If you know me, you know I love stencils! This is a quick technique that will add a level of sophistication and depth to any design. As a bonus, you can do the technique with just one ink, with a light gray ink for a traditional shadow, or with any combination that you like!
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supplies for stencil shadow effects
You don’t need much to achieve great results. In fact, you don’t need anything special! Of course, if you need to do some shopping, I always have supplies linked below and at the end of the post. But, before you shop, be sure to check out my Crafty Sales page for any deals you can take advantage of at your favorite crafting haunts.
- Cardstock (white or colored)
- Stencil
- Ink (Dye inks or pigment inks. Pigment inks are great for dark colored cardstock)
- Blending brush or foam
Looking for more specials and deals from your favorite craft stores?
Check out my Crafty Sales page – UPDATED DAILY!
steps to creating shadows with stencils
- First apply the stencil image in any color, using a light touch. For dark cardstock, pigment or Oxides work well.
- Allow the ink to dry, or heat set it.
- Offset the stencil to create desired drop shadow depth and apply the top layer, applying more ink to create a solid fill, covering the shadow layer of ink.
*Note: Depending on the ink combination used, the bottom layer may still show through, giving the top layer a transparent look. If using dye inks and two colors, the overlapping portion may color shift.
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watch the technique tutorial
My How To tutorial videos are filmed with real-time narration. You can pull out your supplies and follow along because there’s no editing, except for drying time. Pause when you need to, but otherwise, get ready and create right along with me!
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