For this project from the All About Layering 7 class, we explored different ways to step up stenciling techniques. While the class covers several approaches, I was particularly drawn to the technique that Bridget demonstrated using watercolor with stencils.
I had a watercolor pan set in my stash that I had been wanting to use more often, so this technique felt like the perfect opportunity to experiment with it. For my stencil, I used the Painted Geraniums Layering Stencil, which has beautiful layered floral elements that work wonderfully for building depth with color.
Adding Texture Before Stenciling
In the class, Bridget adds texture to the finished stenciled panel using the Rustic Burlap Press Plate. Since I do not own any textured press plates or stamps, I wanted to find another way to achieve a similar textured effect.
That is when I came up with the idea of creasing the panel to give it an aged, textured look. I decided to do this as my very first step because I was curious to see how watercolor would behave on a creased surface.
Because watercolor paper would have been too thick and difficult to crease, I used my regular cardstock instead. I was simply careful with the amount of water I applied so the paper would not warp too much.
The creasing created a beautiful texture that almost resembles fabric, which I absolutely love.
Watercolor Through Stencils
To begin the stenciling, I taped my panel onto a sticky mat and secured the first layer of the stencil.
For the flowers:
- Layer 1: I started with a red shade from my watercolor set, diluted with water so I could create soft base color.
- Layer 2: I used the same red but in a more concentrated form to add depth.
- Layer 3: I switched to a magenta color from the pan set.
- Layer 4: I mixed magenta with purple and a touch of black to create a custom plum shade for the darkest layer.
For the leaves:
- Layer 1: Diluted olive green.
- Layer 2: A more concentrated olive tone.
- Layer 3: One of the darker greens from the pan set.
For the flower centers, I used metallic gold and champagne watercolor for a subtle shimmer.
After completing each stencil layer, I made sure to let the panel dry completely before moving on to the next one. This helped prevent the colors from bleeding into each other and allowed the layers to remain distinct.
Finishing the Card
Once the panel was finished and completely dry, I trimmed it down to create a slimline card. I wanted to keep as much of the design visible as possible.
I then handwrote the sentiment, adhered it to the panel, and mounted the entire piece onto a burgundy cardstock base to complement the rich tones of the flowers.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love the texture the creases added to this project. It gives the panel a slightly fabric-like appearance and adds a lot of visual interest.
The watercolor-through-stencil technique was also a wonderful discovery for me. Compared to ink blending, watercolor produces a much looser and more organic look. Ink blending gives very defined layers, whereas watercolor allows the colors to flow and blend softly, creating a more artistic and painterly effect.
This technique was truly fun to explore, and I can definitely see myself using watercolor with stencils again in future projects.
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