Thursday, July 17, 2014

A Different Kind Of Stencil

I'm still trying to get back into a regular schedule for my blog post so please keep checking back. Because of a neighbor situation I've recently moved my studio into a different area of the house. Now that I'm pretty much settled in I've started looking for interesting ideas to share with my readers.

Recently I've notice a flurry of YouTube videos showing how to make hot glue stencils. I just had to give it a try.

I used a translucent silicon ipad cover from the dollar store that a friend gave me as a work surface. It's also been suggested to use a silicon baking sheet or freezer or parchment paper for a work surface. I would suggest any surface that won't melt from the hot glue that said glue can be easily peeled off after it's cooled.


Then I drew some shapes with a black sharpie on scrap paper that I placed under the silicon ipad cover. It isn't necessary to use a pattern but for me it was a lot more accurate that it could have been otherwise. With my glue gun well heated I drew the shapes carefully with the hot glue.


I peeled the shapes off of the surface, placed them on card stock and sprayed them with some paint. This was the result.


This was only an experiment but I can see that stencils can be made that are not readily available commercially. I especially like the idea of using words spelled in cursive. My brain gears are clicking away as I think of how I can use this idea. Maybe on an art quilt or hand stenciled fabric for a garment. Ah, the possibilities!

I hope you'll try this technique yourself. But for now I'll just say: