Learning about stencils

 A while back I decided to try using the plastics stencils that are in popular use these days.  I ordered some online and tried to create with them.  I won't show the first few attempts.  When I tried a set of 3 stencils to use with different colors, the results were disappointing.

I figured that I was doing something wrong, so I read the package and learned that there is a rubber stamp that goes with the stencils, so I ordered the stamp and waited for delivery.  When the stamp arrived, I started over with this result.

Now, I wasn't sure what to do with it.  After a week or so, I made this card by adding a frame and a sentiment.  The moral of this story is: Find out all that is needed before ordering new supplies.

Cards for men

 I went on a spending spree and bought some new things.  I decided to try some of the stencils.  I'm learning to use them, but haven't used them on cards.  I tend to make personal cards for family members, taking their interests into cards for them.  The stencilled backgrounds just didn't fit the people who were having birthdays this month.  I turned to some alcohol ink backgrounds that I had made earlier and added die cut sentiments.

 This sentiment die is larger than I imagined when I ordered it. It is from a company called Dienamix and also had shadows for the words.  The shadows made them too large even for this 5"X7" card.  Since this is a birthday card, I used that sentiment for the inside of the card.

Next, I needed a thank you card for a nice neighbor who helped me with my car.

I needed one more birthday card for a man, so I copied the design from the thank you card, with a different sentiment die.

Happy Easter

I have been trying some new techniques lately.  After trying flower layering stamps, I've tried coloring through stencils.  This is my first attempt at layering with a set of stencils. 

This is a 5 stencil set from Pinkfresh Studio, called Hanging Garden.  I used Distress Oxide inks and blending brushes.  I mounted it on a dark pink card base and stamped the Easter sentiment on the front and gave this to my neighbor.   I added a liner to the inside with a sentiment.