If you've read either of my books Collage Unleashed or Doodles Unleashed, you know that I LOVE to create handmade tools. I'm always experimenting with fun ways to creatively make my mark. Inspired by a piece of decorative handmade paper, I started thinking about additonal ways I could make my own stencils. So, I've been experimenting with various glues and release surfaces. This technique is another way to incorporate your doodles into your artwork.
First up, I tried Collage Pauge Matte, pouring it straight from the bottle onto a Teflon sheet. Collage Pauge is GREAT for resists but it didn't dry thick enough to use as a sturdy stencil. It's all about experimenting to find out what works the best...
Next up, I doodled Tulip Slick Dimensional paint onto Freezer paper, which is a technique I've used to make colored embellishments for my art journals. It worked, but is a little fragile to use as a stencil but makes a fabulous window cling. Then I tried Aleene's Fabric Fusion on parchment paper, which also works but takes overnight to dry. I wanted something that I could use right away.Then, thought what about a GLUE GUN! I used my mini glue gun to doodle on a Teflon sheet, which created interesting thin layers of glue. Once it dried, I peeled the stencil right off the sheet.TIP: make sure the tip is touching the surface as you doodle, this helps to spread out the glue. You can also use Freezer paper or parchment paper with the hot glue gun if you don't have a Teflon sheet. I placed the glue gun stencils onto a piece of Strathmore Mixed Media 300 series paper, then sprayed with a mixture of my own acrylic sprays made with Golden Fluid Acrylics, Liquitex inks and distilled water to create stencil prints.
The mini glue gun made a set of interesting stencils with thin lines, but I was looking for something a bit more sturdy and thicker lines.
I searched online for an industrial glue gun at hardware stores, then discovered that iLoveTo Create makes Aleene's Ultimate Glue Gun which has interchangeable tips. So I ran out and purchased a new glue gun and continued experimenting.I had fun doodling different shapes...flowers, circles, words, letters, squares, leaf and feather shapes.
The regular tip makes thinner lines, so I changed it to the largest circular tip which releases a lot more glue. There is also a tip that lays down a wider straight line. Below are a few of the stencils made with the Aleene's glue gun. I really LOVE how they turned out and the stencils are nice and sturdy.
I also painted on various fabrics, paper towels and surfaces using Tulip Fashion sprays. One of my favorite surfaces to paint with the stencils is muslin because it can also take a good print of the stencil. To take a print, once I spray through the stencil I turn it over and press it into the fabric.
The glue gun stencils also double as window clings, these make great holiday decor! A view through my studio window with a stencil attached to the window...
here's a short video tutorial...
handmade hot glue stencils and masks
creative toolbox...{materials for project}
have fun experimenting and making your own mark!
p.s. check out my artJOURNALING daily series
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p.s. My latest book, Printmaking Unleashed, features more about my hot glue stencil and numerous other printmaking techniques. Get the book..buy a signed copy from me, Amazon or FW/Interweave.
Join me for my mixed media e-course series..a perfect companion to the book that has over 80 HD videos + 4 LIVE event replays + an loads of creative inspiration---> Printmaking Unleashed LIVE! For more details + watch a video preview visit e-course info.
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always be inspired...PLAY. dream. be FREE! xo~Traci
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