Stencilled backgrounds.

 In the ten years I have been writing this blog, I don't think I have ever done a card using stencils.  Stencils have always been my nemesis. I think that's because they always seem to move as I apply the ink. It doesn't seem to matter how well I secure them down, they still manage to move. So I gave up on them... 

until now that is. I was wandering round the Range looking for envelopes, yellow beads and A3 heavy white card. Well I didn't find any of the items on my list but I did spot some small packs of  animal print stencils and a pack of  spots and stripes.   Going against my better judgement, I decided to give them a shot. Well they were only  £1.00 a pack, so I didn't have much to lose if I couldn't get on with them. After playing with these stencils I have come to the conclusion my problem has been my stencils   are mainly  narrow stripes  and very large stencils,  making them very flexible. Too flexible for my heavy handedness. 

 I was delighted with the out come using the giraffe print.  So much so I just had to combine it with the giraffe stamp  on the card below.  It also works well when used with stone colour inks to create a stone wall. As on the header card with the grapes on. I have tried the others stencils in the packs and found the animal prints and spots are easy to work with too, but the straight and diagonal stripy ones are still an issue for me. I  haven't won the battle  with stencils completely. But I am happy with what I have achieved so far.