Using a Die to Make a Stencil
by Janet Katz

 

We’re celebrating texture this month on our challenge, so I decided to try something different. I used a die to create a stencil and applied texture paste to showcase the die’s design.

I started with the watercolor paper and liberally applied blue ink and water to create a mottled blue “wash” over the paper. I dried this with a heat gun and set it aside. Next, I used the Gilded Plate die to cut out a paper stencil from lightweight cardstock. I taped down the die cut on my watercolor paper and spread a thin layer of crackle paste over it. I quickly lifted the paper stencil as soon as I was done. Making a stencil from paper or cardstock means it is one use only. There’s no way to clean it and use it again.

 

 

 

 

After the paste was dry and cracked, I rubbed a little brown ink into the crackle to emphasize the texture (I was experimenting, for sure). I trimmed this panel down to 4″ x 5.25″ as I knew I wanted to mat it later. Next, I was ready for my foreground. I used the Floral Cluster die to cut out two shapes from watercolor paper (using the less-textured side face up this time). I used watercolor brushes in two colors of green to paint these dies.

 

I used the bird from the Bird House Easel Pop Up set to cut two birds – one from red cardstock and the other from watercolor cardstock. I used an orange watercolor brush to paint one beak and trimmed this bird to easily fit behind the red one. I snipped the beak off the red bird and used a black marker to color the face and throat (the etching on the die guides you where to color). Finally, I layered the red bird on top of the one with the orange beak to make one cardinal.

 

Next, I used the Potpourri Flower Set to cut out a lot of flowers from white cardstock. I colored the center of each with a yellow watercolor brush. I assembled all these pieces on top of the watercolor panel. I used foam adhesive to pop up the cardinal and three of the largest flowers.

 

 

I matted the panel on to a cardbase that was the same color as my watercolor. Finally, I stamped the “Hello Lovely” sentiment from the Colorful Life Clear Stamp set in black ink on white cardstock and trimmed it at a diagonal, adding a small piece of the same color cardstock just behind it. I finished the card by adhering this to my card.

 

Have you tried any fun texture techniques lately? Share them in this month’s challenge.