Dreamweaver Stencils

Dreamweaver Stencil Class Results

I was fortunate enough to attend a Dreamweaver Stencil class at my LSS, Altered Art Addicts, this weekend.  The class was taught by Dreamweaver Stencil's very talented design team member, Laura Drahozal (click here for her wonderful blog).  The cards you see above were the results of my interpretations of the techniques taught by Laura.  One wonderful class.  That's all it took...I was HOOKED!  

I had purchased stencils before....quite a few actually.  But was never really "into" how they were used.  That all changed yesterday.  I learned several new techniques that have converted me.

This first one is done with alcohol inks on thin metal sheets.  The stencil is used to emboss the image in a die cut machine (Cuttlebug, Sizzix, and the like) and then you blend alcohol inks onto the metal, sand, and mount.  Easy-peasy and what a delicious result!

This next card is done by machine embossing the stencil onto multiple colored sheets of the metal, then cutting strips and "reassembling" the design.  Then it was sanded, trimmed and mounted.  This technique took a little longer but the result was beautiful!

The next one was a very fun technique using the stencil with the Dreamweaver Embossing Paste.  The stencil was placed on acetate and the paste applied (reminded me of spackling the walls, lol).  It was then glittered with fine glitter.  Then the alcohol inks were applied to the reverse side of the acetate.  I love how gorgeous this turned out!  The marbling of the alcohol inks on the background really stand out and look amazing!

But this one, by far, was my favorite!!!!  It's like "painting" with glitter!  Who doesn't love glitter!  It's shiny and twinkly and mystical!  You begin by using two sided sticky paper and placing your stencil on it.  Then by using tiny bits of glitter (a little goes a really long way) you sprinkle and blend the different areas with your chosen colors.  Then you remove the stencil and cover the remainder of the design with the white glitter.  The picture doesn't even do it justice.  

So after the class was finished, naturally I had to add some supplies to my already obnoxious craft collection.  Loaded with some metal sheets and two-sided sticky paper, some new colors of glitter, a new stencil, a couple of neat Dreamweaver tools, and a newfound sense of craft divaness (is divaness a word?), I headed home to my "craproom" as my granddaughter calls it, and spread all my new "stuff" all over so I could play...er, create.  A short time later, Voila!

I am in LOVE with the results!  Granted, I am not doing this card for EVERYONE on my mailing list cuz, well, I just don't have that kind of time available (I have to work for a living...my family likes food and a roof over their head and I like to be able to buy my toys...er, tools...).  But there are a few special ones who will receive this labor of love.  Just look at this closeup of the finer details..... ooooh....aaaaah.  

So if you get the notion to check out these amazing stencils, I highly suggest you visit these links: Dreamweaver Stencils and Remembering Life's Moments.  You will find lots of inspiration, ideas and instructions.  I would love to see what you come up with!

Happy Crafting!