Handmade Valentines Background Paper with Briana
Love is in the air, and I don’t mean only for those who are in a relationship, married, or partnered. There are all kinds of ways to love and be loved. In fact, self-love is huge in my book. It’s the foundation for which we make room (in our lives, in our hearts) to allow in love from other people.
I am one who believes in the power of love. I believe in the power of giving and receiving kindness. I most certainly believe in the healing power of art.
So, let’s make some hand-painted and stenciled paper to use as the foundation for handmade valentines. Create them for yourself, for your friends, your neighbors, your family, etc. The world can always use a little more vibrant color, light, and love from you. Let’s begin.
- Supplies to Gather
- Large sheet of watercolor paper: 12 x18 inches or 18 x 24 inches
- Wide paint brush
- Acrylic and/or Tempera paints
- Baby wipe or paper towel
- Spray bottle with water
- Artistcellar stencils
- Sacred Heart Series
- Chakras Pocket Stencil Set: Heart Chakra
- Quasicrystals Series: Infra & Quasi
- Lynn Krawczyk Marked Series: X’s and O’s
- Traditional Japanese Series: Arrow
- Dylusions Spray Inks: Postbox Red and Cherry Pie (Love, love, love this one!!!)
- A roll of paper towels to soak up ink
Step 1:
Dribble paints on your watercolor paper. (I used a variety of pinks, reds, and white).
Step 2:
Spread paint with a wide brush. (Enjoy the wonderful colors that appear before your eyes!)
Step 3:
Place a stencil or two on the wet paint. Use a baby wipe or damp paper towel to remove the paint through the stencil.
Step 4:
Continue using a variety of stencils, removing paint through the stencil.
TIP: If the paint is getting too dry, you can spritz plain water through the stencil, and then wipe away the paint.
Step 5:
Get out those spray inks and stencils!
TIP: For a crisper image, hold the spray ink further away from your paper.
(The closer you are, the wetter and more blurred the end result appears.
The image below shows too much spray ink, sprayed too close to the paper. It’s a learning process, and I am still learning. It’s okay if you are, too.)
TIP: After you’ve sprayed the ink over the stencil, use a paper towel roll to soak up the extra ink. (I learned this from Dina Wakley or Julie Fei-Fan Balzer.)
I had an absolute love affair with this Dylusions “Cherry Pie” Ink Spray. The color is just sooooooooooo delicious.
Step 6:
Add the Heart Chakra stencil in bright green.
Step 7:
Once your background paper has dried, use a heart template or paper punch to cut out your valentines.
Hand them out, mail them as a surprise, put them in your art journal, etc., etc. The possibilities go on and on! Be sure to save at least one for yourself.
I had a blast making this background paper. I am so grateful for artistcellar and other makers of quality art supplies. We need to play, enjoy color, and express ourselves. We need to give and receive love. If Valentine’s Day is hard for you, please be kind to yourself.
You are worthy. You are loveable, and you are loved.
May it be so.
Blessings to you,
Briana of OrangeSpiralArts.com
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