Big Paper, Big Stencil, Spray Ink, and a Fern with Briana

Hello Everyone!

It’s summer here in Minnesota, and I have been feeling inspired by plants! The other day, as my son and a neighbor friend ran around the yard, I quickly grabbed a large sheet of paper, some spray ink, a fern and some other plants that I had printed with on my Gelli Plate.

Here’s what I got done in the about five minutes of playtime I had before my attention was needed elsewhere.

Although I like these colors, I thought I might experiment with one of the 12 x 12 inch artistcellar stencils. I was looking for a contrast to the organic shapes of the plants. Since I love circles, what better choice would there be, other than the Square Rose stencil from the Sacred Geometry series?

For some reason, I did not realize these came in the 12 x 12 size. I am quite excited for this! I invite you to check them out on the artistcellar site!

When I received this 12 x 12 stencil, the beauty of the back of the package struck me. I snapped a photo to share with you, just in case you want to see.

In case you are not familiar with spray ink, I took a photo of my gallon plastic bag that holds a bunch of them.

Since I frequently teach mixed media and visual journaling art classes, I have learned that this is an easy way to transport those bottles. It also made the quick grab that I needed to do while my son was playing, quite feasible.

I ended up using a blue Adirondack Color Wash spray by Ranger Ink. I am not sure if these are still being made, but you can also use Dylusions spray ink or Marabu Art Spray. Marabu Art Spray is permanent once dry, where Dylusions spray inks move with water.

So, I sprayed the beautiful Square Rose stencil with blue Adirondack Color Wash.

I was so curious to see the bright colors through the stencil lines, once I removed the stencil. Are you ready for the big reveal?

You’ll have to hold on a second, because first I want to show you how to mop up some of that wet ink.

Take a roll of paper towels (or kitchen roll, as some people say) and roll it over the wet stencil like this.

Once the extra ink is absorbed into the paper towel roll, you can lift the stencil and see clean lines.

Here’s what my paper looks like now with the fern next to the sprayed stencil.

Now, there is still a bunch of ink on that stencil, so you can do a final step of cleaning the stencil, while also creating more paper for collage, or a background in your journal.

All you need is a baby wipe and a surface.

One major reason I love artistcellar stencils so much, beyond the wonderful designs, is the thickness and quality of the stencils. Wiping them with a baby wipe is a breeze. I love that.

All clean, and here’s my extra paper I can use for doodles or collage or whatever!

Thank you for being here and reading this post. I hope that you feel inspired to just try some fun things with stencils and other art supplies, or maybe even a plant or two!

Sending Blessings your way!

-Briana of OrangeSpiralArts.com

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