Still, there's plenty of white with the trees themselves standing out against a dark blue and purple backdrop, and the silver edging brightens the card considerably. Filling in the stencil was a snap with the mini blending tool from Tim Holtz.
The stencil used above is plastic, but I bought a pack of stencils that ended up being kraft cardstock rather than plastic. Has anyone used these types of stencils before? How do they hold up? Does old ink from previous uses transfer to them since you can't exactly clean them? Should I seal them with something before using them?
These are the sorts of questions that keep me up at night...and also what happens when you don't read the stupid package before buying something. *sigh*
Supplies
stamps: Gina K
ink: Tim Holtz distress, Kaleidacolor vineyard
paper: Papertrey white
accessories: birch forest stencil, mini blending tool, craft foam, glue, ruler, silver metallic marker
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ReplyDeleteI think sealing the paper stencils is a good idea, but if there are intricate cuts the sealant might fill them so the end result is less intricate? I have used home made paper stencils before, they do become stained after use, but as long as I let them dry completey I have not had problems with color transfer to other projects. I hope this makes sense, english is not my first language.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful card! I've not commented for ages, but I'm here every day marveling at your gorgeous cards. I'm eager to learn about the cardstock stencils, also. I bought mine online, so I didn't have the package in hand, & that's my excuse for not realizing they were cardstock.
ReplyDeleteCarolyn W
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ReplyDeleteI had to laugh when I read the part about the cardstock stencils. I think I bought the same pack and was VERY surprised when I opened them! (I didn't read the package either.) Haven't used them yet, so anxious to hear what others have done.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely stunning card. I have that stencil but haven't used it yet. I don't have an answer about your paper stencils. Never even heard of such a thing before. But I'm right there with you about not paying attention to what buying! :-/
ReplyDeleteFWIW, I think you could spray the cardstock stencils with most anything not water-soluble, including spray paint, to help keep them viable. Both sides.
ReplyDeleteLove the card, BTW.
Have used card stock stencils many times. Own some! Have used mine but I have used a media artists very used ones. Never had a color transfer problem even when we used in a class where several of us switched up colors. We wiped the off with rags. We were actually using acylic paint in her classes and of course it dries. All of a sudden it hit me.. "You know the song ..the girls get prettier at closing time... Well the stencils are prettier the older that they get with the layers of color and they keep on working".....
ReplyDeleteI would worry about the edges of the cardstock stencil getting frayed or fuzzy over time as you swirled your mini applicator over them again and again. I've not used cardstock stencils per se but I have punched a hole out of CS and sponged inside it (like a circle for a moon or sun) and they don't seem to hold up well. It may be because I tend to use a scrap of text weight or post it note paper though. Actual CS may be hardier.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE your card! And I personally don't think it takes too much real estate. This is the perfect balance for me between focal and white space, though I know you prefer more white space... enough that I start to have mild twitches and have to go sit in a dark corner ;-) I have seen the Faber Castell cardstock type of stencils used for gelli printing with acrylic paint. They let the paint dry on the stencil, helping to seal the cardstock and also strengthening it. You could coat them all with acrylic, but that would be time consuming unless you have a new interest in artsy gelli printing, which I can't foresee. I would think any spray paint as mentioned above by Jeanne would do the same thing or a even a spray sealer. Can't wait to see what you do with them!
ReplyDeleteI asked a general question about cleaning "paper stencils" & a reply from a Faber-Castell rep suggested wiping them with a baby wipe or coating them with gel medium on both sides before the first use to seal the material. I was not successful in copying the information. Hope this helps.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tips, ladies, on sealing them in some way whether with paint, sealer or gel medium. Sounds like a plan!
ReplyDeleteI love the way the sentiment straddles the white space and the image. You are right about the lack of your usual white space but equally right about the white of the trees making up for it.
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