Stenciling 101

Lesson 2: Practice Run - Getting the Basics Down

Suggested Reading and Optional Projects

Suggested Reading

Pps. 38-48, paying attention to the illustrations as well. These will demonstrate the different ways of applying paint with a brush - all of which produce different effects. It will also show you what the other possible tools can do. Pay attention to p. 48 in regard to registration marks.

Read pp. 65-73 on Light and Shadow. This will help you to achieve dimension even with a very simple stencil.

You may also want to leaf through Chapter 4, pp. 75-115, just to see all the wonderful effects you can use with even the simplest of stencils. While these are more suited to a more advanced class you might want to be aware of them just to see how far you can take the simple art of stenciling.

Optional Project

• You will need a simple single overlay stencil - available inexpensively at most crafts stores for this project. Use the stencil to create a one color design, and then practice adding a second color to create the appearance of shadows and/or highlights. Or, if your design doesn't lend itself to that, simply practice adding a second color to create variety in the design. Use whatever colors appeal to you. Reality is not the object here - technique is.

• No matter which stencil type you choose: Take a piece of heavy cardboard - even a plain cardboard box - and try stenciling the design. Experiment. See what effect you get using a pouncing method with the brush. Then try swirling it. If you have both the liquid acrylics and the creme, try each to get a feel for both how they look and how they go on.

• Now do the stencil again, this time using more than one color. Do you need to mask parts off in order not to get the wrong colors in unwanted areas? Use small bits of masking tape and try again.

• Now try lining up the stencil to create a repeat, as though you were creating a long border with your stencil. Don't forget to mark the registration holes when you start the first stencil, so that you have something to guide you when starting the first repeat.

• Make sure all of your stencils and brushes have been cleaned and put away. You should be able to use soap and water for most of your clean-up unless you used stencil adhesive, in which case mineral spirits or Citrasolve and paper towels or an old sponge should take care of the stickiness.
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