and some days not so much...
but today I AM!
I'll show you exactly what this stamp says...
how to...
this post idea came after I shared the following journal page...
the email said...
I had no interest in this art journaling stuff, until I saw this. I love it.
I'm not a fan of bright colors, doodeling & handwritten words, so this appeals to me. I know I can do your style. However, I must tell you that you are evil. Now I have to run out and buy stencils and sprays etc. My hubster will need a 3rd job.
ps. I REALLY do love you!
so...the moral of today's post is that I'm sure you already have ITEMS in your home & studio that you can use as stencils...
you'll still want the thinner stencils...
alphabets, numbers, patterns etc...
because they're arty...
but in the mean time...
you already have ITEMS you can use with great success...
I KNOW you do!
keep in mind, the ITEMS I'm showing today are a thicker material, so you can't easily use the distress stains over them, but spraying them with Dy's inks, tim's Adirondack color washes, perfect pearls mists or WATER is a breeze...
because they're thick, you can't stamp over them like you can with stencils made from a thin material....
so thin stencils have some very important advantages...
in addition to misting over these ITEMS...
you can also outline with them...
and use the new distress markers with them...
if you don't have sprays or the distress stains, that I used...
use your distress pads to create the background & use these ITEMS with water in a mister to create really easy backgrounds...
let's get started with some fun finds...
when tim came out with his alpha parts,
I told everyone I met to buy 2...
one to actually use the letters & one to keep whole, to use as a stencil...
since the letters are plastic...
just a quick rinse under the facet & it's all clean & ready for the next time...
AWESOME!
they are large...perfect for large projects...
but use just a portion of it, if you are working on a smaller art...
here's something else I bet lots of you have or HAD...
I HOPE you didn't trash the leftover...
grungeboard makes an awesome stencil,
especially since liquid doesn't bother it....
mist over it, or trace around it to make a pattern...
remember the mixed mini grunge alphabets?
yep...another perfect leftover...
here's the circles & the pack has several different sizes...
remember to check your stash...
next up, some plastic needlepoint/cross stitch material...VERY inexpensive & indestructible!
mist over it... for an awesome background...
rub a distress pad over it...
then mist...
AMAZING results!
next is a rug backing (the stuff so a rug won't slip on hardwood floors)...
again...kind of a rubbery material...
run it under the faucet for a quick clean, after it's been misted...
this is a small piece of gutter guard...found it @ my brother's home & dug it out of the trash...
he thought I was NUTS...
again...
but it's another plastic that works perfectly...
and creates a very cool pattern...
you can also randomly trace some of the diamonds...
distress markers work great...
and shelf liner...buy a roll...split it with a friend...
this is fun to die cut into different shapes...
it's perfect for adding paint to your art...
I've seen all kind of patterns in this shelf liner stuff...
this next thing is a Home Depot find...
from the paint section...
I have no clue what it's for, but it too is perfect for misting over...
for this one...
make sure to mist lightly, since it doesn't sit flat on a surface...
and to get even more use from your favorite dies, use tim's mask sheets...
you get a mask (the piece that falls out) & a stencil...
which is the left over...
lol...double dipping...
don't have the masking material?
use Clearly For Art!
it's fun to look @ ITEMS & repurpose them for something entirely different than their intended use...
am I getting into art journaling?
not exactly...
I like making these backgrounds out of the book, because if it's UGLY...
I can trash it & don't have to rip it out of a book & destroy it...
plus my handwriting sucks & I'm not a doodler...
plus I like to use the backgrounds for home decor type stuff...
plus I want to use Ranger's specialty stamping paper...
ok...
here's your mission, should you choose to accept it...
leave a comment & SHARE your idea of any found object that can be used as an art stencil...
I'll be back on Friday & I'll have a prize package for a random commenter...
open your eyes...
look around & SHARE your idea...
of something cool we can stencil with to...
make art!
wendy
42 comments:
I did laugh to myself when I read your post Wendy. I am always on the look out for different items to use in my art. In fact I have used e plastic canvas in a journal page and it looks fantastic. So does using bubble wrap for adding texture to a page, also string works fabulously, simply lay on page and spray over the string then remove, gives a great background. Masking tape is fab too. Oh and if I use my punches on any project I keep the apertures and use as stencils. Enjoy your week. Tracy x
Sometimes I use those red net bags that fruit comes in or cut-apart plastic fruit baskets (my husband claims I'm a pack rat-hoarder. What does he know?!) :)
Hi Wendy -
This is one of my favorite things to do. I like to do is take a collection of things, like: keys, old subway tokens (or Tim's tokens) washers, eyelets, chains, mesh, etc. and place them on paper or in a book. I then spray my mists over them. Sometimes after I spray if I am careful, I can lift the objects from the page without smearing. If I have layed them out in such a way that it would disturb what I've created, I just leave them until they are dried. You can get the most amazing results just by laying down 3-D items!
Elaine Allen
I've just recently begun my journey into mixed media and am loving it. I went around the house to discover what would work as a stencil or stamp. The most unusual thing I found was a flip flop ... the bottom has this cool design! And I have an extensive cookie cutter collection ... who knew they would make GREAT designs on my journal pages??!! My next place to raid will be my husband's side of the garage - I'm sure there are some GREAT items I can use for creativity there!
Great ideas Wendy, both from you and your above commenters. I have used a wire letter basket, Tims birdcage die cut (my fav) and also Kaisercrafts fabulous range of wooden shapes (dress form, birdcage, keys, ghecco, etc) and have had some excellent results. You do need to be careful Wendy though, as journalling is definitely addictive!
Sometimes I use the netting that bags of fruit come in. I hold it down on paper with post it notes and spray with color wash. Thanks for the chance to win.
I perfer to not call you evil, but my loving enabler .. LOL :) I love to use the negative part of words or shapes that I cut on my cricut as stencils .. when you use the heavier cardstock they hold up pretty good. Awesome post today Wendy .. Thanks.
I know it is not terribly inventive but I love using paper heart doilies from the dollar store. I love the patterns you get from doilies. You are really making me want to buy these markers.
Kate
my grand-daughter and I have been die-cutting shelf liner and using that for a long time. Also the bags from fruits and vegetables are cool but go lightly with these. I also use the lids to things as a stamp after page is nesrly done. dip into white paint and create random rings on your background.
I have a little colander bowl and it makes the cutest little circles. You can spray it or sponge it. Works great.
I save the plastic packaging from things like embossing folders and Tim's Idea-ology line. I like to die cut shapes and color them with alcohol inks. I once scrapbooked the word "cool" and lightly sponged white acrylic paint around the letters to give an icy feel. I haven't tried it yet for making stencils, but it bet it would work in a pinch! Great discussion!
I love hunting around my house for different things I can use as a mask, stencil or stamp.
You mentioned useing Tim's mask sheet to make your own, or your Clearly for Art, well if you don't have either of those save the plastic packaging from your dies and use that to make your own mask or stencil!
You can alss find thing in your bathroom, toilet paper role, dip in paint then stamp on your project. I also have a toothbrush (never used on teeth) that I use to mist & splatter paint onto my projects!
Corrugated cardboard, toilet paper roll, pastry wheel, cookie cutters, sole of a sneaker, paper clips, punchinella (my favorite), bottom of a drinking glass, pencil eraser, sponges, string, plastic netting, the plastic stuff you stitch on (I don't know what you call it), balled up Saran Wrap, balled up paper bag pieces.....I've used all these and more to create interesting marks, shapes, texture and many of the above can be used as stencils. Ever since my addiction to stencils and texture started, I just can't look at trash in the same way anymore....and neither can my hubby or my friends. :-)
What about a strawberry basket? Or a plant lead?
Absolutely NOTHING is safe from ink in this house! I've even taken stuff from my neighbor's garbage (while it was dark out). But somebody ratted on me so now they ask before they toss...lol! I love creating my own stencils from all the dies and punches I have. You get the positive and the negative - a real twofer!
How about a scrap piece of lace ribbon, for sprays the tips of a serving fork or a slotted spoon. I also make stencils from squeeze punch & die cute negatives.
A piece of window screen or a furnace grate work really well!! A LARGE LINK NECKLACE WOULD BE GREAT!
You can use leftover pieces of cardboard after punching out game pieces. I have used the netting from produce packages or when they put a bottle of wine in those netting pieces. I have stenciled through sequin waste. Actually it was rolls of a foil type ribbon that you would make bows from and hang outside. You can cut pieces of that stuff and just layer in your journal too. At Walmart you can buy pieces of stencil plastic and cut your own patterns too. Too much fun!
Love it! I love sequin waste for stencils. Laying down gears, washers & screw eyes and then spraying is cool. So is plastic flowers/leaves taken apart from thrift store arrangements.
oh what fun to read all these posts! and yours too Wendy LOLOL...I have a stash of onion and fruit bags myself..luv those! also have my kids old Tupperware stensils...they rock! and a ton of them...have recently collected several drain covers as well...some have circle holes, some diamond...metal so just rinse those babies off and yer good to go! also use my old diffuser sticks..looks cool...and always use the negs from whatever I cut or punch out...often temp adhere maya tidbits ( cardboard) and spray and remove them...very cool...and I like mini stuff! gl all!
My idea is to use gauze bandages (new ones of course-ew). The kerlix gauze rolls work really great! Just pull apart all the layers until you get it down to just one layer, place it on your paper and spray away! It turns out really cool! Nurses think of these kind of things, right, Wendy?
I have old strawberry baskets saved ... very old the ones made out of the hard plastic and have a nice pattern....
thanks for the tips!
Sandra ltb
I love all of your ideas for stencils. Paper doilies and lace fabric make great stencils. And paper snowflakes (like kids cut).
I have used lots of different things but what came to mind first was using my die cuts from sizzix's dies and also puzzle pieces from the the puzzles you get at the dollar store. All different sizes, for only a dollar! :-)
I make my own stencils by due cutting a sheet of acetate using those thin metal dies. You could also use alphabet strips. There are lots of suitable gardening materials, like enviro mesh, pea and bean netting, chicken wire, etc. that are good for tesselations of geometric shapes.
Great to have some suggestions for free art materials, thank you :-) Maddy x
Oh! What fabulous suggestions! I am not sure what I can add to what has already been said but I do like the waste from old computer paper - you know the thin strips you tear of the sides - they are great to use for circles... Love how art is as free as your own imagination allows!
I so LOVED this post - I was ready to comment either way. It is so hard for people living outside US to get this kind of stuff as stencils etc. I use everything I can lay my hands on : feathers, packaging, bubble wraps, freezer packs - EVERYTHING! My husband thinks I am nuts!
And then you come matter-of-factly and suggest such cool things to replace our lack of shopping opporunities! Thanks Wendi - You Rock- I can now prove to my hubby and friends that the lead artists can keep and use garbage, while creating!
I have used the drywall mesh tape before.
Its kinda sticky but easily removable when done!
Oh we are birds of a feather. I have all the examples you gave; I haunt the home improvement stores for things to use as stencils or for texture.
My tip: for an inexpensive alternative for the plastic stencils, buy laser cut scrapbook paper. It's thin, and you can use all those cool techniques with it. It is also sturdier than you'd think, and the build up of ink and paint actually makes it stronger. I've had some for years and they still work just fine!
Good tips from everyone! Eileen had a good one about the laser cut paper. I have the gutter guard, excellent stencil. I also have a plastic thing from tupperware that was used in the bottom of something, it's a cool circle flowery design. Loved reading all the comments, really great ideas!
Wendy try using the mesh bag onions and some fruits come in both for a spray-through surface and then as a stamp once it's wet. Dry wall mesh is another good one. Also what is left over from your stamping dimensionals or sticky circles. And some of your craft stores in the faux finish area have a rubber square with different "teeth" on each edge for finishing walls with a glaze. Put down paint or spray etc and then drag one edge through the medium. Tons of things out there.
Hi Wendy!
Thanks for the ideas.
There are many types of packaging out there. I have often used bubble wrap as a tool to make a background. It does not look like a typical stencil but it has the same effect. Just take a piece of bubble wrap, and press it into an ink pad or in a few drops of alcohol ink or color wash, or whatever medium you choose, then press the bubble wrap onto your paper or whatever you need to stencil. It works every time and yet you can get different effects for each medium used. Also, as we all know, it is fun to just sit there and pop the bubbles while you are waiting for an inspiration. Karen :)
Now my eye is changing to spy things to use as a mask or stencil! LOL I use a sink mat, paper clips, rubber bands, lace, drywall tape, rubber lace place mats from the dollar store, check packaging from newly bought items,hair combs, mesh screens,and the list is never stopping! Thanks Wendy for the chance to win!
Nothing is safe in our house for artsy things...lol! I've used almost anything in sight that doesn't move;) Bottle caps dipped in paint, paper liner inserts from candy boxes, you name it, it's probably been dipped or sprayed. LOVE your post Wendy and LOVE your work. Best wishes.
DebbieK
Oh, perfect timing. We're in the spring cleaning dump and so I'll know I'll find something. Actually I just received a package from SSS and kept it for the bubble wrap inside. But won't you know it, DH thought it was garbage....whaaaaaa. I now check everything before it leaves the home.
Laura
Oh, perfect timing. We're in the spring cleaning dump and so I'll know I'll find something. Actually I just received a package from SSS and kept it for the bubble wrap inside. But won't you know it, DH thought it was garbage....whaaaaaa. I now check everything before it leaves the home.
Laura
When we buy wine the store usually covers one of the bottles with a plastic mesh-like thingy. This keeps the 2 bottles from clashing together. This makes a great stencil. Also, onion bags, the mesh kind.
I've had fun just reading these ideas! I love Marilyn's tip using the mesh wine "thingies"... I'll definitely be trying that one. I have fabric netting (tulle? - the stuff used to make a ballet tutu) that would be interesting and how about those inexpensive alphabet and number refrigerator magnets that toddlers play with?
Wendy, I am really, really, really enjoying reading your blog these days. Everything you do is so inspiring that I just want to play hookie from work and get messy with you. I'm really looking forward to taking your Beyond Backgrounds class at the Paper Niche. While I love Dyan's bright, bold colors, I'm also loving the softer look you achieve.
So, to answer your question, two old-time faves I use as stencils are bubble wrap and sequin waste. I also have some card-size stencils which I purchased about 14 yrs ago to create a checkerboard pattern, and another one to create a frame design around a card, that I've dug out and am using again.
See you again soon!
Fran
Thanks for the cool stencil ideas. I like to use found items such as the netting that holds fruit or cheese. I love the look as it's never the same. Thanks for the opportunity to win. Bette
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I like using things I find outdoors. Leaves, pine branches, flowers, mushrooms, grass. Anything that has a neat shape and/or a nice arrangement of open areas (like Queen Anne's Lace).
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