Linda Edkins Wyatt: One Stencil Three Ways Challenge

When StencilGirl® columnist Tina Walker suggested a new challenge--using one stencil but creating three very different projects--I was intrigued. We were asked to select only one stencil and use it for a journal spread, a home decor item, and a project of our own choosing. We could not use any other stencils on the project.

The hard part was choosing which stencil from my stash. I needed something that was versatile and distinctive but could translate across three categories. I settled on a small design from the June 2019 exclusive StencilClub collection from June Pfaff Daley called Aboriginal, which was inspired by Aboriginal artwork from Australia. I chose the medium sized stencil, which has traditional marks and patterns.

For the home decor project, I stenciled (and collaged and embossed and painted) an inexpensive wooden picture frame that I picked up at Michael's for $1. First, I covered it with matte medium and layered on recycled turmeric teabags. They have a lovely golden color and give a warm, earthy feeling. Next, I used the Aboriginal 6" x 6" stencil with a fine white embossing powder.

The frame looked pretty good with the golden background and white embossing, but I decided to push the envelope a little and add more to it. I sponged some Distress Ink and Lumiere paints on top and it began to take on a feeling of the ocean. I decided to add a compass stamp to enhance the nautical feel. I stamped them onto deli paper, carefully cut them out, and adhered them with heavy matte medium.

I had intended to put a family photo in the frame, but it didn't look quite right. I found a favorite ATC, combined it with a pretty piece of scrapbook paper, and mounted it on a black background. It was just the right thing for my nautical/Aboriginal frame!

Next up: my journal page. Here's how it developed:

I used strips of Jane Davenport's washi tape for the facial features, then painted in skin color to match.

I added wild hair with Derwent watercolor pencils.

I wanted to use a favorite quote by Maggie Kuhn, and tried a combination of stamped letters and handwritten words.

On the final version, I threw caution to the wind and hand-wrote the quote, making the words FEAR and TRUTH extra large and bold. To fill in the middle, I used watercolor pencils to create swirly lines.

The third project was Artist's Choice so I chose one of my go-to projects: a paper doll. I used a template from Retro Cafe Arts and mix and matched papers, vintage images from The Graphics Fairy, and a stamped face from PaperArtsy designed by Lynne Perrella.

First, I used the stencil on black paper with white embossing powder.

Next, I cut some paper doll parts from it using my template. I gathered up some doll parts that I had already cut and selected some pieces that would go well with the Aboriginal black and white design. I decided to lean toward a black and white doll, but in the end, did use a pop of color on the wings.