Making your own stencils using dies is simple and they can be made quickly with supplies you already have. You can make a stencil using a material called Mylar which is made specifically for cutting your own stencils, or you can simply cut them from cardstock.

If you use Mylar to create a stencil it may take a few passes through your die-cutting machine to get a complete cut, but you will then have a stencil that can be used over and over. I have used standard cardstock here to cut the stencils as this is quick, easy to cut and readily available! Cardstock stencils used for sponging ink can be used more than once and will give a nice crisp image.

Which kind of dies should you use?

Large background dies are the obvious choice to use to make a stencil, but you could use a smaller die and cut into a piece of cardstock a few times to create a unique pattern. You can also cut a smaller die and use the smaller stencil a few times to build a design such as the leaves in the ‘Just to say’ card.

When you have die-cut the stencil and trimmed a piece of cardstock to stencil onto, place the die-cut over the cardstock and hold it in place with low-tack tape. You could also spray the back of the stencil with a repositionable adhesive to prevent it from moving.

For these cards I have sponged ink through the stencils to give a lovely soft effect and you only need a few embellishments and a sentiment to complete the cards. You could use other mediums such a stencil paste with a cardstock stencil – you just won’t be able to re-use it! Have a look which dies in your stash would make a stencil and have a go.

How to make a stencil from a die

1

Die-cut a piece of cardstock larger than the die to use as the stencil. Tape it in place over the cardstock you wish to stencil

2

Start by sponging Spun Sugar Distress Ink through part of the stencil, then sponge Tumbled Glass Distress Ink through the stencil, working across the die-cut piece and blending with the first colour a little

3

Finish the stencilling with Shabby Shutters Distress Ink, again blending a little with the previous colour

4

Move the die-cut stencil to the opposite corner and repeat steps 2 to 4.

5

Use the stencil to add a smaller part of the design to the last two corners