Inside A Makers' Studio
Inside A Makers' Studio
What are Stencils Used for | What are Stencils Made of
February 08, 2023
A Beginner’s Guide to Stencils: Uses, Materials, and Tips
Stencils are a versatile tool used in many different craft projects. But what exactly are stencils? What are they made of? And how can you use them to create beautiful designs? In this beginner’s guide to stencils, we’ll answer all these questions and more. Keep reading to learn all about the uses, materials, and tips for getting started with stencils.
What Are Stencils?
A stencil is a template that you use to trace or transfer an image onto another surface. Stencils come in many shapes and sizes and can be used for a variety of different projects. They are great for creating repeat patterns on walls, fabrics, furniture, glasswork, and much more!
A Makers' Studio Mesh Stencils are thoughtfully designed and patented Tri Mesh adhesive stencils which can be combined with a variety of surfaces to create endlessly customized DIY home décor.
What you'll love:
- Create beautiful stenciled words and imagery for any occasion!
- Use over and over again on almost any surface and with almost any finish, from One Step Paint to ChalkArt and even gilding.
- New and improved design features stronger adhesive, easier cleaning, and simpler transfer between different surfaces.
Grab your favorite stencil designs and start adding artistic elements to your furniture and accents without any drawing or painting skills!
Check out all the A Makers' Studio Mesh Stencil designs here!
What Are Stencils Used For?
Stencils have many uses, from art projects to decorating your home. Here are some of the most popular uses for stencils:
- Wall decoration – Use stencils to paint unique designs on your walls! You can also use them to create wallpaper-like effects.
- Furniture painting – Add some personality to your furniture by using stencil patterns when painting or staining it.
- Fabric printing – Use fabric paint and a stencil to design custom t-shirts or bags as gifts or decorations.
- Glass etching – Etch intricate patterns into glassware such as drinking glasses or vases with A Makers' Studio Mesh Stencils and Etching Cream
- Craft projects – Create one-of-a-kind paper crafts, décor, and so much more with the help of a few simple tools and some creativity!
What Are Stencils Made Of?
Most commonly, you will find plastic material used for making stencil templates. These types of stencils are fully cut out for tracing, painting, and other techniques. However, the A Makers' Studio Mesh Stencils are made from mesh fabric which has recently become popular among crafters due its ability to hold finer details which allow for greater accuracy when painting intricate designs. At A Makers' Studio we specialize in high quality tri mesh technology because it is more durable than plastic stencil material and can be reused multiple times without losing its shape or accuracy over time. The mesh also allows the finest and most intricate details when applying to a project with paint or other mediums. That makes it perfect for DIYers who want precise results that last longer!
Tips For Getting Started With Stencils
If you’re just starting out crafting with stencils here are some helpful tips:
- Choose the right stencil – Consider which stencil will best suit your project before investing in any supplies; plastic open cut stencils might be better suited if you need something for tracing or drawing, whereas mesh may be better if you need something reusable and made for intricate painted designs.
- Cut carefully – Be sure that when cutting out the design from your chosen stencil that it is cut accurately so that you have enough room to paint around the edges (you may always use painter's tape around
- Clean up quickly – Once you peel the stencil from your painted design, remember to immediately clean off any residue left behind as soon as possible so that it does not dry onto the mesh itself which could make future use difficult (or impossible!). View our guidelines for stencil care here.
- Practice first – If this is your first time using a particular type of template then practice on scrap paper before trying out your new design on any expensive surfaces; this way you can get used to how the process works without having too much at stake!
Get Quality Stencils at A Makers' Studio
Now that you know all about what they are and what they can do - why not try out making something yourself? At A Makers' Studio we provide quality mesh fabric stencils perfect for starting up on any craft project - no matter how small or large! Plus our stencils come in various themes so there's always something new waiting around every corner!
Whether you’re an experienced crafter looking for new materials or someone just getting started - this beginner guide should help make crafting that much easier. Remember though - practice makes perfect so don't forget to take advantage of the opportunity to try out your designs on paper before investing starting your project! Get creative today with our top quality Mesh Stencils at A Makers' Studio!
Take a look at some of these most popular themed Mesh Stencils to get started making your very own projects!
See why other crafters love our Mesh Stencils and the variety of projects that can be made with them. Join our community on the Crafting a Beautiful Life Facebook page to share project photos, get inspired, and get tips and tricks from fellow crafters.
We can't wait to see how you start Crafting Your Beautiful Life!
How to Make Stencil Art Easily | A Makers' Studio
January 26, 2023
In this quick guide, you’ll learn how to make stencil art easily. Your DIY projects are about to get more simple and more fun when you discover this new form of art!
The A Makers' Studio Mesh Stencils make it extremely easy to create stencil art designs with no skill or drawing experience needed. Check out our collection of Mesh Stencils!
Never heard of stencil art? Let us answer your questions and show you how to start!
What Exactly is Stencil Art?
Stencil art is the process of crafting art by using mediums such as paints with the method of stenciling. Never heard of stenciling or Mesh Stencils? The A Makers' Studio Mesh Stencils are thoughtfully designed and patented with Tri Mesh adhesive technology that can be combined with a variety of surfaces to create endlessly customized DIY home décor. You don't need any painting skills or crafting experience to be able to use them and create finely detailed Stencil art.
What you'll love:
- Create beautiful stenciled words and imagery for any occasion!
- Use over and over again on almost any surface and with almost any finish, from One Step Paint to ChalkArt and even gilding.
- New and improved design features stronger adhesive, easier cleaning, and simpler transfer between different surfaces.
Grab your favorite stencil designs and start adding artistic elements to your furniture and accents without any drawing or painting skills!
Why You Should Learn Stencil Art
Making stencil art is extremely easy. If you're not an experienced crafter or don't have time to devote to crafting, then you will love the technique of making stencil art. If you've never done this technique before using Mesh Stencils, then you will be amazed at how easy and fun it is. You don't need to invest a lot of time before being able to make your own stencil art crafts on almost any surface.
What You Need for Making Stencil Art
All you need to create your own stencil art is the following:
- Mesh Stencil of choice - View Mesh Stencils
- Paint - like our Gel Art Inks or ChalkArt
- Tool - like our Artist Brush, ChalkArt Spreader, or Squeegees
It's never been easier to stencil than with our tri-mesh technology which allows you to create fine details and designs with ease and no experience needed!
How to Make Stencil Art: Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Your First Project
Step 1
Gather Your Supplies
Choose your Mesh Stencil based on what you want your stencil art to look like and what surface you're using. We used the following products for this specific project:
- World Map - Mesh Stencil 18x12
- Hush Your Mouth (blue) - Gel Art Ink
- Can't Never Could (black) - Gel Art Ink
- Metallic Copper - Gel Art Ink
- Angled Squeegee
- Artist Brush
- 18x12 Art Paper
Want to do this same World Map Project? Get all the products in one bundle right here!
Step 2
Place Your Stencil
With your 18x12 paper or chosen surface ready, take your chosen Mesh Stencil, remove it from the clear plastic package, and then remove the white backing. Place your Stencil onto the paper or surface, making sure it is centered and rubbed down firmly with no gaps or bubbles. It is easy to lift the Stencil up to reposition if needed!
Step 3
Paint
Using a ChalkArt Spreader, Squeegee, or Artist Brush, apply the Hush Your Mouth (blue) Gel Art Ink all over the Stencil. You will smooth the paint over the design, pushing the paint through the mesh of the Stencil. Gel Art Ink goes a long way, so you won't need much to complete your design. Start with a little Gel Art Ink and add as needed.
Step 4
Enjoy!
Once the Stencil is completely covered with Ink, pull the stencil carefully away from the paper or surface to reveal the intricate design you've just made!
TIP: Immediately wash your Stencil under warm water, massaging the paint out of the mesh in circular motions with your fingertips. Once all of the paint is out of the mesh, place adhesive side up to air dry. Once fully dry, reattach the Stencil to the white backing and place in the clear packaging it came with to store for future use!
BONUS: Want to take your Stencil art to the next level? Antique your surface with the following steps before placing your Mesh Stencil design.
1. In a container, mix a small amount of Can't Never Could (black) Gel Art Ink and Metallic Copper Gel Art Ink with a small amount of water to create a custom watercolor.
2. Using the Artist Brush, apply the mixed watercolor to your paper as desired. You may highlight certain areas or make it even along the page. This is an antiqued look and the Stencil design will be going on top, so don't worry about it being perfect!
3. If desired, take the Artist Brush and use it to flick paint onto the paper creating speckles and dots to create a more naturally aged look.
4. Let the paper dry completely before adding the Mesh Stencil design and finishing the Stencil art.
Wrapping Up Our Guide on How to Make Stencil Art
The possibilities are endless using this Stencil art technique. You can make any design imaginable on almost any surface. You can keep it simple, or you can add a few steps and make a more complex piece of Stencil art.
Check out what else we created using the World Map Mesh Stencil!
Take a look at some of these most popular themed Mesh Stencils to get started making your very own Stencil art!
Want to Enjoy the Bragging Rights? Join our community on the Crafting a Beautiful Life Facebook page to share project photos, get inspired, and get tips and tricks from fellow crafters.
We can't wait to see how you start Crafting Your Beautiful Life!
Valentine's Treat Bags
January 06, 2023
The holiday of love is right around the corner, and we have the cutest craft for those sweethearts in your life! Join us as we craft some Valentine's treat bags using just a few supplies.
Products needed:
- Your favorite Valentine's Mesh Stencil (we used Love Love Love)
- Bless His Heart - Gel Art Ink (red)
- Pretty as a Picture - Gel Art Ink (pink)
- Can't Never Could - Gel Art Ink (black)
- Artist Brush
- ChalkArt Spreader
Other supplies:
- Small canvas or cloth bags
- Small container
- Water
Step 1
Add a small amount of the red and pink Gel Art Ink to separate containers and add 4-5 drops of water to each. Mix with the Artist Brush.
Step 2
Take the Artist Brush and paint the bottom most section of the canvas or cloth bag using the red Bless His Heart Gel Art Ink. You may be as detailed or imprecise as you'd like!
Now use the pink Pretty as a Picture Gel Art Ink to paint the top part of the bag leaving a space in the middle between the pink and red.
Now that you've painted the red and pink sections, add a drop of Bless His Heart (red) to the container of Pretty as a Picture (pink) and mix well to create a color between the two shades. Paint the blank middle of the bag, blending the sections desired to create an ombre effect.
Step 3
Take the Love Love Love Mesh Stencil (or your chosen design), and cut out the part you'd like to use on the bag. Peel the black mesh off of the white backing and place on the bag in the desired spot. Be sure to burnish (rub) the stencil well so it adheres to the bag in all areas.
Step 4
Using the ChalkArt Spreader, apply the Can't Never Could (black) Gel Art Ink in a sweeping downward motion, pushing the ink through the mesh. Be sure to keep your ink on top of the stencil.
Tip: You may place painter's tape around the adhered stencil to keep from going outside the lines!
Peel away the the stencil to reveal your detailed Valentine design!
Tip: Be sure to immediately wash your Mesh Stencils, rubbing the ink out of the mesh under running water and leaving to air dry sticky side up!
Repeat as desired for each of your bags. Get creative and think outside the box!
Finally
Stuff with candy or fun little notes, and enjoy handing out your custom treat bags to all your Valentines!
Check out all of our Valentine's and love themed Mesh Stencils and get to crafting here!
Want to watch the video? Amy and Michelle made their own Valentine's bags and you can follow along with them!
DIY Inspirational Shirt | Using Mesh Stencils
December 30, 2022
Imagine inspiring someone's life to be better just by going about your day with a great message printed on what you're wearing.
With a few tools from A Maker's Studio, you can do exactly that and turn simple, everyday shirts into joyful and inspiring pieces for everyone to see.
STEP 1: PICK A STENCIL AND A COLOR
Choose a reusable mesh stencil design that you like and a Gel Art Ink color to match.
For this project, we are going to use the Way Maker Mesh Stencil and Hold Your Horses - Gel Art Ink.
STEP 2: PREP YOUR SHIRT
Put a cardboard on the inside of the shirt you are working with.This will help make sure that the paint you are applying on either side of the shirt doesn’t bleed through the other.
STEP 3: APPLY THE STENCIL
Remove its backing to expose the stencil's adhesive side and carefully place it on your shirt.
STEP 4: COLOR IT UP
Squirt some Gel Art Ink along one edge of your spreader. Hold your spreader at a 45-degree angle and spread the ink evenly over your stencil. Make sure that you are pushing the Gel Art Ink adequately through the mesh and onto the shirt.
STEP 5: LET IT DRY
When you're done, gently peel the stencil off and allow the ink on your shirt to air dry for at least two hours.
STEP 6: WASH YOUR STENCIL
Don’t let the ink dry on your stencil. Wash it right after use.
Place your stencil in water and use a clean rag to help wipe the ink off of it.
Then, take your stencil out of the water and lay it on a flat surface with the adhesive side up. Leave the stencil to air dry.
STEP 6: IRON THE PRINT
Place a lint-free rag on top of your design. Go over the rag with an iron for about 5 minutes. The heat is going to help the ink to set.
SOME REMINDERS:
If you get some of the Gel Art Ink on other parts of the shirt where you don't want it, wipe it off with a clean rag before it starts to set.After using your newly designed shirt, turn it inside out and wash it with cool water. Keep it out of the dryer to prevent the design from fading quickly.
If you need to use a dryer, use the cool setting and keep the shirt turned inside out.
Start spreading joy and inspiration today using these products:
Mesh Stencil - Way Maker
https://amakersstudio.com/products/mesh-stencil-way-maker-8-5-x-11
Gel Art Ink - Hold Your Horses
https://amakersstudio.com/products/gel-art-ink-hold-your-horses
DIY - Groovy Tote Bag
October 04, 2022
Get the cutest tote bag look with Lianep from DIY Beauty on Purpose! She'll walk you through how to use and place mesh stencils, choosing placement, and using Chalk Art! We are in love with this cute tote!! 💛
Products Needed:
Additional Supplies:
- Tote Bag
- Scissors
- Masking Tape or Lint Roller
- Towel
- Cup
DIY Burlap Fall Decor (With Mesh Stencils)
September 27, 2022
Shop What She Used:
Additional Supplies:
- 8.5 x 11 Canvas
- Laminated Burlap
- Plaid Ribbon
- Lambs Ear Stem
- Thumb Tacks
- Plastic Plate
- Scissors
- Hot glue gun
- Floral Wire
- Nail
DIY Decorative Plates
September 13, 2022
Looking for a nice little touch to make your dining room table decor stand out? A'Makers Studio's got you covered! What better statement piece than DIY decorative plates. It is sure to grab your guests eyes! Take a look below to find out how to make your own!
Products Needed:
- Birds and Buttercup- Mesh Stencil
- Ceramic Paint - Smoke gets in my Eyes
- Angled Squeegee
- Gilding Size
- Your Choice of Leaf (we used Gold Leaf)
- Artist Brush (or any small paint brush)
- Chip Brush (or any medium sized paint brush)
Fun Fall DIY
September 09, 2022
The perfect cutting board for the upcoming FALL season. This stencil will create a fabulous background on any surface. Watch Lianep from DIY Beauty on Purpose as she takes you step by step on this fun DIY decor!
Products Needed:
Additional Supplies:
- Masking Tape
- Scissors
HOW TO
How To: Wood Block Pumpkins
August 23, 2022 2 Comments
It's (almost) fall y'all! We have fabulous new Mesh Stencil designs dropping for the season. Watch Lianep from DIY Beauty on Purpose use the NEW Birds and Buttercups Mesh Stencil to create wooden fall décor pieces. Don't miss it; we can't wait to see what you make!
Shop What She Used:
- Birds and Buttercups - Mesh Stencil
- Angled Squeegee
- English Boxwood - One Step Paint
- Midnight Dreams - One Step Paint
- Ballet White - One Step Paint
- Well I Declare - Gel Art Ink
Additional Supplies:
- Wood Blocks
- Short Wood Branches (for pumpkin stems)
- Jute or Twine
- Fall Leaves (fake or real)
HOW TO
For more fun tutorials and products, visit our blog at A Makers' Studio.com!
Floral Gilded Mirror
August 11, 2022
This DIY takes a plain or thrifted mirror and turns it into your favorite piece of décor. Decorate your home with custom pieces made yourself with just a few products from A Makers' Studio. Whether you enjoy a sleek modern look or an antique vintage vibe, our new line of Decorate Molds are a must have.
Products Needed:
- Acrylic Glacier Resin Bundle
- Your Choice of Decorative Mold (we used My Flower Garden and Rose Garden)
- Gilding Size
- Your Choice of Leaf (we used Gold Leaf)
- Resin Measuring Cup (or any disposable cup on hand)
- Artist Brush (or any small paint brush)
- Chip Brush (or any medium sized paint brush)
- Light and Dark Wax (optional to antique)
Step 1
To make your final piece more flexible (if applying to curved surfaces), simply pour in your mixture of 60% resin with 40% hardener and mix well for 3 minutes. Pour into the mold and allow to dry overnight. Pop out your design and apply with super glue to your frame, furniture, or decorative object.
The recipe to make the resin very hard and inflexible would be a 1:1 ratio of resin and hardener. Measure to ensure exact mixing ratios. Your working time is 20 minutes once mixed. Your gel time is 30 minutes. Allow the surface to dry for 6-9 hours. For crafting, your through dry time is 10-14 hours. We recommend letting it cure overnight.
If you prefer using air dry clay in lieu of resin, you will notice some shrinkage and cracking. Be aware that air dry clay will not give you the detail that you can get with Resin.
Pour mixture into your choice of Decorative Mold and let cure overnight. Pop out of the mold once hardened.
Custom Earrings With Decorative Molds
July 15, 2022 1 Comment
This is your new DIY best friend! Say hello to your new obsession... There is so much you can do with our new product. Carefully designed for you, you can make custom detailed accents, hardware, jewelry, and so much more! Scroll below to see how we made custom earrings with our new favorite DIY accessory..
Amy Howard at Home Decorative Molds are perfect to use with the Acrylic Glacier Resin to create your own custom embellishments and raised decoration on your furniture pieces. Our silicone molds have a natural release and do not stick.
The detail on our molds will be quite exquisite due to the depth in each. You can use these molds over and over again
Shop Our NEW Line Here
Acrylic Glacier Resin + Fondant Molds = match made in heaven!
Let Us Show You How To Make Custom Earrings
Our NEW Decorative Molds pair wonderfully with our Acrylic Glacier Resin and Hardener mixture. The options are truly endless with 21 different Molds to choose from!
Step One
To make your final piece more flexible so as to apply to curved surfaces, simply pour in your mixture of 60% resin with 40% hardener and mix well for 3 minutes. Pour into the mold and allow to dry overnight. Pop out your design and apply with super glue to your frame, furniture, or decorative object.
The recipe to make the resin very hard and inflexible would be a 1:1 ratio of resin and hardener. Measure to ensure exact mixing ratios. Your working time is 20 minutes once mixed. Your gel time is 30 minutes. Allow the surface to dry for 6-9 hours. For crafting, your through dry time is 10-14 hours. We recommend letting it cure overnight.
If you prefer using air dry clay in lieu of resin, you will notice some shrinkage and cracking. Be aware that air dry clay will not give you the detail that you can get with Resin.
Shop Our Acrylic Glacier Resin Bundle Here
Step Two
Pour Mixture Into Your Choice Of Decorative Mold And Let Cure Overnight
Step Three
Pop Out Your Design Then Apply Gilding Size. Simply Apply Gilding Size With An Artist Brush And Let The Solution Become Tacky (not completely dry) Before Starting Step Four
Step Four
Apply Sterling Silver Leaf Over Entire Surface Area. The Silver Leaf Will Cling To The Gilding Size. Then, Brush Off Excess With An Artist Brush.
Step Five
Attach Jewelry Hardware And You're Done! You Have The Cutest Custom Earrings That You Can Gift Or Keep For Yourself!
What Will You Create?
A DIY Baby Shower of Your Dreams
June 17, 2022 1 Comment
One of the many things that brings me the greatest joy is entertaining in my home. Special moments like weddings, baby showers, Christmas, egg hunts for Easter, holidays, etc. are opportunities to bring our home to life.
When our son and daughter-in-love shared with us that they were expecting, we wanted to host a shower for her. My daughter Brooke, my dearest friend Karen and Carol, a dear friend of Lee’s, were my co-hosts.
I wanted to create a shower that the ladies could make gifts with their hands and give them to Lee as a gift at the end of the shower. That would also create fun and excitement for the attendees. I loved seeing their creativity come to life and even laughing at their happy mistakes. It was all about the fun and making friends while honoring Lee and celebrating the upcoming arrival of Neff (named after my dad!).
I was determined to make all of the food from scratch and not use a caterer. It is more of a labor of love cooking and preparing for events like this. I am grateful to have a husband who loves cleaning the kitchen. My love of cooking and his love of cleaning have been such a blessing.
Carol Martin hand made all of the flower arrangements as well as the flower wreaths for the front door. It was a beautiful Spring Saturday and we started around 10 am. We invited the ladies into the kitchen to start their crafts and making their onesie. Janet flew all the way in from North Carolina to be a part. She has such a gift of serving others. You can see it on her face that it brings her immense joy. She was sharing with the ladies and showing them how to use the inks, stencils and tools. It was so cute to hear them squeal, being a little scared of messing up and then being so happy and proud at their creations. Everyone was having so much fun creating that I had to stop them to move on to get their food. We had lots of fresh fruit with yogurt, veggies, a sausage egg casserole, onion dip, a beautiful cake from Frost, chicken and biscuits etc.. I tried to keep everything somewhat brunch finger food.
We proceeded to go into the family room and I shared with the ladies that love giving a blessing over a mom-to-be; to give her a pearl of wisdom/advice on something you wish someone had shared with you with your first child. I always cry with these. It is such a sweet thing to speak into a young momma’s life about how to raise her children and not make your same mistakes.
Karen had so many cute games that we enjoyed while Lee was opening her gifts. I loved that she had gotten these adorable children’s books as gifts, that we were to write words of encouragement, words of wisdom or a favorite verse. Such a sweet idea. We also all filled out cards of advice to put together in a book for her.
All of the guests were so generous in their giving and Lee was thrilled and excited. We all lined up in the entry to get photos and loved on her. My heart was so full. What a beautiful day it was. The excitement of the baby to come and celebrating the gift of life was such a blessing.
Hugs,
Amy