Many ways to make and use stencils

Stencils are an easy way to make prints without having a printing press.

stencils used with the gelatin plate

The prints above were created with stencils in combination with the gelatin printing plate. The words and figure are created with what I call traditional “hole” type stencils.

portrait stencil in plastic

This was a print made from a magazine image. The purple image on the lower right is the stencils. You can see that the “holes” are where the ink is gently pushed through to the paper. See more images screen printed with stencils here.

types of stencils

The abstract stencils above show you the “hole” stencil on the left and the cut out masking stencil on the right. I use the masking stencil in combination with the gelatin plate to make  monotype prints.

gelatin monoprint of cityscape

This cityscape is an example of how I use masking stencils with the gel plate for printing on paper. Enjoy more gelatin prints made with masking stencils here.

crosswalk stencil

I have even worked with a couple of other artists in my town to use stencils to make a few creative crosswalk in our downtown area.

So as you can see stencil are versatile. They are all about see and creating interesting shapes.

I bet you can make and print with a few stencils today!

supplies to make your own stencils

  • Maybe you have a few stencils in your studio???
  • Could you cut simple paper stencils on a fold, like hearts and trees?
  • What about an alphabet stencil?
  • Now use a cosmetic sponge and gently dab, up and down, to “push” ink through the stencil and on to your paper!
  • Less is more with the paint.

drawing made into a stencil for printing

stencils for hand printing

Enjoy!

If you would like to explore making stencils, then stay on the mailing list and you will get notice of the next session 2018 of the Make Stencils Workshop, online art class. Read all the details and sign up today.

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2 thoughts on “Many ways to make and use stencils”

  1. Thank you Linda! I always enjoy reading your posts. They are always so inspiring and I would love to make a fabric book trying out some of the things you suggest. However life always seems to take over and finding the time to commit is difficult. I am off to the Uk shortly but look forward to catching up with your posts when I return and who knows, life might slow down!!
    Keep up the good work. Rgards Peg

  2. I love your posts and your generous sharing of information. Gelatin printing was new to me several years ago and since have taught a number of “classes” using gelatin printmaking. It is so magical! Your posts are something I look forward to and always find them inspiring. Thank you very much.

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