Mar 4-11th Weekly Challenge "STENCIL Showdown"

[Darcy Designs]

With Thursday, comes a brand new challenge for you! This week, I am hosting a Stencil Showdown. The challenge is to use the negative portion from a die cut. Easy peasy...right? And, to make it even easier...I am offering you a portion of my "new & not even in the store yet" Medallion Stencil Kit for you to use. Just shoot me an email to darcysdesigns4u@aol.com & I'll send you a portion of the new file to use. You don't have to use this file for the challenge, you can get creative and use the leftover of a file you have cut. Or, design your own.

OK, so I need to run off to a doctors appointment. I will be back later to give you more ideas on how to complete this challenge & some of the materials you can use. Hint...Heather from my creative team just used eye shadow to make an awesome card (http://www.visualdesignsbychris.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2765&highlight=shadow) using one of my stencil kits.

OH, and I nearly forgot...everyone who posts a picture of their newly created stencil creation in this thread will be entered to win one of my stencil kits of their choice. So....lets get stenciling...I am so excited to see what you all come up with!!! :D

[lisaavolio]

Please sign me up! I love stencils. I need to use them more often.

Are we allowed to use the March Grab Bag before the reveal date? :D

Lisa

[ChrisDurnan]

Absolutely :)

[rsmobley85]

Oh, this sounds like fun.

I cant wait to see how every ones creations look.

Sharon

[Darcy Designs]

Here are some ideas...

For your medium, you can get creative. Try:

Ink-pads try different types of inks

Chalks, Eye Shadows powdered, creme
Eraser...erase those chalking mistakes
Blender pens...use on chalks

Paint Try different types

Glimmer Mist type sprays spray through stencil, then stamp extra spray that landed on the stencil for reverse effect.

Apply them using: Paint brushes, stencil brushes, daubers, kleenex, cotton balls, q-tips, make up applicators, craft poms.

Things you can stencil: Walls; Ceilings; Glass using etching creme; paper - background papers, decorative elements; fabric; floors; furniture; monogram something.

I made these four videos on stenciling with your die cutting machine:
Stencil Materials & Digital Die cut machines PART 1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7uzJh2Hisjk)

Stencil Materials & Digital Die cut machines PART 2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vK4coYnWtss)

How to Chalk your Stencils (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDi3SR4W_D8)

Stencil Storage Method (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGHWwooM-Ko)

[ChrisDurnan]

These also would be great for etching! I wish I hadn't met Barbee of EtchAll makes me think of all kinds of ideas for etching now. :)

[bzyPTmom28]

Great job on the videos Darcy--and this sounds like fun! Please sign me up!

[digikitty]

OMG (goodness)..... I have never used a stencil except back in the 90's to tole paint--hahaahh!
I'm going to have to think about this one, I always throw out the negatives. Think, Think, Think.
I'm going to play along, but it may take me a day or two to get my brain in gear!

[aussie_caz]

sign me up, I haven't played with a stencil for a long time either :)

cheers, caz

[Darcy Designs]

Thanks for joining in, ladies!!! This will be a good one to push those "old" techniques in a new direction. :D

Jump in guys...anyone new out there? I'm going to offer some enticement for anyone who has never done a challenge with us, to give it a try. Join in & if your project gets picked (I'm doing random number generator to pick...so no pressure) "first timers" can pick two of my stencil kit files for free!

[Games]

Wow Darcy, that should get some more people to play. I'm wanting to play but I have a busy next few days so I'll hold off on saying "yes to Darcy" to see what all I get done. I certainly wouldn't want to flake on anyone (haven't yet and don't want to start). ;)

[Darcy Designs]

I hope so, Ginger! No worries, and no problem...this is one you can just play if you get to it. You don't have to commit. I'm hoping it expands our thinking of what we can do with the negative portions of our die cuts...so often you can make cool things with them. I'm going to try and do something, too....but we'll see...HA...no pressure ;)

[Games]

Thanks Darcy. :)

[rsmobley85]

I really want to give it a try, just dont know if I have time this weekend. Maybe monday.

I cant wait to see what every one else does with this awesome challenge.

Sharon

[Darcy Designs]

Thanks Sharon :D

I don't know if I was clear, but you can use anything for your stencil...it doesn't only have to be the stencil sample of mine. Feel free to do anything you have. And, it can be any medium...any surface. A project, card, scrapbook page, whatever you can think of.

[ewoobenjamin]

I didn’t have time for the Black and White challenge a couple of weeks ago but black and white has been on my brain ever since so thought I’d use that theme for this challenge. The stencil is one of Tina’s Diamond Flower Inserts from the March Grab Bag. I wanted to use yellow ribbon but didn’t have any so I raided my old sewing stash for the ric-rack. Good thing I never throw anything away, lol. Thanks for looking.
Esther W-B

[Darcy Designs]

Ewwww Esther!!!! This is gorgeous! Wow, black & white looks very elegant.

Nice job & thanks for sharing!

[ewoobenjamin]

Thanks Darcy and thanks for the challenge. It was fun to do.
Esther W-B

[Games]

Beautiful Esther! So what did you stencil with? ;)

[ewoobenjamin]

Thanks Ginger. Lol, that would be good to know, wouldn't it ;) I used white Pebbles Chalk.
Esther W-B

[rsmobley85]

Beautiful Esther,

Love how the flowers look and that pop of yellow.


You could post that in the B&W challenge as well. Its always nice to see what gets you going. I hope to post some from past challenges soon.

Sharon

[digikitty]

Esther,
I love it--I love daisies in a black and white scheme, and the pop of yellow--is purr-fect!
I'm working right now on "things" for the grab bag, but on Monday, I'm going to get busy on the stencil. I have two ideas in mind.

[ewoobenjamin]

Thanks Sharon and Kristal. Looking forward to seeing your projects!
Esther W-B

[Games]

Thanks for letting us know Esther. ;)

[aussie_caz]

I didn’t have time for the Black and White challenge a couple of weeks ago but black and white has been on my brain ever since so thought I’d use that theme for this challenge. The stencil is one of Tina’s Diamond Flower Inserts from the March Grab Bag. I wanted to use yellow ribbon but didn’t have any so I raided my old sewing stash for the ric-rack. Good thing I never throw anything away, lol. Thanks for looking.
Esther W-B

Esther, this is gorgeous!!

[ewoobenjamin]

Thank you Caz.
Esther W-B

[cmargm]

Here is the card I made using the stencils. I learned this technique a couple of years ago and, as is the norm for me, I then forget about it. It is called Burnished Velvet Glitter Technique. It requires adhesive double sided tape, microfine glitter and a stencil of some sorts. Everything on the card, except for the eyelets, brads, and writing, is the result of this technique. The look is really hard to show on a photo but I did enjoy working with the technique again. I especially appreciated the Glitter Magnet Cloth! What a mess I made on my desk.

2036 2037

[ewoobenjamin]

WOW - that's beautiful. Thanks for sharing the technique.
Esther W-B

[aussie_caz]

Your card is lovely, this is a great idea. How did you stop the stencil from sticking to the tape ?

[bzyPTmom28]

Gorgeous cards everyone--love that yellow daisy and the glitter technique.

[rsmobley85]

WOW, that's a beautiful card. I have heard of that technique, but I have never tried it. Looks really cool.

Sharon

[Darcy Designs]

Oh Marg, that is fabulous!! Would it be too hard to share the technique you used here? I bet is its even better in person, this type of work is usually SO hard to photograph & get the full effect. :)

[cmargm]

Your card is lovely, this is a great idea. How did you stop the stencil from sticking to the tape ?

Thanks for all the nice comments.

What I used was a waxy-like paper so it doesn't stick to the adhesive tape. Parchment paper might also work I think. You leave the cut out on the adhesive tape and put the darker glitter on, then remove the cutouts and put the lighter glitter on. You need to burnish with your finger between each application. The technique was developed by two women in Vancouver, Canada, Deanna Pannell and Haroldine Wingfield. You can Google it and come up with the instructions and several videos. It always does look remarkable.

[Games]

Great technique on your card. :D Love it! Thanks for sharing it with us.

[aussie_caz]

Thanks for all the nice comments.

What I used was a waxy-like paper so it doesn't stick to the adhesive tape. Parchment paper might also work I think. You leave the cut out on the adhesive tape and put the darker glitter on, then remove the cutouts and put the lighter glitter on. You need to burnish with your finger between each application. The technique was developed by two women in Vancouver, Canada, Deanna Pannell and Haroldine Wingfield. You can Google it and come up with the instructions and several videos. It always does look remarkable.

Thanks for the details! I will have to Google :)

[lsunrae]

Wow those are some beautiful cards. I think I may have to get in on this challenge.

Crystal

[aussie_caz]

I need some help please.... I have used chalks for this challenge, which is a first for me... How do I stop them from smudging ?? and no.... I don't have hairspray in the house :)

cheers, caz

[Darcy Designs]

Caz...you need to burnish. I show an example in one of those videos. Its when you rub the chalks with something smooth...like the top to a stamp pad. Just do little circles & push a bit. It...kind of "sets it". I've heard you can do hairspray, too. I wouldn't use that on anything permanant like a scrapbook page though, I bet it would yellow & the chemicals wouldn't be great for photos I wouldn't think. :)

[aussie_caz]

Thanks Darcy, unfortunately your video stopped playing just as you were about to burnish, and I can't get it to play any further RATS!

I have rubbed over the chalked flowers from the back, on the front I made a mess, so hopefully that will help.

[Darcy Designs]

Oh no! Well, that's a bummer! Don't forget chalks are super forgiving...just erase any goofs. ;)

[ewoobenjamin]

Caz, I don't usually bother to do anything, but have at times sprayed with Krylon Workable Fixatif. There are other brands as well.
Esther W-B

[aussie_caz]

well, here is the finished card. Thanks for the help and suggestions :)

I have chalked the flowers with one of the stencils Darcy supplied for the challenge.

Card (http://visualdesignsbychris.com/forum/album.php?albumid=26&pictureid=618)

I cut two small slits either side of the stems to tie my bow. I designed the little scalloped mat. I have inked all the edges.

[ewoobenjamin]

That's so pretty Caz! Adding the bow was the perfect finishing touch.
Esther W-B

[bzyPTmom28]

Very beautiful Caz--great idea on cutting slits for the bow--I gotta remember that one!

[Games]

Simple but beautiful! The bow is the perfect touch. :) Love it Caz!!!

[Darcy Designs]

Caz!!!! That is stunning!! I love the colors & the simplicity of it...elegant! :D

[aussie_caz]

Thank you all for the lovely comments, I really struggled with this one, not much chop with chalks I think :)

[digikitty]

Super cool technique--cgmarm--burnished velvet--wowee! Love it!

[digikitty]

Caz,
Do you ever sleep girl? DANG! I love it--the soft pastels and the pen-doodles for the string--super charming. I would love to receive this if I opened the mail and saw this in an envelope. So soft and springy.

[luv2bmamaw]

Don't sweat it, Caz... that turned out absolutely adorable! I love the colors and that ribbon--Perfect! But it is nice to know that even YoU struggle..Ha! Just kidding, dear heart! =) You turn out so many beautiful projects, and so fast!

[aussie_caz]

Thank you both for the wonderful comments! You both made me feel better about my creation :)

[paminsd]

It's a very sweet card, I never thought of cutting a slit for the bow!
Pam in SD

[rsmobley85]

Beautiful Card Caz. Very creative.

I dont think I will make it to this challenge this week, Trying to catch up on other things. Have files to test cut.

Will try and come back to this one soon.


Sharon

[aussie_caz]

It's a very sweet card, I never thought of cutting a slit for the bow!
Pam in SD

I was really pleased with the way that worked :)

[aussie_caz]

Beautiful Card Caz. Very creative.

I dont think I will make it to this challenge this week, Trying to catch up on other things. Have files to test cut.

Will try and come back to this one soon.


Sharon

Thanks Sharon :)

[lisaavolio]

I have been playing with some stencils I cut from Tina's TM00118 DiamondFlowerInserts from the current Grab Bag. (I don't want to use all those files this week, though, since there will probably be another week for showing them.)

I used some old looseleaf style photo pages, the kind that have the pockets to slide photos into, that were cracking a bit. I cut them into pieces to place single layers on my mat. Then I cut the stencils out of those. Very easy to cut.

I tried chalk with an applicator, but like Caz, I wasn't happy with the smearing, and I didn't have a fixative that is safe on scrapbook pages. Then I tried markers and colored pencils, but I wasn't happy about them, either, although I will try again. (No photos to share of those yet!)

Finally I sprayed the back of the stencil with my quilt basting spray (another temporary bond adhesive would work, too) and used my stamp pads to ink them. It worked best when I used a cotton square pad (like for makeup removal) to dab the ink into the cut out areas of the stencil.

I've seen some done with Ranger/Tim Holtz distressing ink and daubers, but I don't have any of that to play with. Also, I needed to put the adhesive backed stencils on my jeans a couple of times before using, because the adhesive bond was too strong, especially after pressing the stamp pad ink on them.

Hope this encourages others to play!
Lisa

[aussie_caz]

gorgeous layouts Lisa :)

[Darcy Designs]

Good info, thanks for sharing Lisa! I think they came out great! I love the way you flip flopped the middle stencil pattern on your border! I wouldn't have thought of doing that.

[Games]

Great layouts Lisa. Those photos are priceless!! Love the stencils! Thanks for the tips.;)

[paminsd]

Nice, and thanks for the info, I'll have to try it.
Pam in SD

[ewoobenjamin]

Great LO Lisa.
Esther W-B

[lisaavolio]

Thanks, everyone. I tried to finish them earlier than I often do (how many close to midnight the last day posts have I done?!- partly cause Wed. is often a good night for me to play) just to help encourage you all to try some. Stencils are pretty easy to use, and then you can keep them and use them again.

Lisa

[Darcy Designs]

Tomorrow is the last day to get your entries in...dust off those chalks, or open up those ink pads & start daubbing ;)

[bzyPTmom28]

Ok, I've been having trouble with this one--couldn't decide what to do. I have some inkintense pencils that I've wanted to play with, so in between Dr's apts etc I managed to get it done. The inkintense pencils are meant to be washed over--they are like water color but more intense--it was fun! I also used my glitter pen and created the title using one of Chris' butterflies. I also used my cuddlebug on the scallop circle. Hope you like it!

[aussie_caz]

It is so very pretty! I love the colours you have used :)

[ewoobenjamin]

Very pretty. I like the colors you used too.
Esther WB

[Darcy Designs]

Very nice, Sheri! I love that watercolor look, too!

Time to close this challenge up. The winner is.......................


EVERYONE who participated!!!! Woo hoo! Caz, Sheri, Marg, Lisa & Esther....please shoot me an email which of my stencil files you would like. DarcysDesigns4u@aol.com.

Thank you SO much for participating...your projects were great!! :D

[ewoobenjamin]

Wow - that's so generous of you Darcy. Thanks so much and thanks for a really fun challenge. I have always loved stencils.
Esther WB

[digikitty]

Wow--Lisa that was very creative to use the quilt basting spray--brilliant!
I love the layouts with the stencil down the side.

[digikitty]

sheri--how clever is that to use the circle and make the flower inside the circle, to look like a flower? I love the entire card--just way too darn cute! This is just adorable

[Games]

Great job ladies! I just plain ran out of time this week. :(




Congrats to everyone!



Very nice of you Darcy!

[cmargm]

Thank you so very much. Darcy you are so generous. I love everyone's submission. Once again I get so many ideas. Thank you all.

[aussie_caz]

wow! Thanks Darcy for your generosity! off to check out your Stencil files :)

[bzyPTmom28]

Thanks so much Darcy-this was fun--I did have trouble trying to cut it out of quilters stencil material, ended up just using CS but that worked too. My PI was having fits yesterday! I'm off to go check out your files.

[lisaavolio]

It was a surprise to see we ALL get a file. I'm having trouble choosing. I think I'll go with one that's a different style than many of my files, just to stretch me a bit more.

Thanks, Darcy, for a really fun challenge!

Lisa

[lisaavolio]

You don't "need" anything as thick as quilters' stencil plastic. Did you watch Darcy's 2 part video on different materials? (She gave us links in the 1st post.) It's very helpful- but I used what I had on hand, since I wanted to play that day and not go shopping. :) Especially since her top choice would mean buying a laminating machine. :D

I used old photo pages- the kind with pockets for individual photos. I am gradually emptying my old ones as I scrap them, and I cut apart some of the thicker ones (starting with ones with broken looseleaf holes) into photo sized rectangles. (The pages with good holes are getting "repurposed" into a storage binder for extra die cuts so I can keep them unbent and yet easy to view. I've been cutting extra flourishes, flowers, snowflakes, hearts, etc., when I make pages, so I have filler ready to glue on pages. I realized I have way too many pages to slowly plan and cut multicolored die cuts for each one.)

Darcy mentioned plastic folders- I intend to try some old ones, since the kids never want to start the new school year with old folders, so I inherit some each June that are a bit scruffy but would be great for stencils. That plastic is even thicker than the photo pages, and I could cut it in 2 or 3 passes if necessary.

Some people have used transparencies- the kind you can put in a photocopier. They work pretty well for ink or chalk, but may not last too long if you need to scrub paint off them. Old (or new!) file folders work, too.

I intend to keep playing with stencils!

Lisa

[Darcy Designs]

You are SO welcome!! Thank you for playing along and I am LOVING seeing you get into making these. Please show us if you make something, because I am really looking forward to seeing what you all come up with. Caz used her laminating machine & made hers into stencils already. Woo hoo!!!!:D

[ChrisDurnan]

So very cool! can't wait to see everyone!!