How To: Ink Lifting with Stencils

Sometimes we want a stenciled background, but not a bold one. Something nice and subtle, and maybe a bit watercolory. This technique is just the ticket! It also gives extra movement and interest to watercolored backgrounds when used in a selective way…

supplies for ink lifting with stencils

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.

• inked backgrounds (with any water based ink such as Oxides, dye inks, ink sprays or watercolors)
• water spray bottle
• stencils
• large acrylic block (optional)
• paper towel or dry cloth towel
• heat tool (optional)

Looking for more specials and deals from your favorite craft stores?
Check out my Crafty Sales page – UPDATED DAILY!

steps to ink lifting with stencils

1. Create background panels with water-based inks like Distress Oxides, dye inks, ink sprays or watercolors. Alternately, grab some previously made panels from the scraps bin.
2. Spray a stencil with water.
3. Flip the stencil and place it on the prepared background panel, water side down.
4. (Optional) Place an acrylic block over the stencil and panel to help achieve better stencil-to-paper contact.
5. Wait a minute or two.
6. Remove block and stencil carefully.
7. Use a paper towel or dry towel to remove any excess water.
8. Heat set or allow the panel to air dry.

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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!