Balzer Designs StencilsPaper CraftsTutorials

How to Make Glittered Scrapbook Embellishments with a Stencil

Julie Fei-Fan Balzer

You can buy scrapbook embellishments, but I’m a big fan of making them yourself instead! Today I have a quick and fun tutorial for you on how to make these cool glittered circle embellishments, which are surprisingly less messy than you might expect. The secret is in the adhesive!

A lot of people think of stencils as having to be used with paint or ink, but you can use a wide variety of art media with stencils. Yay!

I took the glitter circles that I made and I used them here on a mixed-media scrapbook page about me and my Mom:

Here’s a closer look:

I love how they turned out! Lots of different possibilities with this technique!  Check out the video to see the complete how-to!

Step-by-Step: Use a Stencil to Create Glittery Stitched Scrapbook Embellishments

  1. Cut Circles
    Roughly cut circles from cardstock.
  2. Apply Adhesive
    This works best with a dry adhesive. I used a Xyron machine, but any double-sided tape will do.
  3. Add Glitter
    Adhere the circles to the back of your stencil and then shake glitter over the stencil.
  4. Brush it Around
    Use a soft paint brush to brush the glitter over the circle. This helps distribute the glitter AND ensure a good bond with the adhesive.
  5. Add the Second Layer of Glitter
    Peel the circle off of the stencil and then add a second color of glitter. It will only stick where there is exposed adhesive.
  6. Brush it Around Again
    Once again, use a soft paint brush to brush the glitter over the circle. You may find it useful to use a toothpick to hold your embellishment in place.
  7. Cut the Circles in Half Unevenly
    Cut the circles into a big half and a little half and then mix and match the halves.
  8. Stitch It
    I used the zig zag stitch on my sewing machine to stitch the circles together. You could also hand stitch or simply glue them.

Now that you’re done, you can use these glittered elements to embellish scrapbook layouts, journals, cards, or gift tags—adding sparkle and interest wherever you need it!

Shine ON: More Ideas for Glittery Scrapbook Embellishments

  • Mix and match sizes: Create a variety of glittered circles for dimension.
  • Layer patterns: Use more than one stencil and mix and match patterns.
  • Mix media: Combine glitter stenciling with pieces that are inked, painted, or watercolored.
  • Use different shapes: To create this simple card, I simply punched the butterflies from some completed circles. Click on the first photo to see the circle with the butterfly punched out.

I can’t wait to see what you do with this technique!

And now a question for you: Who is a stencil artist that you love and admire? I’d love to know!

Julie Fei-Fan Balzer

Based outside of Boston, Julie Fei-Fan Balzer is a painter, printmaker, and collage artist who constructs vibrant compositions. Her artwork investigates the interplay of identity and perception, inviting viewers to take a longer look. Julie works in layers, both physically and metaphorically, exploring what is visible and what is concealed. Passionate about connecting with and inspiring other artists, she shares her expertise through in-person workshops and her online classroom at MyArtPractice.com. Julie's achievements include high-profile clients, multiple publications - including her book, “Carve Stamp Play” - and exhibits in New York City and throughout Massachusetts. She is a graduate of Brown University.

You May Also Like

Live with Prima: TODAY!

Julie Fei-Fan Balzer

Design Team Call! *ETA: International Designers Welcome*

Julie Fei-Fan Balzer

Art Journal Every Day: Pages from the End of July 2016

Julie Fei-Fan Balzer

Art Journal Every Day: Fast Forward with Nathalie

Julie Fei-Fan Balzer

ScanNCut Stamp Starter Kit GIVEAWAY!

Julie Fei-Fan Balzer

Best of 2015: Tutorials (part one)

Julie Fei-Fan Balzer

83 thoughts on “How to Make Glittered Scrapbook Embellishments with a Stencil”

  • Great stencil Julie. I became addicted to stencils learning from Dyan Reaveley… her blog is http://dyan-reaveley.blogspot.com. Thanks for a chance to win one of your stencils – I got one at The Queen’s Ink last weekend, and now, of course….I want more! 🙂
    Ellen xx

  • Can I say you? I am new in this world, so for the moment I just can say YOU are a Rocks stencils !!!

  • i would have loved to say you..but along with your blog i read Dina Wakley’s http://dinastamps.typepad.com/ and as Lita said Christy tomlinson’s blog. All 3 of you are my favorites for how to use stencils creatively 🙂

  • Most of the peeps I know are just getting started out with stencils so I don’t know who will rock them yet other than YOU!

  • Dina Wakley and you are the two stencil users I follow regularly, and the both of you totally rock! The herringbone glitter butterflies are amazing, thank you for the tutorial.

  • I’d have to vote you as number 1 (of blogs that I know) and Donna Downey a close second. http:donnadowney.typepad.com I am so inspired by both of you.

  • Mary in IL said…
    I’d have to vote you as number 1 (of blogs that I know) and Donna Downey a close second. http://donnadowney.typepad.com I am so inspired by both of you.
    (oops, had the link wrong)

  • Girl…I would have to say you!!!!!

  • You are the Queen of Rockin’ the stencil!!! Donna Downey gets her stencil on too !!!

  • Well now that I have read the comments – I will know others. Up until now – just you!

  • You YOu You!! If I say anyone else it is because I spent the morning hunting around the web for someone else, but really yours is the blog I visit to see creative and unique uses for all tools (inc. stencils).

  • So this is totally cheating, but you are the only one I know that ROCKS stencils. Sorry, but I only follow a few blogs on a regular basis Julie.

  • YOu my dear is the stencil queen! Love them all!
    I can’t wait to see who wins.. hoping it’s me! hugs bonitarose

  • I am learning and inspired by you! I am always amazed by the lovely creations you create.

  • I would also have to say You You You!! I only follow a couple other papercraft blogs and they don’t use stencils much at all. I love how you use multipl’s or just leave us with a hint that you used one.

  • The one person who comes to mind (after you of course!) is Dyan Reaveley, http.//dyan-reaveley.blogspot.com, so please enter me for a chance to win:)

  • Not a cop out Julie, but the truth — you are my number one for rocking the stencil! I cannot think of anyone who I would consider a close second! Love your stuff!

  • Since I am new to this art form, the only person I know is you but hope to meet more people in the field…Thanks for opening my eyes to the fun and creativity in art journaling.

  • I just love how you think outside of the box. I love the glitter embellishments!

  • Oh wow! This is such a freakin’ awesome stencil! Love your tutorials and ideas!

  • Love Love LOVE that you partnered with Crafter’s Workshop!!!! This herringbone stencil is awesome!! The circles are gorgeous!!!! Thanks for the tips- hugely helpful!

  • To be honest I would have to say you! You have so many unique ways of using stencils. My second choice would be Paula Phillips @ messymindcreativesoul.blogspot.com
    or you can type in journal artista.

  • OOPS! Almost forgot to answer question — besides you? The only other person I know who uses stencils in an awesome manner is Christy Tomlinson – http://tinyurl.com/3rdcsyu

  • Sorry, Paula Phillips changed her blog address now it journalartistaart.com

  • All of your stencils are on my shopping list, Julie! Thanks so much for the awesome tutorial….wouldn’t have thought of the glitter technique, but of course YOU would 🙂

  • My favorite thing about your tutorials are the ingenious and unexpected ways you get more use from products! Like so many of the other commenters, YOU are my stencil rock star! But, I will enjoy following the links left by others, too! Thanks, Julie!

  • Beside you I choose Christy Tomlinson and Roben Marie.
    thanks for the video.

  • Donna Downey does a great job with stencils as well as everything else. You 2 are my go to for getting it done!

  • Ok I’m new to the journaling world so I’m going to say YOU! Thanks for the chance to win.

  • Well, if I can’t mention you – who can I mention? I have a friend who dabbles in all sorts of art and I like the way she rocks the stencils – Diana Dellos! She’s cool – http://www.dianadellos.typepad.com/

  • You ROCK da stencils!!!! Love the new designs and would love to get my hands on some. Also, http://www.journalartistaart.com/ uses mucho stencils in her weekly videos. Thanks for the giveaway!

  • I don’t know anyone but you that even does stencils and you definitely ROCK at them! I’m still pretty new to mixed media coming from a scrapbooking background.

  • I would have to say YOU! Also, Michelle Ward does wonderful things with stencils.

  • Seriously – after yesterday’s video and now today’s I am definitely saying that Julie Fei-Fan Balzer rocks the stencil!! (I’m not just saying that to suck up – I was truly blown away by both techniques but if sucking up helps me win . . .)
    Thanks for the chance to win!!

  • Well, aside from you, – how about Jan Dressler?!? – although I am aware of her stencils from years of watching her guest appearances on different home decorating shows mainly. She may have even appeared on Carol DuVall’s show, but it’s been so long, I don’t remember. I always wanted to do a room makeover with her stencils. http://www.dresslerstencils.com

  • who rocks the stencils. you of course. i also enjoy Dina Wakleys blog too.

  • Well, besides you, I would have to go old school and say that Michelle Ward rocks the stencil big time ! She even had a tutorial all about using a stencil burner and making your own stencils from your own art designs. Fun ! But I am in love with yours and well, they are ready made for me !
    Thanks for the chance to win !
    Cheers, Stencil Queen !

  • i have followed Donna Downey’s blog for years as well as attended INSPIRED and have taken classes with her in person and on line. She rocks. http://donnadowney.typepad.com/

  • So many choices… I love a lot of the people already mentioned above… But I also like Mary Beth Shaw who does cool things with stencils http://mbshaw.blogspot.com/

  • You would be my favorite. However I must admit to not knowing others 🙂 that doesn’t mean you don’t deserve the favorite spot tho. I love the fact the many of your stencils are great for overall designs, not just an imprint.

  • You are the person I know who rocks stencils! I come to learn, cause this is way cool!

  • Well you are the Queen of Everything, though
    some close runner ups are: Dina Wakely’s Ponderings,
    and Lynne Perrella (I like what she did here w
    the baseball players & numbers, a fun combo)
    http://www.lkperrella.com/cgi-bin/itsmy/go.exe?page=8&domain=1&webdir=lkperrella
    Meanwhile – thanks for the video, I’m in awe of
    how bright & simple it is. Glad I still have my mom’s
    sewing machine too!

  • Sorry I really don’t know much about stenciling except what I have learned from her workshops – and that would be Christy Tomlinson – very inspiring lady!
    http://www.christytomlinson.typepad.com/

  • It’s you, hands down!
    Quick question: what kind of ink do you recommend using with stencils? Lots of the questions asked yesterday are the same questions I have, too!

  • Besides you? Lol! I love watching Christy Tomlinson and Donna Downey. They both have great styles and do beautiful work!

  • You! and you are in good company – dina wakely and roben marie and christy tomlinson and jane lafazio. you ALL rock!

  • I hope my comment isn’t too late.
    You are the person who rocks stencils! I know I have seen others use stencils in their artwork, but yours get my attention!

  • I’ve been rocking your stencils lately! I’ve been having a blast with the rain drops and the fragmented flower, plus I just ordered more off your Big Cartel site a few days back.
    http://craftymoira.blogspot.com/

  • New to stencils, I bought about 8 while at Create last month, most of them yours. I took a class from Rebekah Meier who rocked your stencils. I’m still in search of your hands one that I used in class.
    Here is Rebekah’s blog
    http://rebekahmeier.typepad.com/
    I especially love the use of the chevron as a background in the journal above. The variety of coloured ink makes it sing!
    Cheers
    Patti

  • I’m just getting into all this mixed media, but I love Christy Tomlinson’s classes & she uses a lot of stencils (www.christytomlinson.typepad.com). These are such cool ideas! Thanks so much for the chance!

  • I’ve recently participated in a series of classes with Effy Wild and she uses stencils in her art journaling processes.
    http://wildprecious.ning.com/

  • Pingback: Big News: Ten New Art Stencil Designs with Joggles - Balzer Designs Blog

Comments are closed.