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.
Supplies
2396 Bird House Pop Up Easel Set craft die
WP101 Watercolor Paper
2412 Gilded Plate craft die
2338 Floral Cluster
CL509 Colorful Life clear stamp set
2512 Potpourri Flower Set craft die
Comments
Hi Janet, Wow !! I love how you have created this crackle background, it provides the most effective backdrop for the beautiful die-cuts. This technique tutorial is fabulous, thank you.
Lots of love from Patricia xx
Terrific background and I like how you nestled the bird in the flowers!