Wow! You guys are amazing! I've been blown away by your awesome response to my request for stencil technique guest posts. As a result, you are going to see so many awesome stenciling techniques being shared over the next few months. That's right, I said, "months!" (It's not too late to submit your idea for a stenciling technique guest post! Keep the awesome ideas coming!)
First up is Boo Giannini Martin with a post all about being the boss of your stencils! Remember, it's up to you to determine how to customize your stenciled images!
Think Positive
an art journal page by Boo Giannini Martin
Thank you, Julie, for including me as one your stencil play guest artists. I have become a huge fan of stencils in the last year. My one piece of advice for using stencils is less is more. I was not successful with stencils until I realized that a little paint goes a long way on a stencil brush. My favorite brushes for stenciling are the very inexpensive children's brushes that I buy four to a pack at Michaels.
When I art journal I always use waterproof products. When I first started art journaling I had a few pages that turned to mud because my water soluble inks ran together. Acrylic paint, paint markers, and permanent ink are my mainstays. I also always use matte medium or gel medium for gluing my pieces. I know if I use those for gluing whatever I put down on my page will stay there.
I like to use repurposed items in my art. This spread is done in an old book. I also like to use just part of images in my work. When I buy a stamp or stencil, I look to see how many ways I can use it. I hope you enjoy seeing two of Julie's stencils in a slightly different way.
I always begin by putting a light coat of gesso on my pages so my layers of paint don't seep through the paper.
For this project I used the Silhouette Script Stencil. Covering her ponytail with a piece of masking tape totally changes the look of the image.
I stenciled the head on an envelope my friend Bibi, from Rubber Dance sent me as happy mail. I love the tiny stripes in this paper.
While the stencil was drying I stamped the background of my page with craft paint and placemat. I love the swirls I get from using this Dollar Tree place mat. Next I stamped with dragonfly and text images using Archival Ink to add more texture to the background. After heat setting the paint and ink I covered the whole page with a hot pink paper napkin using matte medium. I used a second coat of matte medium over the whole page to make sure the napkin was sealed.
I added a few random circles using the cardboard core from a roll of tape. I also added a few dots of paint in two corners using a Montana Marker in pink.
I was playing around with Mixed Up alphabet stencil and molding paste a few weeks ago and decided to use it in a slightly different way. I used my Montana, Liquitex and Sharpie Paint markers to color each letter in a different color. Then I cut each letter out individually.
Using a piece of deli paper, I free handed a Thought Bubble and glued the letters into the bubble. I then glued the head to the right side of the page and the Thought Bubble above his head.
Using a Montana Marker I freed handed Think Positive on a piece of leftover deli paper. I used my Pitt Pens to do a little light shadowing around the head, bubble and words. I thought it needed something more so I added some lines using craft paint and the edge of a credit card.
Products Used:
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I don't have direct links for the stamps but they are from My Sentiments Exactly, Stampendous, and Raindrops Art Stamps.
My name is Boo Giannini Martin. I am a self taught Mixed Media artist. I have been an Elementary School Teacher, a Church Secretary and a Rubber Stamp Store owner. Eight years ago, my life took a downward dip and I didn't touch art supplies for about 6 years.
In October of 2012 I decided to give Art Journaling a try. My life was forever changed that day. Paper and Paint brought me back to life. I had no clue there was an artist lurking around inside me just waiting to be set free.
This is the quote I have on one of my blogs: "My art is about the joy of creating and experimenting. The act of creating is more important to me than the result." Two years later I still find it to be true for me. I need to create. It energizes me and makes me feel alive. My art is a form of play. The play is what keeps me going.
I think that adults are so caught up in earning a living and being "grown up" that we forget how to play. Play is a vital part of my life. My art is my way of playing. My hands get messy and I have paper thrown on the floor. I am totally free for the hour or two I spend at my studio table. I have found that after 8 hours at work the best way to refresh myself is by sitting at my art table and playing for an hour. The stress of the day just slides right off of me.
I would love it If you would visit me at Stamp Laugh Play or Art, Journal, Feel.
Agreed. Play is necessary for adults as well as children.
Thanks for your guest post Boo.
Agreed. Play is necessary for adults as well as children.
Thanks for your guest post Boo.
Agreed. Play is necessary for adults as well as children.
Thanks for your guest post Boo.
Agreed. Play is necessary for adults as well as children.
Thanks for your guest post Boo.
Agreed. Play is necessary for adults as well as children.
Thanks for your guest post Boo.
I love how it looks that page, I also adore the templates. I could say that brand is specifically label the dictionary of the dragonfly, has fallen in love. I love to participate as Juli can do ?. hugs
I love how it looks that page, I also adore the templates. I could say that brand is specifically label the dictionary of the dragonfly, has fallen in love. I love to participate as Juli can do ?. hugs
I love how it looks that page, I also adore the templates. I could say that brand is specifically label the dictionary of the dragonfly, has fallen in love. I love to participate as Juli can do ?. hugs
I love how it looks that page, I also adore the templates. I could say that brand is specifically label the dictionary of the dragonfly, has fallen in love. I love to participate as Juli can do ?. hugs
I love how it looks that page, I also adore the templates. I could say that brand is specifically label the dictionary of the dragonfly, has fallen in love. I love to participate as Juli can do ?. hugs
Hi Boo,
Thank you so much for sharing. I was just doing a background for a journal page last night and was very frustrated due to the spreading of the water soluble ink sprays I was using. I’ll have to try again using permanent color. And I’ve been secretly wanting some paint pens!
Shirley
Hi Boo,
Thank you so much for sharing. I was just doing a background for a journal page last night and was very frustrated due to the spreading of the water soluble ink sprays I was using. I’ll have to try again using permanent color. And I’ve been secretly wanting some paint pens!
Shirley
Hi Boo,
Thank you so much for sharing. I was just doing a background for a journal page last night and was very frustrated due to the spreading of the water soluble ink sprays I was using. I’ll have to try again using permanent color. And I’ve been secretly wanting some paint pens!
Shirley
Hi Boo,
Thank you so much for sharing. I was just doing a background for a journal page last night and was very frustrated due to the spreading of the water soluble ink sprays I was using. I’ll have to try again using permanent color. And I’ve been secretly wanting some paint pens!
Shirley
Hi Boo,
Thank you so much for sharing. I was just doing a background for a journal page last night and was very frustrated due to the spreading of the water soluble ink sprays I was using. I’ll have to try again using permanent color. And I’ve been secretly wanting some paint pens!
Shirley
wow! You are totally right eliminating the pony tail totally changes – I would have never thought of that!! now I want to go buy that stencil. I also never thought about using markers through the stencil. I had light bulbs goin off in my head! Thank you for sharing some of your tricks! I’ve also taken a trip over to your blogs, I especially love your Memphis to Houston post (I’m a huge Elvis lover and I’m from Houston!)
wow! You are totally right eliminating the pony tail totally changes – I would have never thought of that!! now I want to go buy that stencil. I also never thought about using markers through the stencil. I had light bulbs goin off in my head! Thank you for sharing some of your tricks! I’ve also taken a trip over to your blogs, I especially love your Memphis to Houston post (I’m a huge Elvis lover and I’m from Houston!)
wow! You are totally right eliminating the pony tail totally changes – I would have never thought of that!! now I want to go buy that stencil. I also never thought about using markers through the stencil. I had light bulbs goin off in my head! Thank you for sharing some of your tricks! I’ve also taken a trip over to your blogs, I especially love your Memphis to Houston post (I’m a huge Elvis lover and I’m from Houston!)
wow! You are totally right eliminating the pony tail totally changes – I would have never thought of that!! now I want to go buy that stencil. I also never thought about using markers through the stencil. I had light bulbs goin off in my head! Thank you for sharing some of your tricks! I’ve also taken a trip over to your blogs, I especially love your Memphis to Houston post (I’m a huge Elvis lover and I’m from Houston!)
wow! You are totally right eliminating the pony tail totally changes – I would have never thought of that!! now I want to go buy that stencil. I also never thought about using markers through the stencil. I had light bulbs goin off in my head! Thank you for sharing some of your tricks! I’ve also taken a trip over to your blogs, I especially love your Memphis to Houston post (I’m a huge Elvis lover and I’m from Houston!)
What a great article! Thanks Julie for inviting Boo – thank you Boo for your inspiration – you obviously have a great attitude and a very creative spirit – be blessed!!!
What a great article! Thanks Julie for inviting Boo – thank you Boo for your inspiration – you obviously have a great attitude and a very creative spirit – be blessed!!!
What a great article! Thanks Julie for inviting Boo – thank you Boo for your inspiration – you obviously have a great attitude and a very creative spirit – be blessed!!!
What a great article! Thanks Julie for inviting Boo – thank you Boo for your inspiration – you obviously have a great attitude and a very creative spirit – be blessed!!!
What a great article! Thanks Julie for inviting Boo – thank you Boo for your inspiration – you obviously have a great attitude and a very creative spirit – be blessed!!!
This is a fabulous post Boo, many congratulations. I bet Julie is delighted she invited you over to play ((hugs)) :o)) Wee Man says the letters are the best thing in rainbow colours 😀 x
This is a fabulous post Boo, many congratulations. I bet Julie is delighted she invited you over to play ((hugs)) :o)) Wee Man says the letters are the best thing in rainbow colours 😀 x
This is a fabulous post Boo, many congratulations. I bet Julie is delighted she invited you over to play ((hugs)) :o)) Wee Man says the letters are the best thing in rainbow colours 😀 x
This is a fabulous post Boo, many congratulations. I bet Julie is delighted she invited you over to play ((hugs)) :o)) Wee Man says the letters are the best thing in rainbow colours 😀 x
This is a fabulous post Boo, many congratulations. I bet Julie is delighted she invited you over to play ((hugs)) :o)) Wee Man says the letters are the best thing in rainbow colours 😀 x
Great page! Thanks for sharing, Boo.
Great page! Thanks for sharing, Boo.
Great page! Thanks for sharing, Boo.
Great page! Thanks for sharing, Boo.
Great page! Thanks for sharing, Boo.
I have know Boo since WAAAy back when. She is an awesome artist who is never afraid to try something new. This is just a small sampling of her potential. Stay tuned! Boo has great things in store for the future.
I have know Boo since WAAAy back when. She is an awesome artist who is never afraid to try something new. This is just a small sampling of her potential. Stay tuned! Boo has great things in store for the future.
I have know Boo since WAAAy back when. She is an awesome artist who is never afraid to try something new. This is just a small sampling of her potential. Stay tuned! Boo has great things in store for the future.
I have know Boo since WAAAy back when. She is an awesome artist who is never afraid to try something new. This is just a small sampling of her potential. Stay tuned! Boo has great things in store for the future.
I have know Boo since WAAAy back when. She is an awesome artist who is never afraid to try something new. This is just a small sampling of her potential. Stay tuned! Boo has great things in store for the future.
I have watched Boo’s transformation this past year and a half in person…she is an artistic BEAST now! I am so proud of all you have done, Boo. You have found your calling!
I have watched Boo’s transformation this past year and a half in person…she is an artistic BEAST now! I am so proud of all you have done, Boo. You have found your calling!
I have watched Boo’s transformation this past year and a half in person…she is an artistic BEAST now! I am so proud of all you have done, Boo. You have found your calling!
I have watched Boo’s transformation this past year and a half in person…she is an artistic BEAST now! I am so proud of all you have done, Boo. You have found your calling!
I have watched Boo’s transformation this past year and a half in person…she is an artistic BEAST now! I am so proud of all you have done, Boo. You have found your calling!
O wow, this is totally awesome, love it.
O wow, this is totally awesome, love it.
O wow, this is totally awesome, love it.
O wow, this is totally awesome, love it.
O wow, this is totally awesome, love it.
What an inspiration, thank you. Your layout is beautiful and the cutting of the alphabet letters – WOW
What an inspiration, thank you. Your layout is beautiful and the cutting of the alphabet letters – WOW
What an inspiration, thank you. Your layout is beautiful and the cutting of the alphabet letters – WOW
What an inspiration, thank you. Your layout is beautiful and the cutting of the alphabet letters – WOW
What an inspiration, thank you. Your layout is beautiful and the cutting of the alphabet letters – WOW
Shirley,
Paint Pens are very addicting. I’ve got several brands and I like them all. I recently saw a post for permanent sprays but I can’t remember the brand….
Julie did a blog about making your own… http://balzerdesigns.typepad.com/balzer_designs/2013/03/art-journal-every-day-make-your-own-spray-ink.html
My bottle clogged when I tried them… not sure what I did wrong. I also just bought Inktense blocks… they are very intense and dry permanent…
Shirley,
Paint Pens are very addicting. I’ve got several brands and I like them all. I recently saw a post for permanent sprays but I can’t remember the brand….
Julie did a blog about making your own… http://balzerdesigns.typepad.com/balzer_designs/2013/03/art-journal-every-day-make-your-own-spray-ink.html
My bottle clogged when I tried them… not sure what I did wrong. I also just bought Inktense blocks… they are very intense and dry permanent…
Shirley,
Paint Pens are very addicting. I’ve got several brands and I like them all. I recently saw a post for permanent sprays but I can’t remember the brand….
Julie did a blog about making your own… http://balzerdesigns.typepad.com/balzer_designs/2013/03/art-journal-every-day-make-your-own-spray-ink.html
My bottle clogged when I tried them… not sure what I did wrong. I also just bought Inktense blocks… they are very intense and dry permanent…
Shirley,
Paint Pens are very addicting. I’ve got several brands and I like them all. I recently saw a post for permanent sprays but I can’t remember the brand….
Julie did a blog about making your own… http://balzerdesigns.typepad.com/balzer_designs/2013/03/art-journal-every-day-make-your-own-spray-ink.html
My bottle clogged when I tried them… not sure what I did wrong. I also just bought Inktense blocks… they are very intense and dry permanent…
Shirley,
Paint Pens are very addicting. I’ve got several brands and I like them all. I recently saw a post for permanent sprays but I can’t remember the brand….
Julie did a blog about making your own… http://balzerdesigns.typepad.com/balzer_designs/2013/03/art-journal-every-day-make-your-own-spray-ink.html
My bottle clogged when I tried them… not sure what I did wrong. I also just bought Inktense blocks… they are very intense and dry permanent…
Sue,
My life became much better when I embraced art as play.
Sue,
My life became much better when I embraced art as play.
Sue,
My life became much better when I embraced art as play.
Sue,
My life became much better when I embraced art as play.
Sue,
My life became much better when I embraced art as play.
Mila,
I think the company that made the dragonfly definition stamp went out of business. I couldn’t fine it on line.
Mila,
I think the company that made the dragonfly definition stamp went out of business. I couldn’t fine it on line.
Mila,
I think the company that made the dragonfly definition stamp went out of business. I couldn’t fine it on line.
Mila,
I think the company that made the dragonfly definition stamp went out of business. I couldn’t fine it on line.
Mila,
I think the company that made the dragonfly definition stamp went out of business. I couldn’t fine it on line.
Thanks for visiting my blog. That trip was very important to me. My only train ride with my grandmother.
Thanks for visiting my blog. That trip was very important to me. My only train ride with my grandmother.
Thanks for visiting my blog. That trip was very important to me. My only train ride with my grandmother.
Thanks for visiting my blog. That trip was very important to me. My only train ride with my grandmother.
Thanks for visiting my blog. That trip was very important to me. My only train ride with my grandmother.
Annette,
I’m honored that Julie allowed me to guest blog on her blog. It was so fun to do. I’m wishing I had a video camera now.
Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Annette,
I’m honored that Julie allowed me to guest blog on her blog. It was so fun to do. I’m wishing I had a video camera now.
Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Annette,
I’m honored that Julie allowed me to guest blog on her blog. It was so fun to do. I’m wishing I had a video camera now.
Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Annette,
I’m honored that Julie allowed me to guest blog on her blog. It was so fun to do. I’m wishing I had a video camera now.
Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Annette,
I’m honored that Julie allowed me to guest blog on her blog. It was so fun to do. I’m wishing I had a video camera now.
Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Tell Wee Man, I agree with him. I love those rainbow letters.
Tell Wee Man, I agree with him. I love those rainbow letters.
Tell Wee Man, I agree with him. I love those rainbow letters.
Tell Wee Man, I agree with him. I love those rainbow letters.
Tell Wee Man, I agree with him. I love those rainbow letters.
Thanks for taking the time to comment, Marcie.
Thanks for taking the time to comment, Marcie.
Thanks for taking the time to comment, Marcie.
Thanks for taking the time to comment, Marcie.
Thanks for taking the time to comment, Marcie.
Wow, Susan. Thanks for the rave review. Wish you lived closer so we could do art together.
Wow, Susan. Thanks for the rave review. Wish you lived closer so we could do art together.
Wow, Susan. Thanks for the rave review. Wish you lived closer so we could do art together.
Wow, Susan. Thanks for the rave review. Wish you lived closer so we could do art together.
Wow, Susan. Thanks for the rave review. Wish you lived closer so we could do art together.
That’s a great compliment coming from the queen of popup cards. Someday I’ll try a popup in my journal.
That’s a great compliment coming from the queen of popup cards. Someday I’ll try a popup in my journal.
That’s a great compliment coming from the queen of popup cards. Someday I’ll try a popup in my journal.
That’s a great compliment coming from the queen of popup cards. Someday I’ll try a popup in my journal.
That’s a great compliment coming from the queen of popup cards. Someday I’ll try a popup in my journal.
Thanks, Susan. I have so much fun making art journal pages.
Thanks, Susan. I have so much fun making art journal pages.
Thanks, Susan. I have so much fun making art journal pages.
Thanks, Susan. I have so much fun making art journal pages.
Thanks, Susan. I have so much fun making art journal pages.
I really like to do detail cutting. When I taught card classes, my students would moan because I always has something they had to cut.
I really like to do detail cutting. When I taught card classes, my students would moan because I always has something they had to cut.
I really like to do detail cutting. When I taught card classes, my students would moan because I always has something they had to cut.
I really like to do detail cutting. When I taught card classes, my students would moan because I always has something they had to cut.
I really like to do detail cutting. When I taught card classes, my students would moan because I always has something they had to cut.
Great ideas and great page! Thank you for sharing your art as well as your thoughts, Boo! I totally agree with you – playing is vital. I play and experiment much more than I “produce” – the result is not that important. The only time I do think about the result is when I want to make something to show on my commercial blog, but I still play to get where I want to go – and usually end up at a different place … 😉 I cannot imagine a life without creating & playing.
xox
Great ideas and great page! Thank you for sharing your art as well as your thoughts, Boo! I totally agree with you – playing is vital. I play and experiment much more than I “produce” – the result is not that important. The only time I do think about the result is when I want to make something to show on my commercial blog, but I still play to get where I want to go – and usually end up at a different place … 😉 I cannot imagine a life without creating & playing.
xox
Great ideas and great page! Thank you for sharing your art as well as your thoughts, Boo! I totally agree with you – playing is vital. I play and experiment much more than I “produce” – the result is not that important. The only time I do think about the result is when I want to make something to show on my commercial blog, but I still play to get where I want to go – and usually end up at a different place … 😉 I cannot imagine a life without creating & playing.
xox
Great ideas and great page! Thank you for sharing your art as well as your thoughts, Boo! I totally agree with you – playing is vital. I play and experiment much more than I “produce” – the result is not that important. The only time I do think about the result is when I want to make something to show on my commercial blog, but I still play to get where I want to go – and usually end up at a different place … 😉 I cannot imagine a life without creating & playing.
xox
Great ideas and great page! Thank you for sharing your art as well as your thoughts, Boo! I totally agree with you – playing is vital. I play and experiment much more than I “produce” – the result is not that important. The only time I do think about the result is when I want to make something to show on my commercial blog, but I still play to get where I want to go – and usually end up at a different place … 😉 I cannot imagine a life without creating & playing.
xox
Great pages Boo. I like very much the coloured alphabet. Must try that too! Thanks for sharing.
Hugs
Gabriele
Great pages Boo. I like very much the coloured alphabet. Must try that too! Thanks for sharing.
Hugs
Gabriele
Great pages Boo. I like very much the coloured alphabet. Must try that too! Thanks for sharing.
Hugs
Gabriele
Great pages Boo. I like very much the coloured alphabet. Must try that too! Thanks for sharing.
Hugs
Gabriele
Great pages Boo. I like very much the coloured alphabet. Must try that too! Thanks for sharing.
Hugs
Gabriele
Fabulous post and so many great tips and ideas in here… Plus those gorgeous colourful pages … Just amazing
Fabulous post and so many great tips and ideas in here… Plus those gorgeous colourful pages … Just amazing
Fabulous post and so many great tips and ideas in here… Plus those gorgeous colourful pages … Just amazing
Fabulous post and so many great tips and ideas in here… Plus those gorgeous colourful pages … Just amazing
Fabulous post and so many great tips and ideas in here… Plus those gorgeous colourful pages … Just amazing
Stencil for free. I made this on a Target bag with stencils that we’re just leftovers from stamping out shapes. Hope the picture attaches.
Stencil for free. I made this on a Target bag with stencils that we’re just leftovers from stamping out shapes. Hope the picture attaches.
Stencil for free. I made this on a Target bag with stencils that we’re just leftovers from stamping out shapes. Hope the picture attaches.
Stencil for free. I made this on a Target bag with stencils that we’re just leftovers from stamping out shapes. Hope the picture attaches.
Stencil for free. I made this on a Target bag with stencils that we’re just leftovers from stamping out shapes. Hope the picture attaches.
Oh Boo, I love this page spread! Brilliant idea to mask off the ponytail for a different look. LOVE!! Pamikins!
Oh Boo, I love this page spread! Brilliant idea to mask off the ponytail for a different look. LOVE!! Pamikins!
Oh Boo, I love this page spread! Brilliant idea to mask off the ponytail for a different look. LOVE!! Pamikins!
Oh Boo, I love this page spread! Brilliant idea to mask off the ponytail for a different look. LOVE!! Pamikins!
Oh Boo, I love this page spread! Brilliant idea to mask off the ponytail for a different look. LOVE!! Pamikins!
Well the first thing I have to say is – Boo, you are so pretty! You know how much I enjoy following you !!
Sandy xx
Well the first thing I have to say is – Boo, you are so pretty! You know how much I enjoy following you !!
Sandy xx
Well the first thing I have to say is – Boo, you are so pretty! You know how much I enjoy following you !!
Sandy xx
Well the first thing I have to say is – Boo, you are so pretty! You know how much I enjoy following you !!
Sandy xx
Well the first thing I have to say is – Boo, you are so pretty! You know how much I enjoy following you !!
Sandy xx