Summer Stencil Techniques with Suzanne: Customized Modeling

Here we are at the third week in August, time is flying by this summer! In this week’s #RANZAmade installation we’re playing with paste, modeling (or molding depending on the company) that is.  In just a few quick steps, you’ll be on your way to make your own formula for adding depth and texture to your art.  No makeup sponges in this week, instead our featured implement will be an old hotel card.

First up, here are the products I used.  The Crafter’s Workshop media is new to me, so I grabbed their Gold Gesso and Clear Modeling Paste.  Black gesso for more of a contrast against the gold.  Grab an old hotel key and a palette knife (I only used it to scoop out media from the jars).  Don’t forget to protect your surface, I used deli paper as usual.

Gold over a manilla tag, would have been okay. But for more of a pop, I gave the tag a coat of black gesso. You can also just use a black tag, but here’s an option if you only have the manilla colored version.

While you let the tag dry we’re going to mix up our main stars.  Using tags are a great way to test out new materials.  I used approximately a scoop of Gold Gesso and Clear Modeling Paste. Here’s where you can adjust and play with different colors and ratios to experiment and have fun.  I mixed it fully because the gesso was on the thinner side, and I wanted more texture.  You could also leave it less mixed together, or add more than one color.  

With the dark background of the tag, you can see the stencil’s design very well.  Position it as you’d like over the tag.  The end of the tag ended up aligning with the side of the stencil.  I liked the center flower portion in the middle (or close to it).

Next up we’ll spread the mixture through the stencil onto the tag.  I like using an old hotel key card with this technique, but a palette knife would work just as well.  Use whatever you feel most comfortable with, though.  I added a dollop of paste onto the card first and started slightly off of the design.  You can see it below (thanks to the edge of duct tape seen).

Scrape with moderate pressure, keeping the card at an angle, across the tag. I like the design running off of the tag, so I made sure to spread over the edging of the tag.  Here, I stopped midway as an example, but it will generally yield  better results with less swiping.  Generally the thinner the media the thinner you want your media.  Notice that the stencil is basically still the original color?  

My preference is to pull up one edge of the stencil only. This will help the tag separate better from the stencil and media.

As you can see, the thiner media did seep under a little bit. But, with the tag being dark, you can see see the design very well. Remove the tag from the deli paper and set aside to dry.  You also want to clean your stencil.  Yes, even Julie does it! The modeling paste   can affect the intricate designs.  The thicker media will take a little longer to dry, and I don’t advise using a heat gun, either.

There you have it! The gold will dry a little darker, and shimmery but matte.  I love mixing different medias for customizable colors and effects.  As you can see, the modeling paste wasn’t 100% clear, but I still liked the outcome.  Using a metallic with this stencil reminded me of the tin ceilings in older buildings.  

What do you think you’d like to do with this technique? How do you play with new products?  I like to experiment with various  company’s media knowing they might have different results.

PS- Did you notice that this stencil has something in common with last week’s?  This one could also be used as a repeating pattern!  

The Crafter’s Workshop Gold Gesso, The Crafter’s Workshop Clear Modeling Paste, Bob Ross Black Gesso, Palette Knife, Palette Paper, Tags

 You can pre-order the Lacy Tiles stencil from Scrapbook.com, among others!