Hello there!

Friday’s blog is a private peek,

but I also want to show you some simple close up shading with the new Wheelie Stencils.

So first of all,

let me ask you:

Do you believe in miracles?

Here’s one!

You may recall at Christmas, we had a long discussion about our Poinsettias. All lovely and red and bushy throughout Christmas, and then, within a week of New Years, stalks. Leafless sticks.

Here’s a pic of mine; there were still a few bits hanging on, but mostly we decided it was doomed, didn’t we.

Well. I thought I would try to bring it back to life.

I put it in a nice light window, watered it and even gave it cold tea. 

And here we are today!

It’s a MIRACLE!!!!

I am so chuffed I decided to try and revive it. 

It’s really looking good!

So now to the Wheelie Stencils and other Clarity Stencils.

I thought it would be good to do a simple shading sample.

So what did I use?

White 7″x 7″ Card

The Square Aperture Stencil

7″x7″ Brick Stencil

Men & Boys Wheelie Stencil

Butterscotch Adirondack Ink Pad

Slate Adirondack Ink Pad

Black Archival Ink Pad

Clarity Stencil Brushes

Make-up Sponges

Low-Tack Masking Tape

Attach the Square Aperture Stencil to the square card with 

low-tack masking tape.

Perfect fit. 

Brush the Butterscotch through the top area 

and the Slate through the Brick stencil.

Easy does it.

Dial in the image you want to use and secure it in place 

using Post-Its. 

They will mask off the area well, too.

Using a make-up sponge, add yellow first.

I filled the whole image with yellow.

Then it’s time to add the shade.

I used Black Archival over the top of the yellow in places.

Build it up gradually.

I found dabbing the ink onto the surrounding plastic stencil, and then smearing it into the aperture helped me control the area.

One thing I am quickly working out, is that we can achieve great shading through stencils. It’s a softer edge than a stamp, but we can mix and blend colours on the image.  

I think next week, when I have more time, I shall get into the shading aspect some more. Maybe something a little more direct than a make-up sponge…. 

Not bad though, eh…

Let’s add our word of the day:

Black Archival ink gives a really sharp stamped image every time.

In for a penny… 

Let’s add a little shade with some Distress Markers.

Yep. That’ll do.

Love this young lad.

Reminds me of my own.

Reminds me also, 

that it is ok to take that blind leap of faith,

and expect a miracle!

And I’m not just talking about Poinsettias.

much love,