Hand-cut stencils are one of the simplest DIY tools to make for creative mark making. Snowflake stencils made from construction paper are perfect for printing on fabric, especially for winter crafting and journaling projects. I love the surprise organic shapes that appear when you open the snowflakes. The final painted fabric remnant can be used to create an art journal cover or to add free-motion stitching for an art quilt.
12" × 18" (30cm × 46cm) construction paper
scissors
drill cloth fabric
fabric sprays
soft rubber brayer
Begin with square-shaped papers, then fold in half to create triangles. Fold each in half again to create another triangle.
Take each triangle and fold into thirds; you’ll have small flaps on the top. Trim off the edges to create a cone shape.
Draw random shapes onto one side of each folded paper. Make sure to draw the lines to the edge so when cut, the stencils do not fall apart. Experiment with different patterns.
With scissors, cut out sections of the paper.
Unfold the cut papers to reveal the snowflake shapes. Lay them out on a piece of drill cloth.
Pick two or three colors of fabric sprays and spray over the stencils. The colors will blend when wet, so avoid choosing all three primary colors at once or you’ll create a muddy mix. To keep colors from blending, let the paint dry in between layers.
While paint and stencil are still wet, pick up the stencil, turn the painted side over and place it onto the fabric surface. Roll a soft rubber brayer over the back to transfer the paint to the fabric. This will result in a positive print of the stencil.
Continue to spray paint through the stencils and take prints until the fabric is completely covered. Here is a final project.
This is a collection of the painted paper stencils. Once you are finished painting with the stencils, you can use them as collage pieces for your journal or decorate holiday packages with them.
This is a quick and easy way to create masks and stencils! All you need is a pair of scissors and paper. Use copy paper, file folders, Tyvek envelopes, construction paper or mixed-media paper. Each type of paper you use will result in slightly different prints. Thicker folders or mixed-media paper will yield a longer lasting stencil. Once you are finished using the stencils in paintings, they can be used as embellishments for art journals or for collage.
Recycle mailing containers. Leaves cut from mailing envelopes and cardboard mailing boxes. Once these are painted, they can also be used to create ornaments.
Symmetrical designs. Fold copy paper or Tyvek envelopes in half and cut out design.
Heart stencils. A quick and easy way to create a heart. Fold a piece of paper in half and cut out half of a heart.