Today I'm starting a series of occassional guest posts from artists who rock. Today my guest is a serious stencil maven: Louise Nelson.
Hello Hello
Today I would like to chat and share a
little about the ‘how what where’ using templates/masks in my scrapbooking. I
have had a bit of a love affair with creating my own layout backgrounds for
some time now so it has been only natural to use the wonderful array of masks
and templates available on the market. Every now and again I will make my own
or utilise some thing at hand. For example in these next two close up photos, you
can see that I have used the negative waste from a sheet of chipboard shapes:
I applied a layer of gesso to the feather shape, highlighted it with mist, and then used it as a
background for my photo.
However most of the time I use commercially
available templates. Over the last
couple of years I have developed what I
call a ‘subtle & elegant’ use of templates in creating my layout
backgrounds. It isn’t always obvious that I have used them, but they contribute
to the overall effect and or look that I try to achieve.
For example, for this next layout I have used a wet
embossing technique to create subtle resist patterns on my backgrounds, which
have then been highlighted with applications of paint and mist. This is a close up of the subtle effects
that I create with the embossing resist pattern I get.
The next two shots show the completed
layout.
Using templates to create subtle background
patterns with embossing is one of my favourite techniques.
Here is a close up of another example
As you can see from this next close up I
have used a combination of techniques. First I used the mask as a stamp: after
spraying mist on the template, I flipped it over onto a grey board
background and got the opposite image of the template (Circle Explosion). I then
again sprayed the template with mist in a small area only and then flipped it
over and stamped the pattern over the other. Whilst all of this was still moist I
sprinkled on some embossing powder and heat set it.
This was a favourite technique for some
time. I loved using the same template to create subtle layers of pattern on my
backgrounds. In these next two photos you can see a layout where I used a
combination of mediums with the same template to create a background pattern.
First I used gesso spray to create the first layer pattern. Then I used the
darker chocolate mist to create a pattern overlay, and then the third and final pattern layer was with embossing.
Another fun technique with templates that I
like to use is the simple technique of creating the template pattern with gesso
or texture paste on the background, as seen below:
Sometimes I will just leave it plain and
uncoloured, so it looks like embossed cardstock, like this example:
This next photo shows a variation on this
with subtle colour shading to highlight the template pattern.
This next example is showing the extreme of this. I have used 4-5 different mists to highlight the template pattern.
This next project is a favourite. I don’t
often do off-the-page type projects. For this canvas I decided to turn it into a clock
and my theme idea was ‘time flies when you are having fun.’ So the flying geese
template was just perfect for it. The technique is quite simple: I used texture
paste with the template to create the flying geese pattern on the canvas. This
was then over sprayed with gesso before applying the different mists.
Finally I would like to leave you with a
layout that I created to celebrate my recent holiday in NYC, and appropriately
I have used one of Julie's awesome CHA winter release designs: Pattern Leaves.
Oh and I almost forgot, a while back I created a short step-by-step tutorial using another of Julie's
wonderful templates to create the background for this layout. Here is a link to
that step out.
Cheers and thank you Julie for allowing me
to share just a little of my scrappy passion for masks and templates!
Louise xxx
About Louise:
I currently live in an inner city suburb of Adelaide, South Australia. I have a day job, I work full time as a Perioperative Nurse [RN] for an agency; working mostly evening and night shifts in public hospital emergency/trauma operating theatres in and around Adelaide. I have always had creative hobbies, before taking up scrapbooking 6 years ago I loved to restore furniture. Since I have started scrapbooking I have also devloped a love for portrait photography, and more recently I have begun to dabble in painting. During the last 6 years I have been fortunate to have been a Creative Design Team member for Scrapbooking Memories Magazine [AUS] in 2009 and currently a Scrapbooking Memories Master for 2011-12. Also fortunate to have been on the Creative Design Team for UK based scrapbooking magazine; Scrap365. Currently I create for Aussie Scrap Source, Jenni Bowlin Studio, Imaginarium Designs, The Color Room, 7 Dots Studio and Prima Marketing. I have been blessed to be published in Scrapbooking Memories [AUS], and have also been featured in the last 4 editions of Somerset Memories, with technique articles and layouts in the reader gallery.
Thank you for highlighting Louise…her style is so “her” and your correct when you say she knows how to rock a stencil!
Thank you for highlighting Louise…her style is so “her” and your correct when you say she knows how to rock a stencil!
Thank you for highlighting Louise…her style is so “her” and your correct when you say she knows how to rock a stencil!
Thank you for highlighting Louise…her style is so “her” and your correct when you say she knows how to rock a stencil!
Thank you for highlighting Louise…her style is so “her” and your correct when you say she knows how to rock a stencil!
Wow! Louise I just love your techniques… And you’re an Aussie too! 🙂 can I ask how u get your gesso’d images with a stencil so clear and crisp, without any bleeding of the gesso under the stencil? I’ve tried this and I love it, but get some smudging or bleeding if the gesso. I use a fairly thick gesso too.
Wow! Louise I just love your techniques… And you’re an Aussie too! 🙂 can I ask how u get your gesso’d images with a stencil so clear and crisp, without any bleeding of the gesso under the stencil? I’ve tried this and I love it, but get some smudging or bleeding if the gesso. I use a fairly thick gesso too.
Wow! Louise I just love your techniques… And you’re an Aussie too! 🙂 can I ask how u get your gesso’d images with a stencil so clear and crisp, without any bleeding of the gesso under the stencil? I’ve tried this and I love it, but get some smudging or bleeding if the gesso. I use a fairly thick gesso too.
Wow! Louise I just love your techniques… And you’re an Aussie too! 🙂 can I ask how u get your gesso’d images with a stencil so clear and crisp, without any bleeding of the gesso under the stencil? I’ve tried this and I love it, but get some smudging or bleeding if the gesso. I use a fairly thick gesso too.
Wow! Louise I just love your techniques… And you’re an Aussie too! 🙂 can I ask how u get your gesso’d images with a stencil so clear and crisp, without any bleeding of the gesso under the stencil? I’ve tried this and I love it, but get some smudging or bleeding if the gesso. I use a fairly thick gesso too.
Such an amazing style. Wish I could free my artistic self to do some work like this!
Such an amazing style. Wish I could free my artistic self to do some work like this!
Such an amazing style. Wish I could free my artistic self to do some work like this!
Such an amazing style. Wish I could free my artistic self to do some work like this!
Such an amazing style. Wish I could free my artistic self to do some work like this!
Jen so proud of you ,you are an amazing artist .Aussie Aussie Aussie
Jen so proud of you ,you are an amazing artist .Aussie Aussie Aussie
Jen so proud of you ,you are an amazing artist .Aussie Aussie Aussie
Jen so proud of you ,you are an amazing artist .Aussie Aussie Aussie
Jen so proud of you ,you are an amazing artist .Aussie Aussie Aussie
I love Louise’s pages. They are so beautiful. I could look at them all day.
I love Louise’s pages. They are so beautiful. I could look at them all day.
I love Louise’s pages. They are so beautiful. I could look at them all day.
I love Louise’s pages. They are so beautiful. I could look at them all day.
I love Louise’s pages. They are so beautiful. I could look at them all day.
Always LOVE to see Louise’s work and today I am especially loving the brown “wish” LO. Wish I could watch her make one similar as it is really gorgeous. Any plans to You tube one like it? Thanks Julie for presenting her work.
Always LOVE to see Louise’s work and today I am especially loving the brown “wish” LO. Wish I could watch her make one similar as it is really gorgeous. Any plans to You tube one like it? Thanks Julie for presenting her work.
Always LOVE to see Louise’s work and today I am especially loving the brown “wish” LO. Wish I could watch her make one similar as it is really gorgeous. Any plans to You tube one like it? Thanks Julie for presenting her work.
Always LOVE to see Louise’s work and today I am especially loving the brown “wish” LO. Wish I could watch her make one similar as it is really gorgeous. Any plans to You tube one like it? Thanks Julie for presenting her work.
Always LOVE to see Louise’s work and today I am especially loving the brown “wish” LO. Wish I could watch her make one similar as it is really gorgeous. Any plans to You tube one like it? Thanks Julie for presenting her work.
Louise love your layouts. They are so striking! Thank you for sharing your artwork and link to your blog! Thank you to Julie too-:)
Louise love your layouts. They are so striking! Thank you for sharing your artwork and link to your blog! Thank you to Julie too-:)
Louise love your layouts. They are so striking! Thank you for sharing your artwork and link to your blog! Thank you to Julie too-:)
Louise love your layouts. They are so striking! Thank you for sharing your artwork and link to your blog! Thank you to Julie too-:)
Louise love your layouts. They are so striking! Thank you for sharing your artwork and link to your blog! Thank you to Julie too-:)
Love me some Louise. She is an amazingly sweet person and definitely rocks the stencils.
Love me some Louise. She is an amazingly sweet person and definitely rocks the stencils.
Love me some Louise. She is an amazingly sweet person and definitely rocks the stencils.
Love me some Louise. She is an amazingly sweet person and definitely rocks the stencils.
Love me some Louise. She is an amazingly sweet person and definitely rocks the stencils.
Simply Beautiful!! xo
Simply Beautiful!! xo
Simply Beautiful!! xo
Simply Beautiful!! xo
Simply Beautiful!! xo
I love Louise’s work too! Such a unique, organic style. Thanks for this.
I love Louise’s work too! Such a unique, organic style. Thanks for this.
I love Louise’s work too! Such a unique, organic style. Thanks for this.
I love Louise’s work too! Such a unique, organic style. Thanks for this.
I love Louise’s work too! Such a unique, organic style. Thanks for this.
Hi Julie,
Thanks for some awesome Louise techniques and pages.
I wanted to know more about the ” wet embossing technique “as I have not heard of it–or at least by that name.
Love what you feature, Julie, you rock the blogs.
Hi Julie,
Thanks for some awesome Louise techniques and pages.
I wanted to know more about the ” wet embossing technique “as I have not heard of it–or at least by that name.
Love what you feature, Julie, you rock the blogs.
Hi Julie,
Thanks for some awesome Louise techniques and pages.
I wanted to know more about the ” wet embossing technique “as I have not heard of it–or at least by that name.
Love what you feature, Julie, you rock the blogs.
Hi Julie,
Thanks for some awesome Louise techniques and pages.
I wanted to know more about the ” wet embossing technique “as I have not heard of it–or at least by that name.
Love what you feature, Julie, you rock the blogs.
Hi Julie,
Thanks for some awesome Louise techniques and pages.
I wanted to know more about the ” wet embossing technique “as I have not heard of it–or at least by that name.
Love what you feature, Julie, you rock the blogs.
I have the very same issue- no matter what I try the gesso just squeezes it’s way everywhere. I bought some stencil adhesive spay and will be trying that next- I’m trying to avoid it for now because canned chems and indoor air don’t mix.
I have the very same issue- no matter what I try the gesso just squeezes it’s way everywhere. I bought some stencil adhesive spay and will be trying that next- I’m trying to avoid it for now because canned chems and indoor air don’t mix.
I have the very same issue- no matter what I try the gesso just squeezes it’s way everywhere. I bought some stencil adhesive spay and will be trying that next- I’m trying to avoid it for now because canned chems and indoor air don’t mix.
I have the very same issue- no matter what I try the gesso just squeezes it’s way everywhere. I bought some stencil adhesive spay and will be trying that next- I’m trying to avoid it for now because canned chems and indoor air don’t mix.
I have the very same issue- no matter what I try the gesso just squeezes it’s way everywhere. I bought some stencil adhesive spay and will be trying that next- I’m trying to avoid it for now because canned chems and indoor air don’t mix.
I think Louise’s work steps cleanly into fine art. I love that each project is unique and that she’s taken regular “scrapbook” or crafting products like mist sprays and chipboard to a whole new level. Thank you for sharing your techniques Louise! And thanks for this thoughtful and always inspiring blog Julie.
I think Louise’s work steps cleanly into fine art. I love that each project is unique and that she’s taken regular “scrapbook” or crafting products like mist sprays and chipboard to a whole new level. Thank you for sharing your techniques Louise! And thanks for this thoughtful and always inspiring blog Julie.
I think Louise’s work steps cleanly into fine art. I love that each project is unique and that she’s taken regular “scrapbook” or crafting products like mist sprays and chipboard to a whole new level. Thank you for sharing your techniques Louise! And thanks for this thoughtful and always inspiring blog Julie.
I think Louise’s work steps cleanly into fine art. I love that each project is unique and that she’s taken regular “scrapbook” or crafting products like mist sprays and chipboard to a whole new level. Thank you for sharing your techniques Louise! And thanks for this thoughtful and always inspiring blog Julie.
I think Louise’s work steps cleanly into fine art. I love that each project is unique and that she’s taken regular “scrapbook” or crafting products like mist sprays and chipboard to a whole new level. Thank you for sharing your techniques Louise! And thanks for this thoughtful and always inspiring blog Julie.
I love Louise’s unique style and technique. Her work is so beautiful, ethereal, and artful. And, having had the pleasure of meeting her at CHA Winter 2012, she is one of the loveliest in real like, too! 🙂
I love Louise’s unique style and technique. Her work is so beautiful, ethereal, and artful. And, having had the pleasure of meeting her at CHA Winter 2012, she is one of the loveliest in real like, too! 🙂
I love Louise’s unique style and technique. Her work is so beautiful, ethereal, and artful. And, having had the pleasure of meeting her at CHA Winter 2012, she is one of the loveliest in real like, too! 🙂
I love Louise’s unique style and technique. Her work is so beautiful, ethereal, and artful. And, having had the pleasure of meeting her at CHA Winter 2012, she is one of the loveliest in real like, too! 🙂
I love Louise’s unique style and technique. Her work is so beautiful, ethereal, and artful. And, having had the pleasure of meeting her at CHA Winter 2012, she is one of the loveliest in real like, too! 🙂
oh wow louise, these are beautiful! i remember you from creative jumpstarts. i am excited to try these new techniques. they are completely inspiring. :)t
oh wow louise, these are beautiful! i remember you from creative jumpstarts. i am excited to try these new techniques. they are completely inspiring. :)t
oh wow louise, these are beautiful! i remember you from creative jumpstarts. i am excited to try these new techniques. they are completely inspiring. :)t
oh wow louise, these are beautiful! i remember you from creative jumpstarts. i am excited to try these new techniques. they are completely inspiring. :)t
oh wow louise, these are beautiful! i remember you from creative jumpstarts. i am excited to try these new techniques. they are completely inspiring. :)t
Such elegant layouts. Love the isolation of the image on the page, and the artistic backgrounds.
Such elegant layouts. Love the isolation of the image on the page, and the artistic backgrounds.
Such elegant layouts. Love the isolation of the image on the page, and the artistic backgrounds.
Such elegant layouts. Love the isolation of the image on the page, and the artistic backgrounds.
Such elegant layouts. Love the isolation of the image on the page, and the artistic backgrounds.
Oh, my dear Lou, once again you have shown the world just how talented you are, your work keeps on getting better, and better. Hope to catch up with you again sometime. Arohanui Janet xxxx
Oh, my dear Lou, once again you have shown the world just how talented you are, your work keeps on getting better, and better. Hope to catch up with you again sometime. Arohanui Janet xxxx
Oh, my dear Lou, once again you have shown the world just how talented you are, your work keeps on getting better, and better. Hope to catch up with you again sometime. Arohanui Janet xxxx
Oh, my dear Lou, once again you have shown the world just how talented you are, your work keeps on getting better, and better. Hope to catch up with you again sometime. Arohanui Janet xxxx
Oh, my dear Lou, once again you have shown the world just how talented you are, your work keeps on getting better, and better. Hope to catch up with you again sometime. Arohanui Janet xxxx
Australias most arty impressive and humble scrapbooker..a wonderful way to share her talent and passion.Thanks Julie. i always find something new in lous work everytime i am lucky enough to see it .x
Australias most arty impressive and humble scrapbooker..a wonderful way to share her talent and passion.Thanks Julie. i always find something new in lous work everytime i am lucky enough to see it .x
Australias most arty impressive and humble scrapbooker..a wonderful way to share her talent and passion.Thanks Julie. i always find something new in lous work everytime i am lucky enough to see it .x
Australias most arty impressive and humble scrapbooker..a wonderful way to share her talent and passion.Thanks Julie. i always find something new in lous work everytime i am lucky enough to see it .x
Australias most arty impressive and humble scrapbooker..a wonderful way to share her talent and passion.Thanks Julie. i always find something new in lous work everytime i am lucky enough to see it .x
Louise, your use of white space is inspiring to me as I have a hard time with it. Thanks for sharing your tips and creations.
Louise, your use of white space is inspiring to me as I have a hard time with it. Thanks for sharing your tips and creations.
Louise, your use of white space is inspiring to me as I have a hard time with it. Thanks for sharing your tips and creations.
Louise, your use of white space is inspiring to me as I have a hard time with it. Thanks for sharing your tips and creations.
Louise, your use of white space is inspiring to me as I have a hard time with it. Thanks for sharing your tips and creations.
Gorgeous pages!! Love seeing your work!
Gorgeous pages!! Love seeing your work!
Gorgeous pages!! Love seeing your work!
Gorgeous pages!! Love seeing your work!
Gorgeous pages!! Love seeing your work!
Louise’s work is so original and a personal love for me.
Louise’s work is so original and a personal love for me.
Louise’s work is so original and a personal love for me.
Louise’s work is so original and a personal love for me.
Louise’s work is so original and a personal love for me.
This is just amazing. Thanks for highlighting Lou’s fabulous work here. I’ve been a fan of hers for a long time but I’ve still learned even more about her awesome techniques today. Just lovely 🙂
This is just amazing. Thanks for highlighting Lou’s fabulous work here. I’ve been a fan of hers for a long time but I’ve still learned even more about her awesome techniques today. Just lovely 🙂
This is just amazing. Thanks for highlighting Lou’s fabulous work here. I’ve been a fan of hers for a long time but I’ve still learned even more about her awesome techniques today. Just lovely 🙂
This is just amazing. Thanks for highlighting Lou’s fabulous work here. I’ve been a fan of hers for a long time but I’ve still learned even more about her awesome techniques today. Just lovely 🙂
This is just amazing. Thanks for highlighting Lou’s fabulous work here. I’ve been a fan of hers for a long time but I’ve still learned even more about her awesome techniques today. Just lovely 🙂
What a wonderful step X step from Louise…. she’s the bomb!
What a wonderful step X step from Louise…. she’s the bomb!
What a wonderful step X step from Louise…. she’s the bomb!
What a wonderful step X step from Louise…. she’s the bomb!
What a wonderful step X step from Louise…. she’s the bomb!
Hi Michelle
It means the same as heat embossing
And thank you ever so muchly 🙂
Louise 🙂
Hi Michelle
It means the same as heat embossing
And thank you ever so muchly 🙂
Louise 🙂
Hi Michelle
It means the same as heat embossing
And thank you ever so muchly 🙂
Louise 🙂
Hi Michelle
It means the same as heat embossing
And thank you ever so muchly 🙂
Louise 🙂
Hi Michelle
It means the same as heat embossing
And thank you ever so muchly 🙂
Louise 🙂
Hi Danni
Yes the gesso does bleed, but it is less obvious when I cover with spray gesso.
Some gesso is thicker and doesn’t have this problem but, I tend to use modelling past/texture paste/impasto, which are thicker preparations 🙂
IHTH’s
Louise 🙂
Hi Danni
Yes the gesso does bleed, but it is less obvious when I cover with spray gesso.
Some gesso is thicker and doesn’t have this problem but, I tend to use modelling past/texture paste/impasto, which are thicker preparations 🙂
IHTH’s
Louise 🙂
Hi Danni
Yes the gesso does bleed, but it is less obvious when I cover with spray gesso.
Some gesso is thicker and doesn’t have this problem but, I tend to use modelling past/texture paste/impasto, which are thicker preparations 🙂
IHTH’s
Louise 🙂
Hi Danni
Yes the gesso does bleed, but it is less obvious when I cover with spray gesso.
Some gesso is thicker and doesn’t have this problem but, I tend to use modelling past/texture paste/impasto, which are thicker preparations 🙂
IHTH’s
Louise 🙂
Hi Danni
Yes the gesso does bleed, but it is less obvious when I cover with spray gesso.
Some gesso is thicker and doesn’t have this problem but, I tend to use modelling past/texture paste/impasto, which are thicker preparations 🙂
IHTH’s
Louise 🙂
You are an amazing artist Louise & I say a huge THANK YOU for sharing with us … hugz
You are an amazing artist Louise & I say a huge THANK YOU for sharing with us … hugz
You are an amazing artist Louise & I say a huge THANK YOU for sharing with us … hugz
You are an amazing artist Louise & I say a huge THANK YOU for sharing with us … hugz
You are an amazing artist Louise & I say a huge THANK YOU for sharing with us … hugz