Stencil Shading

Hello fellow stampers!

Have you ever wondered how to add more depth to your stenciled project?  Today, I am going to show you how to add shadows to help with that 3-D effect.  The stencil I used today is from A Colorful Life Designs.  The one I am using in this tutorial is called Adored Frame and can be purchased at A Colorful Life Designs.

Did you know that Technique Junkies sells A Colorful Life Stencils too?  You can use my discount code of TJ10Beth to receive 10% off your stencils, or any other product that is in the store.  This discount does not apply to clearance items.  For a full line of A Colorful Life Stencils at Technique Junkies please view here.

Tape your stencil down onto a firm background.  Be sure to use painter’s tape and tape along the inside edges of your cardstock.  Pixie spray works wonderfully too and can be purchased at Technique Junkies.  Yes, my code TJ10Beth is good for a 10% discount too.  By using Pixie spray, you do not have to use tape.

Using a finger dauber, or sponge, rub your ink-stained sponge over the area of your stencil.  Any stencil can be used.

Surprise!  You will be using a Q-tip for this step.  Using your Q-tip, rub it into a darker shade of ink than what was placed onto your cardstock.  Place the darker ink on the lower portion of the stem, swirl, star, etc.  Be sure to add the darker shade of colour in a “flicking” motion so your colour blends nicely.  If the area is elongated, such as the swirls in my stencil, add some darker colour in the top third of your design.

If there are small areas in your stencil, too small for sponging, feel free to use a pointed marker to fill in those areas as see above.

And, lastly, stamp a sentiment on your stenciled background.  Here I used Technique Junkies Love You More, set of 5.

I hope I inspired you to try adding some depth to your stencils.