MFT Creative Challenge | Creative Stenciling

Hello again!  It's time for another MFT Design Team Creative Challenge and this month we are challenged to use our stencils in creative ways.

I have to admit that I have only been using the stencils for just a little while, and I'm finding that the more I use them, the more I LOVE them!  I still have "just the basics" for my stencils, so I'll be showing you how to use them with items you most likely have in your craft supply.

My first card uses stencils in a couple different ways.  

I started by cutting out a 5" x 3.75" sheet of Smooth White Card Stock and I ran it through my die cut machine with the LJD Spring Flowers Stencil and embossed it for the background.  When using a stencil to emboss, you'll want to layer your supplies in your die cut machine like this: BASE PLATE + STENCIL +  CARD STOCK + THIN RUBBER EMBOSSING PAD + CUTTING PLATE.  I kept the stencil over my card stock and then sprayed some Sheer Shimmer Mist over the top, creating a shimmery look to the embossed flowers.  It's a nice, subtle way to bring out that texture.  I used the MPD Graduated Dots Stencil on the Sour Apple Card Stock and on the Blu Raspberry Card Stock, I used the On the Diagonal Stencil to create more patterns and texture.  I opted to leave these layers plain and shimmer-free.   The sentiment is a die from Happy Hellos Die-namics, which I cut out in Blu Raspberry Card Stock and then added the Sheer Shimmer Mist to that as well.  The layout is Deconstructed Sketch #139.

I used these fabulous products on this card:

LJD Spring Flowers Stencil	On the Diagonal Stencil	MPD Graduated Dots Stencil	Happy Hellos Die-namics
Pierced Circle STAX Die-namics	Fishtail Flags Layers STAX Die-namics	MIX-ables Sheer Shimmer Mist	Smooth White Card Stock
Banana Split Card Stock	Sour Apple Card Stock	Blu Raspberry Card Stock

InLinkz.com

Up next is a single layer card, which was super fun and easy to make using stencils.  You can layer up images without adding bulk to your project.

I used the Concentric Circles Stencil on this card and sponged on the ink for a gradient look.  I used removable tape to hold down the stencil on my Smooth White Card Stock and then started in the center.  I sponged on some Blu Raspberry Ink and then overlapped the Sour Apple Ink and finally adding the Banana Split Ink over the top of the green.  I moved the stencil so I could add the smaller concentric circles where I wanted them to be and repeated the process.  It's very quick and simple to do and I adore the outcome.  I stamped the sentiments from Simply Fabulous Sayings in Black Licorice Ink to create a really bold statement.  I added a few rhinestones and some white perle thread for a little pop and texture.

You can find these fun products waiting for you in the MFT Boutique:

Simply Fabulous Sayings	Concentric Circles Stencil	Die-namics Embossing Pad Combo	Smooth White Card Stock
Black Licorice Ink	Banana Split Ink	Sour Apple Ink	Blu Raspberry Ink

InLinkz.com

Be sure to stop by the MFT Blog for a complete list of designers playing along in this month's Creative Challenge.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

recipes -

HELLO
paper: smooth white (mft), banana split (mft), sour apple (mft), blu raspberry (mft)
accessories: ljd spring flowers stencil (mft), on the diagonal stencil (mft), mpd graduated dots stencil (mft), pierced circle stax die-namics (mft), fishtail flags layers stax die-namics (mft), sheer shimmer mist (mft), corner rounder, die-namics embossing pad, foam tape

BEAUTIFUL
stamps: simply fabulous sayings (mft)
paper: smooth white (mft)
ink: black licorice (mft), banana split (mft), sour apple (mft), blu raspberry (mft)
accessories: concentric circles stencil (mft), clear rhinestones (su!), white perle thread, corner rounder, die-namics embossing pad, foam tape