How to use stencils with watercolours | 8 different ideas

[@kathi7956]

I have collected stencils over the years, but never really found a use for them that I liked. This video has given me a lot of ideas. Thank you!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Glad it was helpful! I’ve just discovered using makeup brushes really helps too kzbin.info/www/bejne/d4bLnqZjh5Kng9k

[@5deenie7]

I have used pan pastels applied through stencils using a small makeup sponge. The result was crisp but soft. Also, it worked to blend colors and to create transitions between colors.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

sounds good!

[@jillbalsam2507]

I immediately thought of those while watching this. Yes!

[@AdrienneBrown-t8h]

Wonderful video Liz - Thank you! Only other thing to add is turning over stencil to the “dirty” side to use as a (distressed) stamp.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

I will have to try it!

[@wandacleveland5919]

You could also use a candle to apply white wax through the stencil….will act as a resist to the paint.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

ooh, that’s a great idea…or an oil pastel I guess

[@kathi7956]

White crayon could be used

[@joyceshields9156]

This is brilliant…and a grand way to share art making with children. I can’t wait to share it with my 6 year old and 12 year old grandchildren. How wonderful to overcome their inhibitions about their drawing by introducing this to show them they can create beautiful art.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Fun for artists of all ages!!

[@chantalnugues-perrin3631]

Wonderful ideas 🤩 thank you Liz 🙏🏻 will give it a try 👍💖

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Have fun!

[@atelierthhun1165]

Hi Liz, so good to know that I am not the only mucky pup around. One suggestion is using a metal eraser shield to apply or lift small repeat shapes on your work and another is to make your own stencils from milk cartons and margarine tubs. Easy to do as long as you use a very sharp craft knife or scalpel and good fun. Thanks for a great video that made me laugh.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Thank you for great tips

[@denisenoble4010]

Lots of lovely ideas, thankyou for sharing, I work with clay, decoration is my go to when trying to enhance a piece so lots of ideas, thankyou😊

[@LizChadertonStudio]

You are so welcome!

[@KathyTincler]

Thank you for all the ideas!!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

You are so welcome!

[@LoriDonohue]

Excellent video as always. Thanks!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

My pleasure!

[@hilarypearce9796]

What a marvellous video. Loads to like even with the mishaps 🤪

[@LizChadertonStudio]

doh! It’s usually the cat that sits on my artwork

[@LindsayJP53]

I have used stencils with a fineliner to have outlines, wetted gently the inner part and used Brusho. Also used watercolour crayons to colour in stencils with/without wetting them- my grandsons love doing this. It’s fun just playing!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

great idea and playing leads to all sorts of discoveries

[@tonispencer5149]

Stencilling is fun, but cutting them out - not so much! I did a bit of stencilling when I was studying art a couple of years ago. I went back to studying art at a local college during later lockdowns in Scotland. I started painting again during the earlier days of lockdown for something to do when there was nowhere to go. I ended up with an HNC in Fine Art and I just graduated with an HND in Fine Art! One of the things we had to do during the HNC year was stencilling, specifically cutting our own stencils (I also used the bits of card leftover from the small sculpture lessons). I liked to use mine to do some relief printing. Arrange your pieces or stencils on some paper - or inside your sketchbook (the top sheet/page will be where you'll actually print) and lay another sheet on top (or the page!). Ink up a brayer or roller and roll it over the top of the paper. The stencil design underneath will eventually show through. You can move the stencils around and do multiple layers in different colours, too. If you don't have any block printing ink, acrylic or gouache would work fine, though you might want to either loosen it ever so slightly with a small amount of water or an extender medium if you have one so it doesn't dry too quickly as you're working.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

oh that sounds interesting! Thank you. I shall have a play.

[@debbien.3315]

Thank you! I love the gold leaf.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Me too!

[@GodzHarleyGirlStudio]

Never thought of stencils with watercolor, fantastic idea really! Well done letting us know! Thanks! Hugz, Tree

[@LizChadertonStudio]

You are so welcome! be warned, it can be addictive…

[@SandraVink]

Great video! I love using stencils with watercolor (also because I don’t like acrylics 😬). Sometimes I like the look, when some watercolor creeps under the stencil. It’s true, you don’t have an exact impression of the stencil. But I can look really charming, in my opinion 😊

[@LizChadertonStudio]

perfectly imperfect!

[@shadowguard3578]

I used to make cards using stamps and stencils. I’m now a hobbyist watercolorist. You’ve given me ideas on using stencils in my watercolor paintings. I need to practice this before I take the plunge on a finished piece of artwork. Thank you.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

ooh lucky you to have a good collection already

[@shadowguard3578]

@@LizChadertonStudio I guess I do have a decent collection!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

🥰@@shadowguard3578

[@karendirmish2696]

So very much to learn! I have always stenciled in one way or another since I was a child in school, now I can use it Artistically! Thanks Karen Dirmish

[@LizChadertonStudio]

it’s very addictive!

[@melodycrites3145]

Thanks for sharing! My first attempt to use a sponge was a fail. I’ve learned a lot today.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

watercolour is far harder than acrylic to get a crisp edge, because it is runnier

[@WilmaVoermans]

Thick Gel medium gives a great result too, because it will give the texture and the watercolor can be wiped off easy. Or mixed in the gel offcourse. Lovely video!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Great tip! I will give that a go

[@michelleinScotland]

Brilliant thank you; I will have to have a go at this.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Have fun!

[@shreevas6160]

love it. you're giving me ideas of starting my illustrated journal 😊

[@LizChadertonStudio]

I'm so glad!

[@aliciashackley5830]

Great video Liz. Lots of great ideas. Thx very much. 🥰💕🐶💕🥰

[@LizChadertonStudio]

hope it helps

[@aliciashackley5830]

You are a charmer and I enjoy your videos very much. 🥰💕🐶💕🥰

[@VBeeMe]

Thank you so much. I was so having a tough time using them in my art.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

I am slightly addicted at the moment. Such a nice way of adding pattern.

[@madelinepampel5185]

Thank you for doing this. I've learned so much ! Can't wait for my modeling paste to arrive so I can see how it performs with my stencils,..

[@LizChadertonStudio]

you’ll have such fun

[@judyt4087]

Great video, I'm thinking about Christmas cards 🤔😁

[@LizChadertonStudio]

have fun!

[@joellewatercolour]

I love the look that the modeling paste gives! I have only got the one stencil which has a "finer" (less open) pattern that the ones you used. I tried using it with Brusho, which didn't work, but I guess it could work with a more open stencil - the same way as you used the mica powder.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

yes, I think a more open stencil would be better with Brusho. The one you have would work with modelling paste?

[@joellewatercolour]

@@LizChadertonStudio I'm not sure, I've never used modelling paste... but it's easy enough to buy a few more stencils!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Too easy! @@joellewatercolour

[@tracylamarca575]

I have always LOVED coincidences!! I JUST ordered some stencils last night - imagine my delight when I saw your new video this morning! 🥰 I have been meaning to order some since I've seen you use them in some of your journaling videos, but just got around to it! Thanks for all the great ideas and tips - I can't wait to try mine out (although I have to wait til Friday - Amazon Prime shipping isn't always 2 days anymore - it's more like whenever they feel like getting it to you...🤔). (PS Guess I should be glad I stand up at my worktable!😁) Oh yes - I wanted to ask - have you ever ordered stencils from Temu? I don't know much about that company except ads for things from there show up in my feed all the time - they have soooo many stencils and they are ridiculously low-priced.

[@Harper.s_Art]

I’ve ordered stencils from Temu and quite happy with them, same quality as those from Walmart and the big box craft stores

[@tracylamarca575]

Thank you for the feedback@@Harper.s_Art !

[@LizChadertonStudio]

yes, most of my stencils came from Temu. Check size and description carefully!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Standing up may be the way forward…..

[@tracylamarca575]

🥰Will do!@@LizChadertonStudio

[@marykubasak]

Venetian plaster works well with watercolors

[@LizChadertonStudio]

does it not crack?

[@janblake7808]

What stencil is the geometrical one in the middle, at 12:41? I never thought stencils could be used with watercolours, but after seeing those ideas I'll give it a try :) Thank you for sharing!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

hi Jan, I’ve picked up all my stencils from Amazon or Temu. non are branded, so I don’t have a name I can share. Sorry.

[@julieb737]

Instead of using a glue stick would Versamark sticky ink work with the powder . Great video so far . I’m half way thru but asking question now as my short term memory is almost non existent and will have forgotten it by the end , so apologies if vou answer my question in second half of video .

[@LizChadertonStudio]

I’m sorry, I’ve never even heard of that ink! The best thing to do is give it a go and you might find a beautiful new technique

[@marmeesBFSL]

can I ask what type paper is in your homemade journal? It is absolutely fantastic!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

you can see me make it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKipZoGnl5iDaZY It is eco paper from Jackson’s - this is an affiliate link: tidd.ly/3VKcoGd

[@IreneKiew]

Liz, thank you for this video! I have been wondering how to use watercolour with stencils -- I expected the watercolour to leak beneath the stencil. Makes sense that the watercolor shouldn't be too runny. A question about the gold leaf and mica powder -- would you have to apply anything on top later to seal them? In case some bits of the gold leaf flake off or flecks of mica powder get dislodged?

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Glad it was helpful! since making this film I’ve discovered blending brushes. They make such a difference: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d4bLnqZjh5Kng9k. you would need to seal the imitation gold leaf as it tarnishes with time. You can use traditional shellac or a gloss acrylic varnish

[@IreneKiew]

​@@LizChadertonStudioThanks for the advice and also the link to the video about blending brushes. Much appreciated 🥰

[@annpryce6476]

Could you use gesso instead of modelling paste?

[@LizChadertonStudio]

yes, but because it is more fluid you will get a less defined effect. you can also use watercolour ground or fibre paste and that will be different again. Experiment with what you’ve got

[@annpryce6476]

@@LizChadertonStudio thank you

[@shadowguard3578]

Point taken, I won’t sit on my artwork! 🤣

[@leighrogers1383]

😂😂

[@LizChadertonStudio]

best not to! @shadowguard3578

[@Etta_Goodman]

It could be a good distressing technique 🤣