How to Create Your Own Stencil Masks
Posted on | May 27, 2010 | 4 Comments
A mask is the negative of a stencil. It blocks certain areas from being painted so that the paint or whatever medium you’re using creates an outline of the image.
Catalogs and magazines are great sources for creating your own masks. Here’s how to make one:
- Leaf through your magazines and choose a photo/image that would make a great silhouette.
- Cover the front and back of the image with clear packaging tape so that you can reuse your mask.
- Carefully cut out the image from the page.
Voila! Your very own stencil mask!
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| Here are some masks that I made from a Victoria’s Secret catalog that I regularly get from the mail. When going for people silhouettes, remember that images with expressive arms and legs make the best masks. You can cut away parts of the image to create a better silhouette. For example, the first stencil mask above might work better if I cut out the part of her hair that’s showing on her left side so that I get the shape of her head. |
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| Here’s an example of how I applied the mask. I used the third one from the samples above. You can use a stencil adhesive to temporarily tack the mask on the surface where you’re applying the mask to make sure it won’t lift or move. Here, though, I just held it in place with my fingers and rubbed distressing ink around it with a foam applicator to create an outline. Because the image is protected with packaging tape, I just wiped it clean after I used it so I can use it again next time. |
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| This is actually the outside part of a security envelope from a bill I got in the mail. I’m using it in one of the junk journals I’m currently making. It was full of print so I decided to paint on it. |
Category: Creative Play
Tags: altered art , art journal , mixed media techniques , stencil masks , stitched pages , tutorials
Tags: altered art , art journal , mixed media techniques , stencil masks , stitched pages , tutorials
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4 Responses to “How to Create Your Own Stencil Masks”
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© 2006-2010 Johwey Redington.
Please don't steal my text or images, it's disrespectful and you'll be subjet to karma! If you want to use any of the images, please email me for a written permission. Thank you.
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May 28th, 2010 @ 8:22 am
Nice technique. :D – I went to the Altered Book Club meeting last night and started making this “tag” book. It’s pretty cool. I’m making it for my momma. :D
Ill show you after and can give you directions if you want.
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May 28th, 2010 @ 3:34 pm
What a great idea! So simple and yet it never occured to me. I like the idea of being able to use the same image over and over. It would probably work great also with close ups of flowers or plants or buildings…so many possibilities. Thanks!
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May 30th, 2010 @ 9:15 am
I found your blog through the ROD yahoo group. I like what you’re doing with your travel journal.
I use magazine cutouts for silhouettes too. I never thought to cover them with packing tape so they can last longer though. Thanks for such a great idea!
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June 4th, 2010 @ 2:39 am
Hi Johwey,
I just linked here from Kolleen and saw you’re taking Flying Lesson’s too. Yay! Love your blog!
Thank you for sharing this technique. I’ll definitely add it to my tool belt for future use. It’s great!
love + light,
carissa
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