If you're new to Art Journal Every Day, there is a short introduction here. All of the previous posts can be found archived here. There is a flickr group for sharing right here. Remember, it's just ten minutes of nourishing your creative self every day! No need to finish anything or even like it. If you've done some art journaling this week and you've blogged about it, or put it on flickr, please leave a link in the linky list at the end of this post. Thanks!
Art journals and stencils go together like macaroni and cheese. I get a lot of questions about using stencils, but also about making your own. In particular, people often want to learn how to make their own plastic stencils. Well, there are lots and lots of different ways to do it. My current favorite method is to use quilter's template plastic and a craft knife. It's quick and easy.
STEP ONE: Use a permanent marker to draw your design directly onto the plastic.
STEP TWO: Trim the plastic down to size with scissors and then use a craft knife to cut out the design.
Be sure to work on self-healing mat. Go slowly. And turn the template plastic so that you're always cutting towards yourself and not at some weird angle. Curves are the trickiest.
STEP THREE: Play with your stencil!
If you cut out larger shapes, it's easy to use those pieces as masks.
And here I've used the stencil:
If you accidentally cut something you didn't mean to…
…don't worry about it! It's easily fixed by applying some Glossy Accents to both sides of the cut.
This waterproof adhesive will simply seal up the cut without adding any bulk to the stencil.
If you don't feel comfortable drawing a design freehand, you can always trace one instead.
Finally, here's an art journal spread I made with my new stencils!
Happy stencil cutting!
Here is this week's linky list:
amazing diy! love the inspiration!
amazing diy! love the inspiration!
amazing diy! love the inspiration!
amazing diy! love the inspiration!
amazing diy! love the inspiration!
LOVE LOVE THE STENCILS, LOVE LOVE THE MASKS, LOVE LOVE THE TAGS, TAGS, TAGS!!! LOVE LOVE THE JOURANL PAGE, SHE IS BEAUTIFUL!!! WOW THANKS SO MUCH FOR THE EASY AND FUN LESSON!!
LOVE LOVE THE STENCILS, LOVE LOVE THE MASKS, LOVE LOVE THE TAGS, TAGS, TAGS!!! LOVE LOVE THE JOURANL PAGE, SHE IS BEAUTIFUL!!! WOW THANKS SO MUCH FOR THE EASY AND FUN LESSON!!
LOVE LOVE THE STENCILS, LOVE LOVE THE MASKS, LOVE LOVE THE TAGS, TAGS, TAGS!!! LOVE LOVE THE JOURANL PAGE, SHE IS BEAUTIFUL!!! WOW THANKS SO MUCH FOR THE EASY AND FUN LESSON!!
LOVE LOVE THE STENCILS, LOVE LOVE THE MASKS, LOVE LOVE THE TAGS, TAGS, TAGS!!! LOVE LOVE THE JOURANL PAGE, SHE IS BEAUTIFUL!!! WOW THANKS SO MUCH FOR THE EASY AND FUN LESSON!!
LOVE LOVE THE STENCILS, LOVE LOVE THE MASKS, LOVE LOVE THE TAGS, TAGS, TAGS!!! LOVE LOVE THE JOURANL PAGE, SHE IS BEAUTIFUL!!! WOW THANKS SO MUCH FOR THE EASY AND FUN LESSON!!
Exactly the inspiration I needed for today. I was a bit bored with the stencils I already have. Why not make my own?! Great idea! Thanks for sharing, Julie.
Exactly the inspiration I needed for today. I was a bit bored with the stencils I already have. Why not make my own?! Great idea! Thanks for sharing, Julie.
Exactly the inspiration I needed for today. I was a bit bored with the stencils I already have. Why not make my own?! Great idea! Thanks for sharing, Julie.
Exactly the inspiration I needed for today. I was a bit bored with the stencils I already have. Why not make my own?! Great idea! Thanks for sharing, Julie.
Exactly the inspiration I needed for today. I was a bit bored with the stencils I already have. Why not make my own?! Great idea! Thanks for sharing, Julie.
Love your stencils! Great Art Journal pages…
Love your stencils! Great Art Journal pages…
Love your stencils! Great Art Journal pages…
Love your stencils! Great Art Journal pages…
Love your stencils! Great Art Journal pages…
I love the tags!! Great page too.
I love the tags!! Great page too.
I love the tags!! Great page too.
I love the tags!! Great page too.
I love the tags!! Great page too.
Great tutorial and love your pages. I use an exacto knife to cut mine, and mylar. Sometimes, for cutting a figure out of a magazine, I’ll cover both sides of the magazine image with clear contact paper/laminate and cut that out. It’s very forgiving and more “bendy” than mylar.
Great tutorial and love your pages. I use an exacto knife to cut mine, and mylar. Sometimes, for cutting a figure out of a magazine, I’ll cover both sides of the magazine image with clear contact paper/laminate and cut that out. It’s very forgiving and more “bendy” than mylar.
Great tutorial and love your pages. I use an exacto knife to cut mine, and mylar. Sometimes, for cutting a figure out of a magazine, I’ll cover both sides of the magazine image with clear contact paper/laminate and cut that out. It’s very forgiving and more “bendy” than mylar.
Great tutorial and love your pages. I use an exacto knife to cut mine, and mylar. Sometimes, for cutting a figure out of a magazine, I’ll cover both sides of the magazine image with clear contact paper/laminate and cut that out. It’s very forgiving and more “bendy” than mylar.
Great tutorial and love your pages. I use an exacto knife to cut mine, and mylar. Sometimes, for cutting a figure out of a magazine, I’ll cover both sides of the magazine image with clear contact paper/laminate and cut that out. It’s very forgiving and more “bendy” than mylar.
Who knew about GA sealing the stencil cut w/o adding bulk!?!? Fabulous tip, Julie ~ thanks for sharing!
Who knew about GA sealing the stencil cut w/o adding bulk!?!? Fabulous tip, Julie ~ thanks for sharing!
Who knew about GA sealing the stencil cut w/o adding bulk!?!? Fabulous tip, Julie ~ thanks for sharing!
Who knew about GA sealing the stencil cut w/o adding bulk!?!? Fabulous tip, Julie ~ thanks for sharing!
Who knew about GA sealing the stencil cut w/o adding bulk!?!? Fabulous tip, Julie ~ thanks for sharing!
Thanks for the glossy accents tip – you are a star!
Thanks for the glossy accents tip – you are a star!
Thanks for the glossy accents tip – you are a star!
Thanks for the glossy accents tip – you are a star!
Thanks for the glossy accents tip – you are a star!
Thanks for the stencil ideas I found this very helpful.
Thanks for the stencil ideas I found this very helpful.
Thanks for the stencil ideas I found this very helpful.
Thanks for the stencil ideas I found this very helpful.
Thanks for the stencil ideas I found this very helpful.
wow thanks great tutorial.
Just what i was looking for..
wow thanks great tutorial.
Just what i was looking for..
wow thanks great tutorial.
Just what i was looking for..
wow thanks great tutorial.
Just what i was looking for..
wow thanks great tutorial.
Just what i was looking for..
love cutting out my own stencils and masks also-great journal spread displaying yours!
love cutting out my own stencils and masks also-great journal spread displaying yours!
love cutting out my own stencils and masks also-great journal spread displaying yours!
love cutting out my own stencils and masks also-great journal spread displaying yours!
love cutting out my own stencils and masks also-great journal spread displaying yours!
I really must remember to use more than one stencil on a page…I just love the look of it.
I really must remember to use more than one stencil on a page…I just love the look of it.
I really must remember to use more than one stencil on a page…I just love the look of it.
I really must remember to use more than one stencil on a page…I just love the look of it.
I really must remember to use more than one stencil on a page…I just love the look of it.
OH I totally forgot about quilter’s plastic!! I’ve been cutting mine out of old cards. Love your tip on how to fix mistakes with glossy accents, brilliant! Thank you for another awesome post Julie!!
OH I totally forgot about quilter’s plastic!! I’ve been cutting mine out of old cards. Love your tip on how to fix mistakes with glossy accents, brilliant! Thank you for another awesome post Julie!!
OH I totally forgot about quilter’s plastic!! I’ve been cutting mine out of old cards. Love your tip on how to fix mistakes with glossy accents, brilliant! Thank you for another awesome post Julie!!
OH I totally forgot about quilter’s plastic!! I’ve been cutting mine out of old cards. Love your tip on how to fix mistakes with glossy accents, brilliant! Thank you for another awesome post Julie!!
OH I totally forgot about quilter’s plastic!! I’ve been cutting mine out of old cards. Love your tip on how to fix mistakes with glossy accents, brilliant! Thank you for another awesome post Julie!!
You make it look so easy & FUN! And THAT is what living a creative LIFE is all about. I always enJOY reading your blog. Your sense of humor, adventure and style just encourage me tremendously. Thank you Julie!
You make it look so easy & FUN! And THAT is what living a creative LIFE is all about. I always enJOY reading your blog. Your sense of humor, adventure and style just encourage me tremendously. Thank you Julie!
You make it look so easy & FUN! And THAT is what living a creative LIFE is all about. I always enJOY reading your blog. Your sense of humor, adventure and style just encourage me tremendously. Thank you Julie!
You make it look so easy & FUN! And THAT is what living a creative LIFE is all about. I always enJOY reading your blog. Your sense of humor, adventure and style just encourage me tremendously. Thank you Julie!
You make it look so easy & FUN! And THAT is what living a creative LIFE is all about. I always enJOY reading your blog. Your sense of humor, adventure and style just encourage me tremendously. Thank you Julie!
Love this post – I used to cut my own all the time but haven’t for a while. This makes me want to break out the polyester film and get to work. Thanks Julie!
Love this post – I used to cut my own all the time but haven’t for a while. This makes me want to break out the polyester film and get to work. Thanks Julie!
Love this post – I used to cut my own all the time but haven’t for a while. This makes me want to break out the polyester film and get to work. Thanks Julie!
Love this post – I used to cut my own all the time but haven’t for a while. This makes me want to break out the polyester film and get to work. Thanks Julie!
Love this post – I used to cut my own all the time but haven’t for a while. This makes me want to break out the polyester film and get to work. Thanks Julie!
Boy, that Glossy Accents is a multi-talented work horse! I see that TCW also has uncut stencil material available. How does the quilter’s template differ? Love the black/white/greyscale quality of your lady surrounded by the bold colorful stenciling–so cool!
Boy, that Glossy Accents is a multi-talented work horse! I see that TCW also has uncut stencil material available. How does the quilter’s template differ? Love the black/white/greyscale quality of your lady surrounded by the bold colorful stenciling–so cool!
Boy, that Glossy Accents is a multi-talented work horse! I see that TCW also has uncut stencil material available. How does the quilter’s template differ? Love the black/white/greyscale quality of your lady surrounded by the bold colorful stenciling–so cool!
Boy, that Glossy Accents is a multi-talented work horse! I see that TCW also has uncut stencil material available. How does the quilter’s template differ? Love the black/white/greyscale quality of your lady surrounded by the bold colorful stenciling–so cool!
Boy, that Glossy Accents is a multi-talented work horse! I see that TCW also has uncut stencil material available. How does the quilter’s template differ? Love the black/white/greyscale quality of your lady surrounded by the bold colorful stenciling–so cool!
love the stencil work.
love the stencil work.
love the stencil work.
love the stencil work.
love the stencil work.
I love this idea! Genius and thanks for sharing! I hope to share this with my Art Journaling Weekly readers next week.
I love this idea! Genius and thanks for sharing! I hope to share this with my Art Journaling Weekly readers next week.
I love this idea! Genius and thanks for sharing! I hope to share this with my Art Journaling Weekly readers next week.
I love this idea! Genius and thanks for sharing! I hope to share this with my Art Journaling Weekly readers next week.
I love this idea! Genius and thanks for sharing! I hope to share this with my Art Journaling Weekly readers next week.
I use my silhouette to cut mine as well
I use my silhouette to cut mine as well
I use my silhouette to cut mine as well
I use my silhouette to cut mine as well
I use my silhouette to cut mine as well
’til this moment I had not heard of quilters plastic…thanks for that.
’til this moment I had not heard of quilters plastic…thanks for that.
’til this moment I had not heard of quilters plastic…thanks for that.
’til this moment I had not heard of quilters plastic…thanks for that.
’til this moment I had not heard of quilters plastic…thanks for that.
Brilliant! I have had a list of stencils I want in my head – and now I don’t have to wait for someone else to create them….I am making a run to the hobby store and getting some blanks to begin making my own…am actually almost giddy – going to have a CREATIVE BLAST this weekend! Thanks as always for getting my creative juices flowing!
Brilliant! I have had a list of stencils I want in my head – and now I don’t have to wait for someone else to create them….I am making a run to the hobby store and getting some blanks to begin making my own…am actually almost giddy – going to have a CREATIVE BLAST this weekend! Thanks as always for getting my creative juices flowing!
Brilliant! I have had a list of stencils I want in my head – and now I don’t have to wait for someone else to create them….I am making a run to the hobby store and getting some blanks to begin making my own…am actually almost giddy – going to have a CREATIVE BLAST this weekend! Thanks as always for getting my creative juices flowing!
Brilliant! I have had a list of stencils I want in my head – and now I don’t have to wait for someone else to create them….I am making a run to the hobby store and getting some blanks to begin making my own…am actually almost giddy – going to have a CREATIVE BLAST this weekend! Thanks as always for getting my creative juices flowing!
Brilliant! I have had a list of stencils I want in my head – and now I don’t have to wait for someone else to create them….I am making a run to the hobby store and getting some blanks to begin making my own…am actually almost giddy – going to have a CREATIVE BLAST this weekend! Thanks as always for getting my creative juices flowing!
Your stencil lady is quite glamorous!!
Your stencil lady is quite glamorous!!
Your stencil lady is quite glamorous!!
Your stencil lady is quite glamorous!!
Your stencil lady is quite glamorous!!
So cool!! Thank you!!
So cool!! Thank you!!
So cool!! Thank you!!
So cool!! Thank you!!
So cool!! Thank you!!
What are you using for that lovely pink and orange-is it ink, watercolor, some kind of spray?
What are you using for that lovely pink and orange-is it ink, watercolor, some kind of spray?
What are you using for that lovely pink and orange-is it ink, watercolor, some kind of spray?
What are you using for that lovely pink and orange-is it ink, watercolor, some kind of spray?
What are you using for that lovely pink and orange-is it ink, watercolor, some kind of spray?
This couldn’t have come on a better day! I am trying to get more masks, but today we were taking our 2 hour one way trip to go to Michaels and Joanns. I found it at Joanns and used the 60% off coupon and got it for 3.85 ! I am so stoked. Thanks so much for the tip and your inspiration.
This couldn’t have come on a better day! I am trying to get more masks, but today we were taking our 2 hour one way trip to go to Michaels and Joanns. I found it at Joanns and used the 60% off coupon and got it for 3.85 ! I am so stoked. Thanks so much for the tip and your inspiration.
This couldn’t have come on a better day! I am trying to get more masks, but today we were taking our 2 hour one way trip to go to Michaels and Joanns. I found it at Joanns and used the 60% off coupon and got it for 3.85 ! I am so stoked. Thanks so much for the tip and your inspiration.
This couldn’t have come on a better day! I am trying to get more masks, but today we were taking our 2 hour one way trip to go to Michaels and Joanns. I found it at Joanns and used the 60% off coupon and got it for 3.85 ! I am so stoked. Thanks so much for the tip and your inspiration.
This couldn’t have come on a better day! I am trying to get more masks, but today we were taking our 2 hour one way trip to go to Michaels and Joanns. I found it at Joanns and used the 60% off coupon and got it for 3.85 ! I am so stoked. Thanks so much for the tip and your inspiration.
Great tutorial, Thanks. I have been looking for “deli paper”. Not available in 4 supermarkets i checked in NJ. Does it go by another name? Parchment paper, perhpas? You used it several times; once in making decorative tape. thanks
Great tutorial, Thanks. I have been looking for “deli paper”. Not available in 4 supermarkets i checked in NJ. Does it go by another name? Parchment paper, perhpas? You used it several times; once in making decorative tape. thanks
Great tutorial, Thanks. I have been looking for “deli paper”. Not available in 4 supermarkets i checked in NJ. Does it go by another name? Parchment paper, perhpas? You used it several times; once in making decorative tape. thanks
Great tutorial, Thanks. I have been looking for “deli paper”. Not available in 4 supermarkets i checked in NJ. Does it go by another name? Parchment paper, perhpas? You used it several times; once in making decorative tape. thanks
Great tutorial, Thanks. I have been looking for “deli paper”. Not available in 4 supermarkets i checked in NJ. Does it go by another name? Parchment paper, perhpas? You used it several times; once in making decorative tape. thanks
Great reminder to use skills put on the shelf. Time to dust them off again. thanks as always for sharing.
Great reminder to use skills put on the shelf. Time to dust them off again. thanks as always for sharing.
Great reminder to use skills put on the shelf. Time to dust them off again. thanks as always for sharing.
Great reminder to use skills put on the shelf. Time to dust them off again. thanks as always for sharing.
Great reminder to use skills put on the shelf. Time to dust them off again. thanks as always for sharing.
Ohhhh love this tutorial! love your ideas, thx for sharing.
Ohhhh love this tutorial! love your ideas, thx for sharing.
Ohhhh love this tutorial! love your ideas, thx for sharing.
Ohhhh love this tutorial! love your ideas, thx for sharing.
Ohhhh love this tutorial! love your ideas, thx for sharing.
Love this idea. Thanks for sharing it.
Love this idea. Thanks for sharing it.
Love this idea. Thanks for sharing it.
Love this idea. Thanks for sharing it.
Love this idea. Thanks for sharing it.
How lovely stencils that you have made! A great idea! 🙂
Thanks for sharing! I might come back here.. 🙂
How lovely stencils that you have made! A great idea! 🙂
Thanks for sharing! I might come back here.. 🙂
How lovely stencils that you have made! A great idea! 🙂
Thanks for sharing! I might come back here.. 🙂
How lovely stencils that you have made! A great idea! 🙂
Thanks for sharing! I might come back here.. 🙂
How lovely stencils that you have made! A great idea! 🙂
Thanks for sharing! I might come back here.. 🙂
and beautiful paintings also! 🙂
and beautiful paintings also! 🙂
and beautiful paintings also! 🙂
and beautiful paintings also! 🙂
and beautiful paintings also! 🙂
I love this post. It is simple and easy and just look want you achieve. Your final product is beautiful. Thanks for sharing this with us.
I love this post. It is simple and easy and just look want you achieve. Your final product is beautiful. Thanks for sharing this with us.
I love this post. It is simple and easy and just look want you achieve. Your final product is beautiful. Thanks for sharing this with us.
I love this post. It is simple and easy and just look want you achieve. Your final product is beautiful. Thanks for sharing this with us.
I love this post. It is simple and easy and just look want you achieve. Your final product is beautiful. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Such a great idea!
-Kati
Such a great idea!
-Kati
Such a great idea!
-Kati
Such a great idea!
-Kati
Such a great idea!
-Kati
I love the stencils and masks! I especially love the journal page you did with them.
I love the stencils and masks! I especially love the journal page you did with them.
I love the stencils and masks! I especially love the journal page you did with them.
I love the stencils and masks! I especially love the journal page you did with them.
I love the stencils and masks! I especially love the journal page you did with them.
As always I love your stuff, but wanted to say this looked really achievable. Thanks for the ideas! I have been collecting stuff to get started art journaling but have really not jumped in. This looks like a good place to start!
As always I love your stuff, but wanted to say this looked really achievable. Thanks for the ideas! I have been collecting stuff to get started art journaling but have really not jumped in. This looks like a good place to start!
As always I love your stuff, but wanted to say this looked really achievable. Thanks for the ideas! I have been collecting stuff to get started art journaling but have really not jumped in. This looks like a good place to start!
As always I love your stuff, but wanted to say this looked really achievable. Thanks for the ideas! I have been collecting stuff to get started art journaling but have really not jumped in. This looks like a good place to start!
As always I love your stuff, but wanted to say this looked really achievable. Thanks for the ideas! I have been collecting stuff to get started art journaling but have really not jumped in. This looks like a good place to start!
I was so inspired by your blogpost that I created this: http://sanartydesigns.blogspot.nl/2012/11/paint-your-dreams-video.html. Thought you might like it too! Thanks again for inspiring me!
I was so inspired by your blogpost that I created this: http://sanartydesigns.blogspot.nl/2012/11/paint-your-dreams-video.html. Thought you might like it too! Thanks again for inspiring me!
I was so inspired by your blogpost that I created this: http://sanartydesigns.blogspot.nl/2012/11/paint-your-dreams-video.html. Thought you might like it too! Thanks again for inspiring me!
I was so inspired by your blogpost that I created this: http://sanartydesigns.blogspot.nl/2012/11/paint-your-dreams-video.html. Thought you might like it too! Thanks again for inspiring me!
I was so inspired by your blogpost that I created this: http://sanartydesigns.blogspot.nl/2012/11/paint-your-dreams-video.html. Thought you might like it too! Thanks again for inspiring me!
Brilliant!
Brilliant!
Brilliant!
Brilliant!
Brilliant!