Friday, September 2, 2011

Getting Artsy with Stencils

You know you have been bitten by the art bug when all kinds of things at Lowe's or discarded items become creating treasure. I seriously look forward to visiting home improvement stores, the dollar store, or my trash bin (don't worry...I actually get my divine little treasures before they are IN the can!) Ohhh, and I am not shy... I'll ask my friends for their trash too. :) No, I am kidding. But, I do love keeping my eyes out for things that will make fabulous stencils. They are so fun to play with and add such interesting texture to backgrounds.

Martha Stewart paper as stencil
So, today I wanted to mess with these fabulous Martha Stewart papers I found at Micheal's on clearance. Martha Stewart products don't go on sale or clearance very often, so I scooped these puppies up fast. Even the nice guy behind the counter said, "Ohhh, these will make a fabulous stencil." That's right! I used some turquoise acrylic paint mixed with water in a spray bottle and some chalk ink for the dollar bin. I like the way they turned out, although I think I'd use spray ink next time. :)
 
background WIP on cardboard
Adding some ink with Q-tips (Loving the red!)
Earlier in the week, my daughter was setting up a new board game she had. She was about to toss the chipboard sheet that the little pieces were punched from...when I jumped from my chair to grab it. What a great stencil! So, be sure to check packaging material, kids toys, games & whatever else you can think of to make your own stencils.

See that great Disney game stencil!

I had fun using the stencils and creating this little cutie. There is much to rejoice about and gratitude was on my heart today. 



I'd love to know some of your stencil secrets and 
where do you buy your favorites?
I am linking up this post with some other very creative souls at 
Paint Party Friday and Sneak Peek Friday. So, so much inspiration. Come join in or at least come take a peek. :)


37 comments:

  1. Very creative and I love that you use everything!

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  2. Sooo creative Jen, Love how you can turn trash to artsy treasure! I'm always looking out to recycle everyday things in my artwork.
    ..and your backgrounds and finished piece is a beauty :)
    Jan x

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  3. You're so right--there's stencils everywhere--you just have to look!
    And I keep meaning to use Christy Tomlinson's idea--one of her favorite tools--the backside of a flip flop--I have so many pairs around--I could spare one, since I only have 2 feet
    :)

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  4. Hi Jen! Those stencil sheets are for the win. I think even kids can enjoy them. Martha Stewart is really one of the best.

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  5. Awesome! I've been in a crazy stencil mood myself lately! now I will hopefully get the weekend to pllay, play play!

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  6. Awesome piece created from found stencils...how fun! Love the colors and the way you incorporated the stencils finds into the piece! I'll have to keep my eyes peeled for trash to stencil finds too! Happy PPF! POP ART MINIS

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  7. Loving your stencilled work and you got some fabulous bargains...woo hoo. Happy PPF, Annette x

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  8. What a great idea. I never use stencils, but I love the effects other people get with them. Maybe it's time to try some.

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  9. Wow, what creative magic you make!!! I never thought about using stencils!Yep I love when my Jeff needs stuff at Lowes or Home Depot and I can occupy my time usually in the tile department looking at all those wonderful squares for paint backgrounds!The samples fascinate me,lol!Deb

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  10. Aren't you clever, I haven't used to many stencils...but you've inspired me to start trying them.

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  11. Wonderful stencil work ~ very creative! Wow! ~ thanks ~ HPPF ~ namaste, Carol (Share the Creative Journey)

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  12. Nice girly! I use lots of scrap stuff for stencil purposes, but if I ever want a real graphic look, I love using the stencil shapes from children's artist type books, from Dover especially...and anywhere else there is a premade stencil - on purpose or a scrap as in your daughter's game!

    Blessings on your weekend!

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  13. You are just too clever. Now I will be looking at STUFF in a whole new light for stencil patterns! Thanks for sharing that! Happy PPF!

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  14. This is such a fun and creative piece! Wheee!!! I love your finds and how you've used them!

    Friends and family always ask me, "Can you use this?" before they toss something! ha! I have a pile of old cupboard doors waiting to be painted on... It's fun fun fun!

    xo
    Kristin

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  15. I love to work with stencils as well - yours look fabulous. I think I need to go to Michaels and see whether they still have some of this gorgeous MS paper.

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  16. Everything you create is simply magical! I'm loving the colours in this piece & her message :)

    xo Joanna

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  17. This is so inspiring me! I love it! What a great idea to use that gorgeous paper as a stencil. I just bought some solid sheets of stencil paper and was going to make some of my own stencils. I am now going to be on the look out for things I can use! Thanks so much for the inspiration! :)

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  18. Wow, love the colours, wish I had stencil secrets to share, I always love the textures & depth mixed media & stenciling adds to a piece of art, very inspired by this Sadie & loving the colours :)

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  19. great work! those die cut scrapbook papers are my favorite stencils, too! I'm an incorrigible trash picker for the sake of art. And my 10 year old son has started to bring me scraps and treasures, "I thought you could use this in your art". Isn't it great when your friends and family support our quirky habits?

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  20. I find it hard to throw anything away for that very reason...I see it being used somehow, someway...looks like you had fun!
    cheers, dana

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  21. I, too am so in love with stencils!! Love where you are finding yours. Gives me inspiration:)

    She turned out soooo darling!

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  22. Love all the juicy layers! & other pretty posts you have here too.
    Happy PPF late & Labor Day!Stop by my craft blog for a chance to win some free printable postcards, just comment at (deercreatives.com)

    xo Theresa

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  23. Sorry I had a typo enter at
    Dearcreatives.com
    Chances are great to win!

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  24. Wow! That is awesome! I haven't thought of looking at things like they could be stencils. I LOVE your piece you created!

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  25. Wow..these are all so gorgeous! they take straight into a space of enchantment..charm and a vintage feel...gorgeous!
    Victoria

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  26. it's great to see what you can create with stencils, very nice!

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  27. Very lovely! Great seeing the process and wonderful use of the papers :)

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  28. Sadie, I love your art. I love the way your recycle stuff. Many times I have view something as a potential stencil but didn't carry forth on the idea. Hooray for you! This is a big encouragement.

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  29. Sorry, I see that you are Jen, not Sadie.

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  30. wow I love what you've created here. And I love to recycle things for art too.

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  31. Very creative! Lovely piece and great use of recycled materials!

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  32. i have never use stencils before and your entry gave me an idea to try it next time. Great work and lovely result.. i love your flower stencils and the girl with the rejoice is just fabulous!

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  33. I love this; I so want to shop with you! ;D My husband and I our favorite cup of coffee and visit Lowe's. I love to linger and see what whispers to me. Screen, yes window screen and twine! Lucky lady are you to find Martha in the Dollar Bin at Michael's!!! :D

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