| Valentine Card Hints and Ideas Using Simple Stencil Openings and Fall Outs |
I like to start by painting the flowers on a card, loose and free. (But you can start on a
blank card as well.) When the flowers are dry, place the stencil opening over the card.
Using a transparency film allows me to move it around to find the best placement so you
can position the heart opening exactly where you want it to be.
blank card as well.) When the flowers are dry, place the stencil opening over the card.
Using a transparency film allows me to move it around to find the best placement so you
can position the heart opening exactly where you want it to be.
We all remember how we folded a piece of paper and cut both sides of a heart at the
same time to make an almost perfect heart shape. I use an inexpensive transparency
film I find in office supply stores in the same way. I gently fold it over and cut out the
heart shape. I try to place it near the center so I have plenty of protective area outside
the hearts opening. I use both the opening and the fall out for making my cards.
Of course you can use a heavier paper for the stencils too, I just like to be able to look
through the stencil so I can see what I'm doing.
same time to make an almost perfect heart shape. I use an inexpensive transparency
film I find in office supply stores in the same way. I gently fold it over and cut out the
heart shape. I try to place it near the center so I have plenty of protective area outside
the hearts opening. I use both the opening and the fall out for making my cards.
Of course you can use a heavier paper for the stencils too, I just like to be able to look
through the stencil so I can see what I'm doing.
I sometimes use a little piece of masking tape rolled
up under the stencil to help hold it in place.
When I have the stencil where I want it, I use a
damp-dry watercolor brush, a damp sponge or a
damp paper towel to fill in the heart shape inside
the stencils opening.
I like the softness and control I get with the paper
towel. I dampened it first with water, then with the
watercolor I want to use for my heart.
I place it on the film and then gently drag it into the
stencil's opening. Avoid motions that go in the
opposite direction (inside the opening moving
outward) or the paint might seep under the stencil.
It's fun to see how many different textures you can
get using a dry brush, a sea sponge or table
sponge and paper towels.
up under the stencil to help hold it in place.
When I have the stencil where I want it, I use a
damp-dry watercolor brush, a damp sponge or a
damp paper towel to fill in the heart shape inside
the stencils opening.
I like the softness and control I get with the paper
towel. I dampened it first with water, then with the
watercolor I want to use for my heart.
I place it on the film and then gently drag it into the
stencil's opening. Avoid motions that go in the
opposite direction (inside the opening moving
outward) or the paint might seep under the stencil.
It's fun to see how many different textures you can
get using a dry brush, a sea sponge or table
sponge and paper towels.
I fill in as little or as much as I want to get
the shape of the heart. I can skip over the
flowers as I fill it in and I can even choose
to only paint the outside edge.
When the area is dry I finish adding the
details to my flowers and leaves.
It's handy to have several sizes of stencils
and fall outs to work with.
See some other examples below.
the shape of the heart. I can skip over the
flowers as I fill it in and I can even choose
to only paint the outside edge.
When the area is dry I finish adding the
details to my flowers and leaves.
It's handy to have several sizes of stencils
and fall outs to work with.
See some other examples below.
Hint: When you put the heart on first it helps
to leave the area where you want to add
something unpainted.
Have fun using this quick and easy
stencil idea to start your own special
valentine greeting cards.
to leave the area where you want to add
something unpainted.
Have fun using this quick and easy
stencil idea to start your own special
valentine greeting cards.
| SUSIE |
Back to Valentine Tips and Ideas Page
