a sturdy cardboard material, and would fit around someone's wrist. For my bangles, I used the cores from painters tape rolls. At first glance (and probably why I saved so many of them) they appear to have a nice finished surface. This works great for the tape, but needs to be sanded off to give the surface a bit of grip when it comes to adhering a base coat of gesso and/or paint. I had a few of my painted designs literally peel off before I realized why it was happening. Roughing up the cardboard base is the first step to creating these pieces. 

Once you have sanded off the nonstick surface, each roll is covered with a layer of gesso or paint. I wanted to have a variety of bases to work on so I chose different mediums for each of the rolls. I used black gesso, black soot distress paint, as well as gold gesso. They all worked well, so feel free to use whatever you have on hand. 

I love the fact that the Alphabet Mixup ATC stencils contain 27 different pattern designs within the alphabet. This gave me a lot of options when it came to design. For my bangles, I chose to keep the pattern and designs pretty close to the original stencil designs; however, I think these would also be beautiful if the designs were abstract. Select the stencil that contains a pattern you want to showcase on your bracelet, then consider what colors you would like to use.

I created five different bangles, each showcasing a different pattern. For this post, I will do a step by step for the bamboo patterned bracelet, made using the letter B stencil (ATC Mixup Alphabet A through I). At the end of the post I will share which letters I used for each of the other bracelets. 

I sanded and prepped my tape roll with black soot distress paint. Once it was ready, I moved my selected stencil above the flat width of the tape roll to envision which section of the stencil would give me the cleanest repeating pattern. For the bamboo, this section occurs along the tall upright on the left side of the letter B. Place the stencil onto the prepared flat surface and gently add green paint through the stencil with a foam wedge. I find it best to use only a little paint and dab the foam in an up and down motion over the openings. It is easier to do multiple light layers to build up color than it is to fix the paint that may seep through if you are too heavy handed. (Tip: if you spray the back side of the stencil with a light coat of a reposition-able adhesive prior to use, the stencil will "stick" in the exact position that you place it without much effort on your part.)

After you are satisfied with the paint coverage, lift the stencil off the surface. You can use a heat tool to ensure that section of the painted design is dry before placing the stencil in the adjacent position. Repeat the paint dabbing, lifting, and drying process, continuing the pattern all the way around the surface. I shifted the stencil up and down each time I moved it to the next position to add interest to the repeating pattern. Allow the painted pattern layer to completely dry. 

At this point, I repeated the process, positioning the stencil in the exact position from the first painted layer, but used a different shade of green paint to give the bamboo pattern a bit of depth. When adding the second color, I made sure to not fully cover the first layer, this allowed some of the lighter areas to show through. I allowed this layer to completely dry as well, then I hand painted additional highlights on each of the bamboo sections with a detailer paintbrush.

Using a fine paintbrush, tarnished brass (metallic) distress paint created highlights along each section of bamboo, further enhancing the dimensional effect. I painted these highlights freehand; however, if you prefer, you could always position the stencil a third time to use as a guide. I like the arty feel of the hand-painted highlights, making my own marks and adding to the uniqueness of each piece.

Once the art on each bangle was complete, I coated the bangle in resin to give it durability. Using a tumbler spinner and high gloss resin, I added layers of clear resin and allowed the bracelet to spin until the resin cured. This step of the process takes the most time and patience. Do not touch the resin until it is completely cured. I left mine to spin overnight so that I would not be tempted in any way. Follow the manufacturer's directions for whatever resin you use. The bracelets only need to spin to avoid drips, one the resin has set up, the remaining cure time can happen in a stationary position.

After the resin on the bracelets has completely cured, I add a strip of black, adhesive backed velvet to the inside. This gives each bangle a finished look and also provides a soft comfortable feel when the bracelet is worn.

Here is the finished "bamboo" bracelet using the B stencil (ATC Mixup Alphabet A through I)

The next bangle was made with the letter J "jonquil" patterned stencil (ATC Mixup Alphabet J through R) Using three colors of distress paint, I created an alternating ombre effect through the stencil. Once dry, I added small gold marks randomly before coating the bracelet with resin. 

I love the grungy look of the "numbers" bangle using the letter N stencil (ATC Mixup Alphabet J through R) Note: the base layer of this bangle was created with collaged vintage book pages. This bangle was not coated in resin, allowing the layers and grungy design to show. For durability, I sprayed the piece with a clear matte spray before adding the velvet to the interior.

This bangle was made using the letter C "circles" patterned stencil (ATC Mixup Alphabet A through I) Gold gesso was the perfect base to build upon, giving the design a lot of depth right from the start. I added layers of stenciling in blues, greens and teals with masking and gold highlights. This bracelet has a chunky feel with its thick coating of resin. 

The wide bangle bracelet made with the letter U "uneven lines" stencil (ATC Mixup Alphabet S through Z &) makes a bold statement. Uneven lines of reds, pinks, coral, orange and gold on a black gessoed base make up the design. I extended the thick gold stripes onto the edges to add interest. 

There is something very satisfying about using items in your stash. I personally know that this is a hard concept to wrap your head around. For years, I collected and admired, and when it came time to use, I shunned away from my "collected" items because I was afraid that once I used them all up, there would never be anything like it or good enough to replace it. This past year, I began to use up some of my gathered supplies and I can honestly say that not only is it rewarding to see these items in a new light, it is like a weight is being lifted off my shoulders as the collections dwindle and the space in the studio begins to open up. Especially when they are used to create something beautiful and useful.

I hope you are inspired to dig into your stash and create something special. These bracelets would make the perfect gifts, and they can be made using items that you've already got on hand, so they won't cost you anything but time, and in my opinion, any time I can be making art is a good time!

Thanks so much for stopping by today, it means a lot to me. If you'd like to see more of my art and creations, you can find me on Instagram (@aksbarchitect) and Facebook (Ann Sullivan Barnes).  

creatively yours,
 Ann Barnes

New Architectural Stencils by Ann Barnes

Hello Stencil Enthusiast!

Build architecture into your art journal, greeting cards, and mixed media work with these four new stencils by Ann Barnes.

She says, "I am excited to share my newest SG stencil designs: architectural. These four stencils are based on residential architectural design, the foundation of my work in the field. I love the linear quality of architectural plans; each line type and width represent different elements found within the design. A concept is developed into a vision, which begins with a set of plans."

Master Suite Stencil, S871, 6" x 6"

One of Ann's favorite aspects of the Master Suite Stencil design is the unexpected, angled passage that splits the traditional plan. 

"Rectangular spaces throughout the residence sometimes need a shake-up.," Ann says. "Envision yourself encountering a passage that appears to go in an unintended direction, when followed, it brings you to a vaulted space with the finest finishes and the grandest views. This angled corridor brings a lot of interest to the plan as well as the experience and will also create interest when the stencil is used." 

Ann used the stencil as a framework for the design of the art journal spread below. 

Beginning with essentially blank pages and an inspired color scheme, she inked the entire stencil design onto the upper left and bottom right sections of the pages. 

Next, she tore various handmade papers and added them using the stenciled lines as edges and guides. 

She added painted lines and drew lines with paint to create a cohesive design. 

"This was a very different way for me to work in my art journal," Ann says. "I loved the idea of letting the plan layout dictate the design and not having to consider the areas generated, just allowing the creativity to flow. I will definitely be trying this method again in the future." 

Back Hall Stencil, M330, 4" x 4"

The Back Hall Stencil was derived from a floor plan of the more utilitarian areas of the residence. As one enters the back hall they can access the more personal spaces within the residence, a very different experience from the grand entrance of the foyer. These spaces are smaller and more functional. This stencil provides linear graphics with perpendicular intersections and dashed lines. Its small size can have a big impact and would work wonderfully within a linear or grid journaling format. Small sections of the stencil can also be used for mark making.

Ann envisions this stencil being used with inks and paints, perhaps even textural pastes to give the appearance of raised lines within a piece of art. 

Orientation Stencil, M331, 4" x 4"

Every set of architectural drawings references a building geographically as Ann's Orientation Stencil graphically depicts. The elevations are typically labeled north elevation, south elevation, and so forth. Each drawing then contains a graphic that relates the “building north” as depicted on the drawing labels to “true” north. These types of orientation graphics can be as simple as overlapping rotated axis or as complex as the architect desires it to be. 

"I like to include an aerial view of the structure atop geographically accurate compass points," Ann says. "The combination of the circular opening and the roof plan creates a unique graphic."

Foyer Stencil, S872, 6" x 6"

Some of Ann's favorite aspects in architectural design are portals that give glimpses into spaces beyond. She says, "Sometimes these offer only subtle hints while other times they can provide a full understanding of what lies beyond." 

The Foyer Stencil evolved from one of Ann's residential designs. The double story entry contained a barrel-vaulted passage through to the main living space as well as a turned staircase that, when ascended, provided sweeping views of the property all along the upper-level corridor.

This stencil contains both large and small openings. It can be used for the simple repetitive patterns that symbolize the stairs and railings or the more open geometric shapes that form the arched passage, trimmed paneling and cased openings, or as a complete architectural design. 

"The geometric nature of this stencil will lend itself to many different styles of art," Ann says. 

This stencil is perfect for use with all types of inks and paints, as well as different types of mediums. The larger openings are well suited to doodling or filling with color, images, or even ephemera. 

Access different projects by Ann with these stencils on her blog.

Discover these architectural stencils and wonderful alphabet stencils by Ann Barnes on StencilGirl Products.com.

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

NEW STENCIL DESIGNERS! Ann Barnes & Helen Shafer Garcia

StencilGirl Products is excited about the six new stencils our two new artists, Ann Barnes and Helen Shafer Garcia have designed. 

We are so happy you are here to check out Ann's whimsical patterned alphabet and Helen's beautiful succulents. Drumroll, please!

The multitude of patterns found among many of the StencilGirl stencil designs inspired Ann Barnes to create the ATC Mixup Alphabet A-I, J-R, and S-Z Stencils. Each letter has a different pattern and may be used to create personalized stationery or gift wrap or to add a monogram. Use the letters to spell out a word, or simply use that pattern itself to create interest in your art journal layouts or designs.

Complete your alphabet now.

L823

L824

L825

Just look at the variety of ways Ann used these stencils!
 

Gotta love a tote full of art supplies.

Layered letters in a nearly monochromatic art journal spread: 

Whoever is getting these darling gifts will be grateful :)

Washi anyone? Yay!

Show that you care: Make and mail a card!

Keep track of Ann's aksbarchitect CREATES blog for upcoming video tutorials with her stencils.

Helen Shafer Garcia says she is always looking for seedling and sprig shapes to include in her paintings and journal. 

Helen says, “I love the upward growth of plants in my garden. I constantly draw and paint succulents and other plants with pencils and paint. I designed these shapes based on seed pods and new growth on succulents. They can also represent ocean plants and seedlings. Now, with the Filigree Sprigs Stencil, you have a great resource to use to explore and grow!”

Filigree Sprigs, L822

Filigree Sprigs Dropped in Color Forest Painting

Step 1: Stencil the design onto hot pressed watercolor paper. I overlapped the images to create a forest.

Step 2: Wet the entire surface with Cadmium yellow watercolor paint.

Step 3: While the paint is very wet and shiny, drop in other colors. I used Quinacridone Rose, Spring Green, and Carbazole Purple. The Carbazole purple was the last color I dropped in under the sprigs to create a “forest floor.”

The Echeverias Stencil design derived from Helen’s fascination with succulent shapes.

Helen says, “These plants have been the main focus for many of my paintings in watercolor. Echeverias have rosette shapes with a large range of colors. Here in Southern California, I have an advantage of living in the best environment for these plants. Needless to say, I have an abundance of succulents on my 1half-acre property. The shapes on the stencil are separated out for you to design your own arrangement. You can add a ceramic pot or go wild and plant them in the ground!”

L815

Blooming Echeverias Painting

Step 1: Stencil the shapes you have selected onto hot pressed watercolor paper using a fairly dark color acrylic.

Step 2: Using a large round watercolor brush, wet the background with plenty of water. While the surface remains wet, drop in colors. I used Carbazole Purple and Ultramarine Blue. Let the colors mingle on their own, allow the water to move the colors.

Step 3: Start painting the succulent shapes separately using the dropped-in color method. Start with a light warm color on the shape and drop-in cooler colors to show the darker areas.

Step 4: Finish up with glazes: paint over dry painted areas with darker colors where needed.

This ballet of shapes will have you dancing in no time. The Echeveria Ballet Stencil design was derived from Helen’s fascination with succulent shapes. Echeverias have rosette shapes with a large range of colors. The seed pods are abstracted in the stencil for you to use as accents.

Echeveria Ballet Stencil, L821

You can see Helen's actual garden of inspiration HERE.

You can add these fine stencils to your collection by heading over to StencilGirlProducts.com.