8 Ways To Use Stencils
Holy smokes, Altenew keeps blowing me away with their innovative stencils. If you’re a Builder Stencil fan, then you’re in luck, there are several new ones in this 9 stencil release!
Today, I’m sharing 8 ways to use Altenew Stencils!
If you made your way here from the lovely Kymona Tracey’s blog, then you’re right on track. Head back to the Altenew Card Blog if you’d like to start at the beginning.
Let’s start with a closer look at these awesome stencils. Click here or on the image for more info.
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Stencil Techniques
I’ll briefly discuss the techniques here, but please watch the video for details on the process.
1 & 2 | Ink Blending & Dry Embossing
There’s nothing like a bit of simple ink blending over a stencil for a quick, easy and impactful background.
I’ve ink blended Volcano Lake Crisp Dye Ink over the On the Plus Side Stencil and die cut it with a circle die.
Dry Embossing
The background panel was dry embossed with Beach Towel Stripes Stencil. The correct sandwich for dry embossing with stencils will differ for each die cutting machine. I have the Gemini Jr. and use the following sandwich.
Bottom to Top
- Cutting plate
- Metal shim
- Plastic shim
- Embossing pad
- Cardstock
- Stencil
- Cutting plate
Run the sandwich through your die cutting machine. If you meet resistance, stop, and reverse, and remove a shim. Forcing it could damage your machine. If you run it through and there’s no resistance, you may need an addition shim.
Other Elements
- Pen Sketched Flowers Stamp & Die Bundle
- Altenew Artist Markers | Mango Smoothie | Bamboo, Olive | Mountain Mist | Volcano Lake
- Mountain Mist Metallic Shimmer Ink Spray | splatter
3 | Masking the Stencil
Depending upon your desired look, it may be better to mask the stencil vs. the cardstock. In this case, I wanted the card to look like a beach towel with bold stripes.
The stencil was masked with washi tape in order to ink blend with Coral Berry, Galactic Stream, and Olive Crisp Dye Inks.
Other Elements
- A Study In Watercolor | inlaid die cut
- Gradient Sunset Stamp Set | sentiments
4 & 5 | Builder Stencils & Fussy Cutting
I’ve paired Diamond Builder & Color Block Hearts Stencils for this card. Their designs are so clever and impactful!
I started by ink blending Diamond Builder with Mountain Mist, Volcano Lake, Iceberg, and Eastern Sky. See the full pattern below in the layering guide?
What stuck out to me were x’s and o’s, so I decided to fussy cut them and use them as the main sentiment.
If you follow me, you know I love dry embossing with stencils. This time I dry embossed with the Color Block Hearts Stencil before ink blending.
Even though the stencil was run through twice, you could still see the full pattern. I then masked the stencil and ink blended with Frosty Pink and Coral Berry Crisp Dye Inks.
Other Elements
- Label Love Stamp Set | sentiment
6 | Watercolor Wash
You’ll definitely want to spray the Bubble Wrap Stencil with a temporary spray adhesive like Pixie Spray or Krylon Easy-Tack to prevent pigment and water from seeping under the stencil for this technique.
- Temporarily adhere the stencil to watercolor paper
- Coat paper with water
- Wash diluted Iceberg Crisp Dye Ink over the paper
- Heat set
- Wash diluted Mountain Mist ink over paper
- Heat set before removing the stencil
Other Elements
- Feeling Dotty Stencil | dry embossing
- Fantasy Floral 3D Die Set | flower
- Fancy Greetings | sentiment
- Mountain Mist Metallic Shimmer Ink Spray | splatter
7 & 8 | Embossing Paste & Watercolor Drips
We could do an entire post on Altenew Embossing Paste techniques. For this post, I’ve paired it with watercolor drips.
Altenew’s embossing paste has the consistency of whipped buttercream and spreads like a dream. It’s easier to see this technique than to read about it so check out the video above.
Other Elements
- Pen Sketch Flowers | vellum die cuts & sentiment
Whew, that was a whirl-wind of techniques and I do hope you enjoyed them. I had a blast with these stencils! I’d love to hear from you so please let me know what you think in the comments below.
As always supplies, giveaway info, Pinterest pics, and the next stop on the hop are below. Thanks for stopping by and until next time, Breathe · Ink · Inspire!
Pin It
If you’d like to save this post for later or share it, here’s a perfectly pinnable pic for your board. Swing by and visit me on Pinterest.
Supplies
Prizes
To celebrate this release, Altenew is giving away a $30 gift certificate to 6 lucky winners! Please leave a comment on the Altenew Card Blog and/or Altenew Scrapbook Blog by 7/28/2019 for a chance to win.
They’ll also draw a winner to receive a $15 gift certificate from the comments left on each designer’s blog on the blog hop list below. All winners will be announced on the Altenew blogs on 7/30/2019.
Winner Update
Congratulations to Lynn Young, winner of the Altenew $15 gift certificate! Please follow the link below for details on claiming your prize!
https://altenewblog.com/2019/07/30/july-2019-stencil-release-giveaway-winners/
Thanks so much to all of you for visiting and supporting my blog!
Next Stop
Altenew Card Blog
Altenew Scrapbook Blog
Virginia Lu
Nathalie DeSousa
Jaycee Gaspar
Kymona Tracey
Amber Rain Davis <<< You Are Here
Laurie Willison
Maryam Perez
Emily Midgett
Agnieszka Malyszek
Zinia Redo
Norine Borys
Caly Person
Lilith Eeckels
Therese Calvird
Ashlea Cornell
Erum Tasneem
Marie Nicole
Svitlana Shayevich
Terri Koszler
Isha Gupta
Jeanne Jachna
Kelly Janes
Mindy Eggen
Thank you for the inspiration. I enjoy your style and presentation. I gotta try the watercolor techniques now. I too love the release from last month as well as this months. My poor pocketbook.
Gorgeous cards and such a nice variety of techniques! I love the Watercolor Wash card- so CAS but absolutely beautiful! I really enjoyed watching your video!
Wow – thanks for the technique video. I especially like the Beach Towel stripes with the inlaid flower. The Diamond and Heart Builder card is especially cool – 3 different things happening on the same card yet it has a very clean appearance.
Thanks so much, Jaycee! That’s great to hear and I’m so happy they are inspiring!
Thanks for all the great techniques, they really are inspiring! My favorites both use the Bubble Wrap stencil, “Just Because” and “Be Happy”. I love them!
I absolutely love what you created. My favorite is what you created using the embossing paste, watercolor drips, and the Vellum flowers. Those flowers are simply amazing. Something so simple can look so beautiful.
Thank you, Aimee. Pen Sketched flowers is so beautiful. It seems each of the sprigs are perfectly arranged making them so easy to use! Thanks for visiting!!
Oh my goodness, your cards are gorgeous!!! Loved watching your video of the process and hearing of using the Kryon glue to help hold the stencil in place. Am your newest follower there btw. Have several Altenew stamps, dies and inks and am going to want all of these new stencils!
Hi, Beverly. Welcome to my channel and thanks so much for subscribing and visiting! I’m happy to hear you enjoyed my video. I absolutely love Altenew, so you’ll be sure to see lots of Altenew inspiration on my channels. I hope to see you again real soon! Thanks again, Amber
The cards great, Amber. Thanks for all the different stencil techniques. Very useful info.
Thanks, Nandini! And you’re so welcome! I hope to see your creations soon!
Always love your work, Amber! These cards are just awesome, the way you used the stencils, the colors, and all the special techniques that you are so famous for just work for me! I am always inspired by your work. Thanks so much for sharing with us!
This is the sweetest comment, Kathy. You totally made my day! To know that my projects and videos have inspired you is extraordinary! Thank you!!
I love how you used the stencils as accents, really adds something special to the cards!
Thanks so much, Susan!
Lovely work! I really loved the embossing paste and watercolor drip card. It’s a technique that I haven’t tried before. Thank you for the inspiration,
Thank you, Holly! Have fun giving it a try!!
These are all gorgeous cards. I especially like Cards 4 & 5. My wishlist at Altenew has grown even longer thanks to you! TFS
Thank you, Korey! Oh, that ever-growing wishlist. Always fun to prioritize the list and get the happy mail!!
Wow! These cards are amazing! I especially love the one with the watercolor drips! Fabulous way to use these stencils!
The is so much, Krystal!
Thanks for sharing these wonderful ways to use stencils. I pinned your post.
Beautiful cards and great techniques’. Enjoyed your process video as always I have Pinned your cards.
Wow! Such great ideas! I love how you used the stencils to ink and emboss on the same card! I’m going to try that!
Beautiful ways to use these stencils!!
Thank you for all the great ideas! Your cards are beautiful! Making the xoxo with the diamond stencil is so clever!
Awesome cards. So beautiful.
Wonderful cards – thanks for the inspiration. I especially love the embossing paste and watercolor drips card – gorgeous!
Love the effect you get get with the spray ink. I’ve never used it but it’s on my to list. Love your work.
Your cards are absolutely stunning! Love the different techniques you used to show versatility of stencils. Thank you so much for sharing your creativity!
Beautiful cards Amber! Thanks for all the inspiration!
I learned so many new techniques from your projects! The soft watercolor circles and die cut flower make me so happy!
Thanks, Jaycee! I’m always learning new things from your projects as well! Though I don’t know how you whip that swivel knife around as you do. I’m so clumsy with it. I think I’m pressing too hard??
These are very beautiful. 🙂
thanks for sharing all the these fantastic ways to use stencils, Amber – your watercolor wash card is gorgeous!
Wow! So many ways to use a stencil. Beautiful results. I especially love the way you made “XOXO” from the diamond builder. So clever!
Thank you so much for great ideas and the video. Lovely projects. I will follow you on FB and Instagram
I loved your very pretty cards. Thank you for the beautiful inspiration.
Your cards are amazing. Thank you for all the inspiration.
So many beautiful cards and awesome video tutorial! LOVE LOVE LOVE all your cards, I think my favorite is the vellum one. Thank you so much for sharing your incredible talents.
Oh Amber – be still my heart! Your stop on the hop is just a breath of fresh air! I am absolutely smitten with your vellum work- how incredible and unique! This is like a stop at a English garden in the countryside – I can almost smell the colorful flowers ♥ TFS!
These are such beautiful projects! I especially love your colour combos where you’ve paired warm and cool colours. I think I need to do more of that. Thanks for the inspiration!
Oh Goodness, your creative ideas are amazing. Thank you for all of the inspiration and instructions. I thought I only needed two of the new stencils, I think you’ve convinced me otherwise!
LOL! Thank you Tarina! There’s nothing like a little inspiration to give your wishlist an upgrade. ;o)
I love the bubble wrap. I’m new to your site but sure looking forward to see your other work. Beautiful cards.
Hello, Pat! Welcome to my site. I’m so happy you’ve found me today and I’ll be back soon with more inspiration! Thanks for stopping by!
Amazing! Love the beach towel colors. Truly looks like I’m on the beach! The watercolor drips are divine too!
These new stencils are so amazing. I just love all of your cards, the water drips one is inspired! I also love the soft colors of the bubble wrap stencil card, but honestly they are all great. Thanks for helping us see all the ways to use these new stencils. Thanks.
Beautiful cards! I loved them all, but the beach towel strip and the watercolor drips were my favorite! Thank you so much for sharing so many ideas!
I love the new release and all the creative possibilities these new stencils bring. Great Cards!!!
Beautiful cards
Beautiful cards! Thanks for sharing your fantastic techniques.
Thanks, Kathy!
You have such fantastic ideas! I love the “beach towel” effect and am going to do something very similar with one of my cards. You are someone I would really like to follow. Thanks for the video.
Thanks so much, Sonja! Yes, please do follow me for more inspiration! I’d love to see you visit regularly!
Amber, I am so impressed with your creativity! I watch you on your videos and these stenciled cards are outstanding with many techniques.
Vicki, that is so sweet of you to say. Thanks so much!
These are all sooooo gorgeous! I love the color block heart one! So creative!
Thank you, Meghan!
So many GREAT techniques. And such awesome stencils. Had to pin this for the technique info to use again! Thanks!
Yay! Thanks for pinning! I’m so glad you liked the techniques!!
Once again Amber, your designs are absolutely fantastic! Love the mix of the Color Block Heart and Diamond Builder, these are two of my faves, thanks for the inspiration!
You’re so welcome, Liz! Thank you!
I’ve just recently started using stencils and I’m loving it. Thanks so much for all the tips and uses (I seem to be “stuck” on backgrounds). This new release is wonderful — my favorite is the Diamond Builder. Your cards are gorgeous.
Thanks, Cyndi! Yaas, Diamond Builder is so cool and had some unique uses on the hop!
Beautiful cards, thanks for sharing.
Amazing cards and great inspiration for the use of the new stencils. Thank you.
Great cards. Really fun stencils!
gorgeous and ingenious ideas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks, Gail!
Your cards make me want to get my hot little hands on these stencils. All are excellent.
Thanks, Sandy! I love stencils because they’re such a great value for so many techniques!
Lovely cards, great use of the stencils. Thank you for sharing.
Great use of the stencils. Like to get more out of my tools.
Fabulous cards!! Thank you for all of the techniques for these new Altenew stencils. I’m always open to new things!!
Thanks, Lisa! Happy crafting!
Wow, Amber, a plethora of beauties! I love them all, especially the Watercolor Drips card!
Thanks, Patt! Shhh, don’t tell my other cards but that’s my fave too.
Wow, what great ideas and techniques. Thanks so much for sharing.
You are so inspiring and creative. I just love the soft look of many of your cards. Just fabulous. Thank you for the tutorial on using stencils. This is new to me and so helpful.
Thanks, Dorothy! I’m so happy you found it helpful!
Thank you for sharing all the different ways you used the new Altenew stencils. So many great design and product options. Love that you cut out one of the designs to add to another stenciled design. The heart builder and diamond builder was my favorite card.
Thanks so much, Linda!
Absolutely love them all.
Amazing Cards and Fantastic Inspiration! I’ve recently started using mixed media on cards, so will definitely try some of these ideas.
Thanks, Elizabeth! Happy crafting!!
Amazing cards as always Amber, love your style
Thanks, Terri! 🤗
Fantastic use of stencils! Thank you for this informative and inspirational post! I love how you made the XOXO using diamond builder! Creative thinking! 🙂
Thank you, Karthikha!
You are so creative, Amber, and a terrific educator! I love watching your videos!
Aw, thanks, Sandy!!
Oh my goodness, you are so creative! Love all of your cards, and thanks so much for the video!
Congratulations Lynn! You won the Altenew gift card! You can see all the details at the link below to claim your prize. Thanks again for visiting and I hope to see you again real soon!
https://altenewblog.com/2019/07/30/july-2019-stencil-release-giveaway-winners/
Oh so beautiful! Each one better that the last. So many techniques to try!
Gorgeous cards! I love the watercolor techniques.
Inspiring projects, Amber! I can’t wait to get some of these stencils in my stash!
Thanks, Nicole!
Thank you so much for demonstrating the diamond builder stencil. I am so excited about these stencils. Your cards are beautiful.
going to go try dry embossing right now – who knew
Gorgeous use of these stencils! Love them all but my faves are the “just because” and “be happy” cards!
wow love the creative way you used these stencis – love the color wash technique
Thank you for this wonderful video
Its hard to pick a favorite from 4 Awesome cards with 8 different techniques !! Thanks a lot for showing us the ways to use stencil on cards.Cutting “xo” from diamond builder stencil is so cool !
Thank you, Pooja!
Beautiful cards, Amber! My favorite is the Be Happy card. I just love the way you dripped a background in those beautiful colors and added the translucent embossing paste! What a beautiful card!
Thanks so much, Debbie! That’s my fave too!