Hi there, it's Therese, and I'm back with another edition of Take 2 with Therese! Today, I'm sharing 2 different techniques to step-up your layering stencils!

Let's STEP-UP Those Stencils!

Stencils have become a popular way to ‘color'. They are very easy to use, it's a fast way to create and add color quickly and they are affordable. And, if you are not a confident colorist with mediums such as pencils, paints and alcohol markers, they are a fantastic option for a polished result!

Fast forward to layering stencils, such as these beautiful Romantic Roses, these give us many opportunities to build on the original design. Let me show you how you can Step-It-Up with these 2 very easy techniques, are you ready?

Technique #1: Miss a Layer

This is one of my favorite ways to quickly change up the final look of a layered stencil, and it's simply to ‘miss a stencil layer'.  Usually it is the very first or background layer that I miss, but depending on the image, you could certainly try changing this up.
Simply start ink blending with the second layer of the image. You can either start with the lightest ink color or be bold and start with a darker version.  These roses here are colored with the Blushberry Bliss and Jade Dreams ink bundles.

BONUS IDEA: This technique can also be used with a layering stencil, which also has a coordinating stamped image, in some ways this is easier because the stamp can be the guide to start on the second stencil layer.

For some reason, I always feel like this gives a image a more ‘modern' look. So I kept the card very clean and simple and added a scripty sentiment from the Fresh Cut Roses Stamp Set.

Technique #2: Pencil Shading

Don't freak out… because, even if you are not a confident colorist, this EASY technique can be done by anyone!

Ink blend the layered image as you normally would. Then, look at where the shadows and base of the petals would be (it's in those nooks and crannies, where the darker colors of ink were laid down). Choose a pencil that is slightly darker and draw a little color into these corners. I like to try and make it a bit darker at the base of the petal and then use a lighter touch on the pencil and blend it out a little as I draw/shade higher up the petal.

But, you can start small, and as your confidence grows, you might find that you will grab a couple of colors and even darker ones… such as the ‘Jet Black' that I used on the darker rose.

The best thing is that you can use any pencils that you have, I used Woodless Watercolor Pencils, but did not add any water, I like the way that they kind of give a rougher textured finish.

I heat embossed a sentiment from the Rainforest Leaves Wreath Builder Stamp Set and die cut it with one of the Halftone Circles Nesting Dies.

How to Step-Up Layered Stencils 2 Ways!

Watch the video tutorial below to see how I made these cards. Click here to watch it in HD on YouTube.

I hope you are inspired to create using a Layered Stencil with one of these techniques on your next project! If you do, don't forget to share them on social media with me, I'd love to see what you make!

Have fun crafting!

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