Stencil and Mask making – the human form

There are some great stencils and masks of the human form available on the market, and I enjoy opportunities to use them.  But even more, I enjoy using materials that are unique to me.  Today I will share with you my process of using magazine images to create masks and stencils to use in your art journal or scrapbook. 

The first step is to select magazine pages which have a clear silhouette image.

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Cut them out, simplifying hairlines and clothing.  I choose not to include much hair, because I prefer the simplicity and the flexibility of not having it.  You can always paint on a hairdo later if you so choose.

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Once the images have been cut out, center each on a laminating page and laminate.  Then use a craft knife to cut the image out, being sure to preserve a nice edge on both the inner figure (this will be a mask) and the outer piece (which will be a stencil).  If you don’t have a laminater, just use clear contact paper on both sides of your cutouts instead, or trace onto a stencil blank.

 

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Now you are ready to play!

On my example, I painted an overall design on a double page spread of my art journal.  Then I used one of my magazine cut outs and a cartoon like speech bubble as a mask.  I painted blue over the masks and surrounding pages, so that the pattern remains only where the masks were.

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I added a border around the page with one of my own hand cut stamps, and a few embellishments with a pencil end dipped in yellow paint, and marks made in black and white.

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Finally, I did some free writing (random flow of thought) to reflect the idea expressed in this page of being a cheerful and loving and beautiful voice in the world around us.

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Thanks for stopping by, would love to see your ideas!

0 Responses

  1. Kathy Hunter

    Very creative, as usual. I wish your journal class was in Wichita. I’d really like to attend, but not make that drive at night. Great of you to share your talents.

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