From Index card to Stencil!   I try my hardest to make my craft supplies out of things I already have around the house. I would love to go to a craft store and buy things off the shelf but I rarely have the extra cash, and there is nothing like making your own supplies.  I have been really into Journal Art lately and was in need of some fun stencils. I also had a huge stack of index cards someone gave me. I use the really big ones, but of course any size will work.

Let’s get started!

Gather your materials:

• Index Cards
• Mod Podge (optional)
• exact o knife or sharp scissors
• Image

When I started using index cards for stencils I did not Mod Podge them, I just cut out the pattern. I decided to try the Mod Podge to see if it would make a difference. Here we go, lets make a stencil.

Brush the index card with Modge Podge and let dry. (This step is not necessary, but it’s quick will make your stencil bead up extra ink rather than absorbing it)

       

Once completely dry,  trace an image with carbon paper or draw the image directly onto the card.

  

Using either a very sharp fine pointed scissor or a exact o knife, carefully cut out your image.  If you are really careful, you should have a positive and negative to use.

Ready to use.

I have been using this method for a while now, I mostly use my stencils with ink sprays, acrylics, gesso, markers,and paint daubers. After each use I let dry before I put away ( I keep them in a plastic sleeve).  So far they have all held up.  What do you think? I would love to hear from you.

Ok crafters, lets get Journaling!!