artJOURNALINGdaily: alphabet stencils
Underneath the layers of many of my paintings you'll find letters..hand drawn letters, scribbled words, and prints made from alphabet and number stencils. The stencils are some of my fave mark-making tools. I have a large collection of various letter stencils that I use for backgrounds . They make great masks, patterns, rubbing textures and embellishments in my journals and mixed media paintings. Here are a few ideas to incorporate stencils in your creations...
- spray through stencils on fabric or paper to reveal the alphabet.
- turn them over & press excess paint onto page by rolling over with a soft rubber brayer. this creates a backward print of the letters.
- layer alphabet stencils over sequin waste to create letters with circle patterns in them
- use the stencils as a mask on grocery bag paper then stitch them into a journal
- stitch a used craft paper stencil to the cover of a journal or on a handmade greeting card.
- once the initial layer of paint dries, cover the letter stencil print with gesso but allow a little of the letters to show through, then paint a face over the top
- layer multiple letter stencils over the surface and spray paint through them to reveal interesting lines & shapes.
- trace the letter stencils onto the page and draw a pattern in them
- use a paint dauber to apply paint through the stencil
- place the alphabet stencil under paper or fabric and rub over the surface with watercolor crayons or oil pastels.
- look for alphabet stencils at the dollar store and teacher education, hardware/craft/office supply stores.
- use scrapbooking chipboard letters and laser cut cardstock as masks & stencils
happy art journaling! xoxo~treiC
