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Wild Things and Washi Tape

Washi tape and stencils to create a playful frame video loaded with mixed media techniques by Carolyn Dube

What happens when I actually use some of my stash of washi tape?  Wild things thanks to a little stencil fun inspired by Mary Beth Shaw.  Stencils are tools that can be used more than one way with washi tape and you can see how in the video plus how using tissue paper makes stenciling words easier!

Watch Washi tape, stencils, and an old picture frame on YouTube.

Want to see  how the frame started?  See it here.

It all begins by creating a page filled with washi tape. The washi tape hoarder inside of me wondered if doing this would use up all my tape. It did not even make a dent.   After filling an entire page, the rolls of tape don’t look any smaller.

Washi tape and stencils to create a playful frame video loaded with mixed media techniques by Carolyn Dube

On the backside of the washi tape paper, trace the shape you want.  I used my  Figments of Imagination stencil.  Why the backside? It’s just easier to trace it here than on the front. Then cut it out with scissors.

Washi tape and stencils to create a playful frame video loaded with mixed media techniques by Carolyn Dube

The picture frame had been started long ago, you can see it go from traditional frame to colorful here.  Thankfully, the frame had been waiting patiently until this moment.  One figment is fun, but I wanted more in there, I wanted the little ones.

But cutting out little ones would take patience…and….I’m not that patient to cut out the Little Figments.  Instead, I used the masks that come with the stencil with black paint. It gave me a similar look without having to cut anything out as I created this silly family.  You can paint right on top of washi tape.

Washi tape and stencils to create a playful frame video loaded with mixed media techniques by Carolyn Dube

In the video, you saw how having the masks made it super easy to position the Figments just where I wanted them in the frame. In order to get such a solid look of black, I did go over some of the areas more than once with the paint.

Washi tape and stencils to create a playful frame video loaded with mixed media techniques by Carolyn Dube

To add the quote, I stenciled the entire Wall of Words stencil on tissue paper. Why the whole thing when I only needed a few of the words? Because now I will have it stenciled and ready any time I want to use any of the other words.

Having the words on the tissue paper made it so that I could audition and try out different word placement until I found just the arrangement to fit the space.

Washi tape and stencils to create a playful frame video loaded with mixed media techniques by Carolyn Dube

Tissue paper becomes very translucent when it is glued down.  I like to use a fluid, or runny glue, like Fluid Matte Medium for this.  In the video, you can see how I used the mini blade to do this without tearing it anywhere.

Washi tape and stencils to create a playful frame video loaded with mixed media techniques by Carolyn Dube

While waiting for the tissue paper to dry, I added a few touches on the frame with a pen.

Washi tape and stencils to create a playful frame video loaded with mixed media techniques by Carolyn Dube

Once the tissue was completely dry, a Stabilo pencil was used to outline around the edges of the tissue paper.

Washi tape and stencils to create a playful frame video loaded with mixed media techniques by Carolyn Dube

Why did I choose these words? When I added the first Figment to the frame, I saw a crazy family family photo, which got me thinking about some of my family craziness that can keep things very colorful.

We are all figuring things out as we go, since there was no instruction manual…and that can lead to some craziness at times. These don’t feel nearly as wild and silly as they did when I started, now they just feel like family.

Washi tape and stencils to create a playful frame video loaded with mixed media techniques by Carolyn Dube

Here are the supplies I used. Some of these links are affiliate links which means I get a small percentage. It doesn’t cost you anything extra and it helps keep the free tutorials coming!

{ 11 comments… add one }

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  • Dorthy December 27, 2017, 12:50 pm

    I love this! I know I have frames stuck in a box somewhere –my mother kept everything and I inherited it all — and I cannot wait to dig them out and start playing.

  • Corrine December 27, 2017, 4:43 pm

    Luv Luv the washi tape creation. Arty friend coming tomorrow for a play day, sounds like a plan. Thanks for the inspiration! xox

  • Deborah Goodrow December 28, 2017, 9:07 pm

    This is adorable. And I so want to try it!

  • Paula Kamman December 29, 2017, 11:56 am

    You’re so clever!

  • pattisj December 29, 2017, 6:16 pm

    This is great fun! Looking forward to the new year with you. Happy New Year!

  • Helen December 29, 2017, 6:35 pm

    What a fun project with washi tapes!

  • Lis December 30, 2017, 4:00 am

    Hi Carolyn,

    Just wanted to say, “thanks” for the joy you bring to all of us. You are so ‘real’ and that’s what I enjoy the most about watching your videos.
    Wishing you the very best for the new year! And, lest I forget – love this video. I live in Europe so washi tape, though available, is expensive. I was thinking that I could use the same technique you did with washi tape but use up lots of little pieces of printed napkins instead. I like decoupage a lot so I have loads of leftover pieces to work with. Wish me luck.

    • Carolyn Dube December 30, 2017, 8:23 am

      You’ve made my day with you kind words Lis! And yes, substitute with anything you have to create that look – napkins would look fabulous this way! Happy New Year to you too!

  • Jane Christensen December 30, 2017, 4:10 pm

    so darn cute and clever ideas for using washi tape. always enjoy your instructive and fun videos. thanks so much

  • Janice December 30, 2017, 8:56 pm

    I would love to see some cards made using multi media techniques.

  • Lynne January 3, 2018, 9:59 am

    That is such a cute project-I love all your colorful work and figments-just too cute! tfs