It’s time for prompt 8 of the Stencilfied Journal project. This prompt call on us to stencil with glue. Now you might be wondering which glue to use. Technically, you could use gel medium. A lot of artists choose to use it as a glue when they collage. If you are a crafter, you probably have a lot of different glues in your supply stash, each of which has a very specific job. I could have reached for wood glue, enamel glue, super glue or a variety of other glues. Instead, I went cheap. I grabbed a bottle of ordinary school glue. The type of glue most primary school children start out using when they first venture into the craft realm. There is also the bonus that this is a safe glue without fumes or risk of gluing my fingers together( or gluing the stencil to the page).
3 Things to Keep in Mind When you Stencil with Glue
Stenciling with glue isn’t hard but there are a few things to remember, especially if you are using cheap school glue.
- Always wash your stencil immediately after using it. You don’t want to try to deal with dried on glue later and you also don’t want to risk damaging your stencil. Sometimes the glue can cover up small holes in the design. Use warm water and a little liquid dish soap to clean it up.
- Allow plenty of time to dry. You are more likely to have a thick coat of glue in your stenciled design. It takes time to let it dry properly. Set it in a safe spot and go wash up your stencil while you wait.
- Some glues( like school glue) are water soluble. This means some mediums can activate it again. Work slowly and in small sections. If the glue becomes gummy, stop working and allow it to dry a bit before you continue.
You can see these tips in action( minus the washing up bit) in my latest process video.
Thoughts Upside Down and Right Side up, an art journal page by Christy Strickler for #theStencilfiedJournal project |Supplies Mediums: Acrylic Paint, Ink, Inktense Pencils; Stencilgirl® Stencils: Rose Window and Border Stencil, Art Deco Borders and Circular Patterns for Play
Overall, I like the textured effects that I was able to achieve while stenciling with the school glue. I probably could have achieved a similar effect with other mediums from my stash. Challenging yourself to use a traditional tool or supply in a nontraditional way will often stimulate new ideas. I am rethinking the role that school glue will play in my stash. At the least, it’s nice to know that I have another item in my supplies with multiple uses.
Now it’s your turn to play with the prompt! For inspiration, check out Tina Walker’s blog or search for #thestencilfiedjournal on social media. After you create your project, be sure to link it up in the comments below.
