How to Select Scrapbook Stencils
Stencils are pre-cut shapes and pictures that allow you to draw like a pro with little effort. They are also great for inspiring creativity and spawning new ideas. For scrapbookers, stencils are an invaluable artistic aid. Learn how to select scrapbook stencils today.
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Things You'll Need
- Stiff, acid-free paper
- Sharp scissors
- Books or magazines
- Acid-free construction paper
- Pencil or dark-colored acid-free pen
- Acid-free tape or gum adhesive
Instructions
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Select Great Stencils for Your Scrapbook
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Select letter stencils to spell out page titles, messages and random words. You can color in the letters later. Try varying the color of each letter for added dramatic effect.
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Choose stencils that match the theme of your scrapbook. For example, a spring-themed scrapbook may incorporate flower, tree and honey bee stencil drawings.
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Pick out stencils that are the appropriate size for your scrapbook pages. Plan out and measure how much space you will devote to various elements on the page, and select your stencils accordingly.
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Know where to look for stencils. Most craft stores and scrapbooking supply stores will have them. You can also purchase scrapbook stencils from Scrapbooksupercenter.com (see Resources below).
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Download stencils from the Internet. You can find plenty of free stencils online. After you download them, print them out onto stiff, acid-free paper, and then cut them out using sharp scissors. Free stencil downloads can be found at Brainy Betty (see Resources below).
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Make your own stencils. Trace shapes and pictures from books and magazines onto construction paper or simply draw your own design. Use a pencil or dark-colored acid-free pen to draw or use sharp scissors to cut out the shapes.
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Get a quality adhesive. When you use your stencils, you may want to secure them in place so they don't move while you are tracing them. A bit of acid-free tape or gum adhesive applied to the edges will do the trick and will be easy to remove without damaging the stencil or your scrapbook when you're done.
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Tips & Warnings
You don't have to always trace the outline of your stencil and color it in later. You can forego that black line and just fill the stencil space in with color right onto your scrapbook page.
Try tracing a stencil design over half of an identical stencil design for a unique, almost three-dimensional look. Coloring each individual stencil a different color enhances this effect.
