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:

Looking Towards Spring

I wasn't sure if I would be posting again before Purim so I didn't have another Purim inspired project planned. However I have been working on a new flag for my garden. Since snow is still on the ground and the garden is still asleep I'll have to wait to hang this in the garden.

I made the flag from outdoor canvas left over from making last year's flag. The Hebrew prayer stencil was designed by Jessica Sporn and can be purchased at http://www.stencilgirlproducts.com/stencils-s/1846.htm   For those of you who can't read Hebrew (Don't feel bad, I'm not even at the Dick and Jane level yet) this is the priestly blessings from Numbers 6: 24-26
               May YHVH bless you and keep you
               May YHVH cause His face to shine upon you
               and be gracious to you
               May YHVH lift up His face towards you and give you peace.
This stencil was rather expensive compared to all the other stencils in my collection but it was perfect for my project. I also plan to use it on other creations. If anyone wants to purchase one but it may be too expensive for you (it costs almost as much for shipping as the purchase price) consider sharing the cost with another crafter.
To fill out more of the space on the flag I added the same Menorah stencil I used on my candle jar snuggy in a past post. That stencil can be found at http://www.craftcuts.com/menorah-stencil.html
I'm not affiliated in any way with these sources but I just wanted to share them with you.
The flower vine stencil was one purchased at a local craft store.

I can't leave the glitter alone and I embellished the candle flames with glitter glue. Time with tell if the glitter will survive the summer weather.

Now I really can't wait for spring so I can hang my flag out where it will greet my visitors.
              

Would You Like To Learn Your Name In Hebrew?

When I started this blog it was not for the purpose of beating my chest and drawing attention to myself and saying "Look what I made". My purpose is to encourage you to stretch your imagination and incorporate the Hebrew roots into your creations.

I enjoy surrounding myself with what I've created instead of buying a 'completed' item from a store. Yes, my creations have components from other sources. It goes without saying that I can't manufacture the raw materials that I need, I have to get my supplies somewhere.

Some of the ideas you will see on this blog came from other creative people. Rest assured that I will always give credit and links to those ideas that are not my own.

Today I thought it would be fun to share a link so you may find your name in Hebrew.
http://www.my-hebrew-name.com/list_of_hebrew_names.php
As you notice I have put a box with my Hebrew name Tzfrira previously under my blog banner now at the bottom of my home page. It was tempting to use my middle name which I like better. Maybe I will in the future.

I don't think you ever have enough good bookmarks. I am always getting advertising bookmarks in the mail but they are kind of puny. So I decided to make a few of my own, with my name in Hebrew of course. If you make a number of them, you will likely to remember how to spell your name in Hebrew.

The bookmark on the top of the picture spells Torah. You know in which Book I'll be using this one.

I used cardstock for the bookmarks, a Hebrew letter stencil and color markers. You can find suppliers of Hebrew stencils on my craft supplies links page. Add a ribbon or some yarn for an accent. Another idea is to stencil your Hebrew name on a tee shirt or a tote. The ideas are endless. Have fun with it.

In future posts I will be adding more Hebrew words and sayings to other creations.