vinyl is not just for walls...

Hello everyone! Ready for a little Monday inspiration?

Today's technique is all about vinyl stencils. These are so fun and easy to make! I used my Cricut machine, and the "Graphically Speaking" cartridge for today's tutorial.

Step 1: cut out your chosen image following the guidelines for your machine. *you can also use punches, or free hand a design*

Step 2: remove the "positive" part of the image. This is the part of the image that you would usually use when you die cut. (we are making a stencil, if that is an easier way to think about it, so you remove what you want to paint.)

Step 3: I use transfer tape to move my stencil from the backing to my project. If you aren't familiar with this, it is a wonderful tool! Simply smooth the sticky part of the tape over the top of your vinyl image. Carefully remove from backing. All the loose parts of your image will remain perfectly aligned.

Step 4: Firmly press your vinyl onto the project you are working on. Carefully remove the transfer tape. Again, press your image firmly onto your project. *any edges that are not firmly stuck down, will allow paint to seep through.*

Step 5: Paint with your choice of Creative Inspirations paint. Here I used Antique Gold.

Step 6: This step is optional! Leaving the mask in place, I used a Prima stamp to stamp over the image with memento ink. This just adds a interest.

Step 7: Carefully remove your vinyl mask.

You can also use the positive image of your mask if you want. Simply follow the same steps.

Don't forget to paint past the edges of your stencil to give definition to your shape.

For this sample, I used distress ink, and stamping on the paper before placing my stencil... I love how you can see the image through the CI paint!

For this project, I used:

Paper: water color paper, plain white paper, vinyl

Creative Inspirations Paint: Antique Gold, Rustic Red, Tutu Pink

Cricut: Graphically Speaking, Gypsy Wanderin

Stamps: Prima

Ink: Memento, American Crafts

No need to feel intimidated by the word "paint". Anyone can paint with a stencil!!! =)

have a sparkling week!

Kassi