Uniko Studio: Brand Ambassador Inspiration

Sunday, 26 June 2022

Brand Ambassador Inspiration - Stencil Techniques Trio

Hi there

Happy Sunday! Anita here with some stencil inspiration for you. I love getting creative with stencils and, not only are they an inexpensive addition to your craft stash, they can be used in so many ways, in addition to the traditional ink blending method.

So I've got three different techniques for you using three different stencils from the Uniko range.

Using Pigment Powders and Water

For this technique I always use watercolour paper. Lay the stencil flat to the paper, I used Flower Power #5 here. There's no need to use tape, in fact it's best if you don't as the stencil will need to be lifted away easily. Gently sprinkle pigment powders over the design. I used Brusho here and just gently tapped the pot and used it very sparingly as there is so much pigment. Then use a fine mist water sprayer to cover the design and to activate all the pigment. Do not over-saturate or the water will start to migrate under the stencil. Just lift it away and leave it to dry.

I finished off by stamping a sentiment from the So Much Clear Stamp Set.

Using the Ghosting/Watercolour Lifting Technique

I ink blended a background using Distress Oxide inks. For this technique I used the Stylised Floral Stencil. The stencil was placed over the ink blended panel and then spritzed with water. Carefully lift the stencil away and leave for a few moments before blotting with a paper towel. The water will activate the ink and allow the colour to be lifted away. This generally works best with Distress and Distress Oxide inks as they react with water.

I die cut the panel with a stitched rectangle and heat embossed a sentiment from the Simply Said Clear Stamp Set onto a strip of vellum which was wrapped around and secured on the reverse.

Reverse Stencilling

For this card I've used the Flower Power #1 Stencil. This technique involves inking up the stencil directly with ink pads and then spritzing well with water before placing it onto the cardstock. I chose Strathmore Bristol Smooth cardstock for this as it takes water well. I inked it up with Distress Inks in three shades. Once placed onto the surface I left it for a short while to let the ink settle into the cardstock.

I trimmed it down and matted it onto a panel of co-ordinating cardstock, leaving a slim border, before adding the sentiment which is from the Simply Said Blocks Clear Stamp Set. I then added some clear gems to finish.