Stencil colouring tutorial

Raid that die stash to create custom stencils, then take your designs to the next level by applying your favourite colouring medium

For this technique I have used large patterned dies and added colour either to the die-cut or used the die-cut as a stencil to colour through.

You could use any die for this technique but large patterned dies are great, as when you colour them you can create a number of patterns using different colours. To colour the die-cuts or colour through the stencils I have used Spectrum Noir ColourBlend Pencils. These are a high pigment pencil and the colours will blend easily.

If you wish to colour the die-cut, as in the ‘Happy birthday’ and ‘Hello’ cards, use a good quality cardstock to die-cut from. This ensures that when you add the coloured pencils the colour goes on smoothly and will blend well. Once the die-cut is coloured, mount onto a dark card blank to make the colours stand out.

To use the die-cut as a stencil cut from a thin white cardstock and spray the back of the stencil with repositionable adhesive – this will hold all areas of the stencil in place. Place the stencil over a dark colour card blank and use the pencils to colour through all of the openings. For a more intense colour, try applying a layer of white pigment ink over the stencil before colouring. When applying the ink dab the inkpad over the stencil – do not rub the ink over the card as it may go under the stencil. Remove the stencil and heat the ink to dry. You can then colour over the white ink carefully without replacing the stencil.

When colouring either the die-cut or through the stencils, think about how you will colour to create a pattern or areas of interest within the die-cut. You can use just one method of adding the colour or you can use the different methods together on smaller areas for your design. I hope this inspires you to use your die-cuts in a different way!

Die-cut a shell trellis from thin white cardstock and spray the back with temporary adhesive, then trim a dark blue 6x11cm panel and snip into a banner at one end. Place the die-cut stencil over the panel

Tap the white inkpad over the stencil to cover the blue cardstock then remove the stencil and heat the ink to dry

Colour over the white ink with pencils, creating a diagonal pattern using shades of red and yellow pencils

Die-cut a shell trellis from white cardstock and spray the back with temporary adhesive. Cut yellow cardstock into panels measuring 5x9cm and 4x13cm and snip into banners as before. Place the die-cut stencil over one piece

Colour through the stencil with pencils creating a diagonal pattern, then remove the stencil and place over the second piece

Colour through the stencil again, creating a diagonal pattern with different colours