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How Many Ways Can You Use Stencils?

Stencils are versatile because of all the different ways you can use them and the wide variety of art supplies that play well with them! Here are some of my favorite ways to use StencilGirl Stencils!

Of course you can use stencils with paint but what about ink? Absolutely! Here’s one way to use them!

Gel plates and stencils are like peanut butter and chocolate, meant to be together. So many ways you can use stencils on a plate!

You can “stretch” your stencil to create different looks, so that a short stencil suddenly becomes tall!

Size doesn’t matter when stenciling! You can cover any size area with a repeating pattern.

You can combine two or more stencils together. A butterfly can help her fly!

You can repeat a stencil or use only part of it to create more looks. In this video, I’m taking one arch and repeating it to create a Leaning Tower of Pisa vibe.

Ever have an ugly print or paper? Stencils can rescue that!

Create conversation starters with stencils for your next gathering!

Stenciling words onto tissue paper makes it easy to have just the word you need on hand when you’re art journaling, or collaging, or cardmaking.

Crayola crayons are great for making stencil rubbings.

You can use a stencil more than one way. In this video, you’ll see the words as the background, but due to an O.O.P.S. the stencil got used in a very different way to add a bit colorful grunge to the page.

This is an idea that came directly from Mary Beth Shaw, to use washi tape with stencils.

You can use a pen with a stencil, in fact, you can use almost anything with a stencil. I say almost just because I am sure there is something but I can’t think of it!

Fabric and stencils play together nicely! These small stuffed art dolls were made using a stencil inspired by Matisse.

Is this everything you can do with a stencil? Goodness no! But hopefully, you’ve got some ideas for how you can use your stencils in new ways! And keep an eye out here because I’ve got more videos coming with stencils!

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  • Peggy Joyce November 26, 2021, 6:14 pm

    Carolyn – I laughed so hard…..it reminded me of getting together with a good friend and experimenting with a new technique. You are hilarious! What FUN this is, not just watching you and hearing/watching the “oops” moments but feeling like I’m right there with you. Genius. Thanks so much for taking the time along with the effort it takes to organize and get this video material up for everyone to see. I love watching these. My only regret is not living close enough to do one of your workshops. I’ve done lots of your online courses….and love all the techniques and ideas but would love one day to do one of your three or four day workshops.

  • Peggy Joyce November 26, 2021, 6:16 pm

    …oh yes and what a great idea to post a bunch of these during the Stencil Girl sale!

    Again, GENIUS!

  • Jakki Garlans November 27, 2021, 9:08 am

    I absolutely agree with everything Peggy said! I love your videos because you are like a friend coming over and having playtime together. We learn by doing, and by making mistakes. Don’t get me wrong, other classes where everything goes perfectly have their place, but your classes/videos are more personal and friendly. Thanks for gathering all these oldies but goodies in one place – what an easy-to-tap resource! I’ve got my Stencilgirl list all ready to press send (after I’ve given the catalogue one last run through!

  • Terry O'Neill November 27, 2021, 11:26 am

    What a wonderful and inspiring set of your videos, Carolyn. You’re never short of ideas. Thanks you!