Hi everyone! I’m back with another page share.
I’m still making my way through layouts I made in March for the Paper Issues Crop Challenges. Still can’t believe I never shared them at the time! Just goes to show what a crazy busy schedule we had back then.
Ever felt your projects lack interest or feel flat?
I’m not talking literally flat. I think it’s safe to say that most of our layouts these days have a lot of dimension. Whether you get that from layers of paper, chipboard accents, enamel dots, brads or buttons, using dimensional adhesive to pop up elements, or ribbon, there are a ton of choices to add dimension and interest to your projects.
But what if you add those things and your layout still feels a bit … boring?
Today I’d like to share another way to add texture.
Stencils!
For this soft layout about my eldest turning eleven I started with neutral card stock and added texture and interest by using a stencil I made myself.
The butterflies are a two step cut file from the Silhouette Design Store. What do I mean by two-step? Let me show you. Please do not use these images as cut files – that would be contrary to the copy write laws of the designer. You can find the original cut file here.
Step One: The Inner details
It may seem a bit backwards to add the inner details first and with other projects I’ve reversed this process. But for this particular layout I took the stencil with the wing patterns on it and used it to apply white distress paint and gold stamping ink to my page.
Step Two: Trace the Out Lines
Once the paint and ink were dry I went on to the next step which is to trace the outer edge lines to define what the shape truly is. This wasn’t giving me enough detail for my liking so I went back with the first stencil and also traced those details.
In the photo below you can see how it all came together.
It’s a bit messy and imperfect but I love it! On another project I used modelling paste with this stencil for a raised look which looks fantastic but wasn’t what I was wanting with this layout. I just wanted some subtle interest and visual texture. The butterfly image is a great one for layouts about growth or change, don’t you think?
The gorgeous papers and accents are from the March 2015 Gossamer Blue Scrapbook Kit.
These letters are from Pink Paislee and are a clear, thin plastic. So fun!
By gluing a bit of twine under the photos and adding pop dots behind some of the fussy cut images from the exclusive printable sheet, I created a fun little banner.
All right, that’s all for today. Now it’s your turn to give a stencil a try. Either create your own or break out one of the many that are gathering dust in your stash (or is that just me!) A little bit of paint, ink, or modeling paste will give your next project a very different look!
Have fun and share your projects on my Facebook Page. Can’t wait to see what you come up with!
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Yes! Love this!!! Now that I have my computer up and running again, I’ve been using my Cameo a bit more – time to cut out some stencils! Great idea with the two step process, I wi have to give that a try! Hugs!!!
Gotta show me what you do!!