Don't Miss These Stencil Techniques! Stencil Hacks

[@marypolancodesigns]

Join us for the next LIVE Class on Ink Blending or Access the Replay after May 25th: marypolanco.thrivecart.com/master-the-art-of-ink-blending/ 𝑻𝑰𝑴𝑬 𝑺𝑻𝑨𝑴𝑷𝑺: FREE Stencil Guidebook Download: 0:37 DIY Stencils: 1:02 DIY Craft Mat from Contact Paper: 3:26 Deco Dup Transfer Gel/Other Pastes: 5:38 Rotating Stencils: 7:25 Flipping Stencils: 8:28 Shadow Image on Stencils: 9:05 Masking with Stencils: 10:20 Live Reaction to the Deco Duo Paste: 11:43 Reminders: 12:57

[@andrealavigne7824]

Two tips before I forget. First, use rubbing alcohol (I would recommend in a spray bottle for ease of use) to clean your stencils. It won't be enough for pastes - you'll still have to wash them in the sink to clean off pastes/gels - but ink comes right off & it takes almost no time to dry. The alcohol percentage doesn't matter, either - 70%, 91%, whatever you have works. I suppose drinking alcohol would work, too, but I don't think I'd recommend it personally. LOL (The rubbing alcohol tip came from Jennifer McGuire, btw.) Second, a technique from Lindsay Weirich - aka The Frugal Crafter - is using any sort of GLOSS gel medium for foiling. You do need a laminator or Minc machine, as you need the heat and pressure to make the foil stick. And it only works with toner-transfer foil, not the kind you use in hot foil systems. Apply the gel (as per Lindsay, you can even use gloss Mod Podge) through the stencil, remove the stencil & clean it, and let the medium dry. Then just lay your foil over it, put it in a carrier sheet (parchment paper works fine), & run it through your laminator/Minc. It foils just like the Thermoweb gel, but is much more readily available and probably at least a bit cheaper. As I said, it needs heat, so if you want to use just your die cutting machine like you did, you will need the Thermoweb Duo gel. But I've tried it & it works! I have not used Mod Podge, but did it with heavy gloss gel from Liquitex, and got the dimension plus foil. You could even brush it on your paper if you don't want the dimension, or want to make brushstroke swooshes with foil. The key is to use a GLOSSY medium. Matte won't work. But you can get various brands & consistencies of gel mediums at art supply stores/sites and even Michael's. Other than that, the sky is the limit. Thank you for sharing your tricks, Mary. They are all wonderful. I'll let you go now. For some reason, you always bring out the novelist in me when I comment on your videos. LOL Anyway, take care, & I hope you have a fantabulous day! :)

[@marypolancodesigns]

Oooh I love the rubbing alcohol idea; super fast dry time. Thank you for sharing these amazing tips!

[@sharmanmurphree-roberts4018]

Great ideas! Thanks for sharing. ❤

[@bonniecarpenter6453]

Thank you for showing your stencil storage. Fantastic idea.

[@marypolancodesigns]

You are so welcome!

[@victoriakellogg6459]

❤ Mary, you are a ROCKSTAR Sister!❤ LOVED the video and can't wait to try with some of my stencils too! Hugs my crafty and creative Friend 💕 XOXOXO 💕

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank you so much! That's so kind and uplifting!

[@bonniecarpenter6453]

WOW Amazing. I found some shelf liners also work great to make stencils.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Great idea, YES!

[@irishk.1041]

Oh my! FROST in the middle of May on the mountain! I needed a giggle with my morning coffee today and there you were :) Thank you Mary for all your cheerfulness and your abundance of talent. My apple tree is in bloom and it freezes overnight :( It might be a good day to play with some of my stencils. Maybe I will design some of my own too. Hugs kiddo - thanks again for the morning giggle watching you with the foiling "reveal" - priceless.

[@marypolancodesigns]

WOW, frost in May. I'm sorry about your apple tree! Thanks for the lovely kind compliment

[@Salialto]

Thank you so much for the tip on the removable sticker paper. I was able to make my own 1/4" masking strips using my Silhouette cutting machine and I have piles and piles of extra labels for a lifetime supply of these, haha.

[@marypolancodesigns]

You are most welcome, it's fantastic!

[@vikkibaker6146]

I have never used the Deco Foil Duo, but you can bet, after watching this video, I will be giving it a try! Thanks so much! You never cease to amaze me, you and your community are the best!

[@marypolancodesigns]

It is so so fun! I haven't been that excited about something in a while!

[@christierinehart3289]

You're like the Einstein of crafting! Thank you for all the tips and tricks. I'm saving this video for future reference. Also, your humor is the cherry on top of a big, giant sundae!! I'm so happy I found your channel.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Well that's one heck of a compliment thank you so much! I appreciate you!

[@stellaolejar9007]

I am piggybacking off @christierinehart3289 - I totally agree, Mary is the best to both hear and see with anything crafty. I look forward to seeing her videos. What a great human being as well. Thanks Mary

[@norahjarman6156]

Great ideas Mary. I like the shadow tip for words. I made some outline stencils with acetate. I’ll have to get them out again. One company was selling sets for about $30 and I used a rectangle die, oval, circle, etc. They work perfectly. Thanks for the tips.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thanks so much for sharing this!

[@KCCAT5]

I think using Dollar Trees thin cutting mats and running it through the die cutting machine several times will give you a nice permanent stencil as opposed to cardstock which may fall apart over time. But these are still good ideas

[@marypolancodesigns]

GREAT idea; thank you so much for sharing this!

[@brendadevall7471]

I make my own stencils using Yupo paper. Works great! Since it’s a plastic, it wipes off really well.

[@marypolancodesigns]

That's a great idea! Thank you for sharing

[@marshah5930]

Thanks for all the tips, especially the masking paper.

[@marypolancodesigns]

You are so welcome!

[@kiwipommiegirl]

Thanks so much Mary,love your stenciling tips! I bought some stuff to make my own stencils ages ago, still haven't tried it! You've inspired me to use more off my things of stencils. x

[@marypolancodesigns]

You are so welcome! This is so nice to know, thank you for sharing!

[@Pebblesmas]

such great ideas, thx só much❤️

[@marypolancodesigns]

You are so welcome!

[@Peggy2316]

Mary, I just love your videos!! It’s always a fun time, and I love your humor!! Thanks, for all the different hacks!! 😊

[@marypolancodesigns]

You are so welcome! Thank you for taking the time to share this with me.

[@FLCraftyGirl]

You’re a genius! I’ve learned so much from you in the short time I’ve been following you. I truly appreciate everything you share with us. ❤

[@marypolancodesigns]

Wow, thank you! That's such a great compliment. thank you

[@lauriehallman8034]

Thanks for all the technique tips for stencils Mary. I appreciate it. I love stencils and it's awesome all the new ways you showed how to use them.

[@marypolancodesigns]

YAY! I'm so happy it was helpful, thanks

[@Janstroh1]

Great tip for making stencils with contact paper!!!❤❤

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thanks so much, so fun

[@2848Adriana]

Hi Mary, I love this video, all the great tips along the way, you are a joy to watch, thanks for sharing, keep up the lovely video's, looking forward to the next one. Cheers Anna from Australia.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank you so much for this! I'm so happy you are having a good time here

[@JeannetteK]

Great video, thank you so much for all these tips and at the end you are like a kiddo in a M&M candy shop with all those colours ❤💚💛💙💙💜🖤🤎

[@marypolancodesigns]

You are so welcome! and yes indeed I was. lol

[@darlenebeachy6517]

Many, many neat things to do with stencils! Thanks for the inspirations!

[@marypolancodesigns]

You are most welcome!

[@bluemac9476]

So many great ideas. Thank yo so much! ❤

[@marypolancodesigns]

You are so welcome!

[@barbaraedmondson1596]

Great video! Thank you for all of your tips.

[@marypolancodesigns]

You are so welcome! It was a pleasure

[@donnatopper1569]

I love how you made your own stencils, Thanks

[@marypolancodesigns]

You are so welcome! I'm so glad that was helpful!

[@pattiepan]

FANTASTIC really great hacks................pat

[@marypolancodesigns]

YAY thank you for this

[@pink25poppies1]

Contact paper is a good idea, I tried to make my own stencil with acetate but my Gemini could not cut through the acetate at all. Maybe contact paper will work better

[@marypolancodesigns]

I have a hard time cutting it at times too; it depends on the acetate I believe

[@joybland5072]

Mary, I love your videos...I have signed up for two of your classes so far...took one already, waiting for May 25 for the second...Thank you from an old crafter to see new ideas.

[@marypolancodesigns]

YAY So glad you'll be there; thank you for this kind message

[@paulage1art]

Love your videos!!!

[@marypolancodesigns]

YAY! So glad you like them!

[@MariaNyceDesigns]

❤❤❤Thanks so much for sharing all these amazing ideas Mary! God bless you!!!❤❤❤

[@marypolancodesigns]

It's my pleasure, thank you so much

[@blue.orchid.coaching]

Great info and pace! Thanks for your energy and for sharing your knowledge!

[@marypolancodesigns]

My pleasure! Thanks so much for this

[@sandrarini4552]

Very good Mary! So much info in one video! Love it!

[@marypolancodesigns]

YAY so happy to hear this, thank you!

[@brendakatrein7430]

Looking forward to the class! Thank you again for doing these!💞

[@marypolancodesigns]

You are so welcome! They are my pleasure; I have so much fun!

[@jackierodreddaway3178]

Oh Mary love love love your reaction to the deco foil cheers Jackie from Oz 💜x

[@marypolancodesigns]

YAY! HAHA it was so fun

[@nanaroset37]

WOW! Love It!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank you! That means a lot!

[@JH-wd7ul]

Great video! Lots of tips/techniques and VERY helpful! 🩷🩷🩷👍👍👍

[@marypolancodesigns]

THat's so great to hear, thanks so much

[@rosalieridle4675]

Love your helpful tips for dies! TFS

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thanks so much for this!

[@CanadianQueenmagenta]

Great tips thank you so much for all these tips. Mary you make me laugh and I'm thankful for that. Hugs Jan

[@marypolancodesigns]

YAY! Such a great compliment thank you so much

[@donnam5891]

Thanks for your tips, Mary💕

[@marypolancodesigns]

You are so welcome!

[@juanitalopez1529]

You are great! Thank you so much for these wonderful ideas.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank you! 😊 That is so very kind and encouraging

[@smply4you]

Fabulous techniques. Thanks so much.

[@marypolancodesigns]

You are so welcome! Thanks so much !

[@lesleyayres2267]

Thank you so much for the download it's a wonderful resource for my card making

[@marypolancodesigns]

You are welcome 😊 I'm so happy to know that.

[@nanaroset37]

WOW!

[@maryjones107]

Thank you

[@marypolancodesigns]

My Pleasure

[@suzanestrada293]

Love that deco foil!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Me too!! It's so very cool

[@geriannfluegeman4291]

Brilliant ❤

[@marypolancodesigns]

Oh thank you for this; so kind!

[@JewelzcraftDesigns]

Awesome hacks Mary! Thank you so much for sharing

[@marypolancodesigns]

You are so welcome!

[@reneeallen1118]

I love your reaction!!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Hahaha. I am very easily amused! lol

[@shirleydesrochers3319]

Great video!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thanks!

[@53islandgirl]

I can't wait to try these!

[@marypolancodesigns]

YES, give them a go! YAY

[@karenthomas2302]

Cool input tfs ❤😊

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank you so much

[@bethjackson8727]

Did the transfer gel dry first. Then you put it through die cutting machine?

[@marypolancodesigns]

Yes it dried for about 2 hours and then I ran it through. If you do it went it will smooth it down

[@michelegourd5742]

I love the contact paper!! How you can make your own stencils!! Thanks so much!!

[@marypolancodesigns]

You are so welcome!

[@jonnalantz5345]

Where do you get deco foil.

[@marypolancodesigns]

I got the deco foil from SBC. Here is a link: shrsl.com/4jfjw

[@yvonnesands]

You could use laminate pouches to make stencils maybe

[@marypolancodesigns]

GREAT idea, that should absolutely work

[@MountainAirOrganicBeds]

I enjoyed your video. Please tell me how you got the foil on the hearts at 11:56? Thank you

[@marypolancodesigns]

You got it; so in the beginning of the video you'll see me apply the Deco Foil Duo Transfer gel through the stencil. I let that dry about 2 hours and then placed foil on tip of the panel and ran it through the die cutting machine with a regular sandwich for dies. Voila! This is the Deco Foil Duo Transfer gel: shrsl.com/4jhm5

[@MountainAirOrganicBeds]

Thank you. I’m going to try it.

[@MountainAirOrganicBeds]

She said she ran it through the die cutting machine. I am confused cause it looked like she stenciled the paste on, wouldn’t you just put the foil on top of that while the paste is still tacky then pull it off? Will it work like that? I have a heart embossing folder but no heart stencil. I am lost.

[@rowenabrady6279]

instead of contact paper could i use 3 inch wide sellotape both sides before cutting.

[@marypolancodesigns]

I'm not sure what that is but like I always say, experiment! So fun to give it a go.

[@stacyh2290]

What sandwich did you use on die cutting machine for the deco duo so you didn’t need heat?

[@marypolancodesigns]

Regular die cutting sandwich I believe just without the die. But if that doesn't give you enough pressure, try adding a piece of cardstock.

[@abijahdixon2771]

I use mine as stencils, the rest are new ideas! I loved stencils as a kid, but was never great at coming up with ideas on how to use them.

[@marypolancodesigns]

So glad this was helpful! Thanks for letting me know.

[@suzannegatenby7184]

i make my homemade stencils using acetate. easy to clean and i keep them in a folder.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Great tip, thanks so much

[@JoanOrloffDK]

Beautiful cards Mary 🥰 I love your stencils, your techniques and your designs ❤️ thanks for sharing your creativity Hugs xx

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank you so much!

[@kerrymcgregor9771]

❤

[@catb737]

I think maybe you did too good a job promoting the sticker paper. As I can’t find Rock Paper Scissors Removable Sticker Paper anywhere, including at Rock Paper Scissors, unless I buy a box of 1,000 @ $199. Additionally there’s no contact info on their website to even inquire about when it might be back in stock or if it will be back in stock. Which zero contact info on a store front website seems rather questionable to me anyway. Sooo…any other recommendations for removable sticker paper that work well and won’t break the bank?

[@marypolancodesigns]

Wow, I hadn't seen it "currently unavailable" and I've been using it for years. I will keep an eye out for any alternatives for sure. Thanks for letting me know.