Spoon fed (stencil fun)

I had a chance to play with some spray paint on Saturday before the clouds opened up and chased me indoors. My goal was to use whatever I could get my hands on and make a few pieces of stencil art. I intended to do this during April, since all of the materials are recycled, upcycled, or found. Sadly, the month got away from me before I could play.


I was a bit ambitious about my supply list. Here is what I intended to play with:

Substrate that included
used file folders
brown paper bags
newspaper pages

Stencils that included
a paper plate
spoons
chopsticks
punchinella (sequin waste)
lace
plastic doilies
clothes pins
purchased alphabet and numbers stencils

Spray paint from the Household Hazardous Waste Swap and Shop


I began by laying 5 used file folders on newspapers to protect my weeds grass. I sprayed the first color directly on the file folders, hoping to cover any markings and names from their previous life. I allowed them to dry. I show the colors I used next to each file folder.

The middle file folder shows step 2. I laid the lace directly on top of the now dry first color and sprayed a contrasting color (in the above case, a pinkish red).


When the second layer was dry, I determined a design I liked and laid out the pieces to be sprayed. Note the spoons are those I recently added to a chiminea fire. If I ever use a spoon as a stencil again, it will be plastic and disposable.


You know the adage that practice makes perfect? I suspect I need a lot more practice before I can call this technique even good. But, I had a lot of fun


as you can see from this closeup. Sadly, I barely had time to pick up the spray paint and supplies I was using for stencils (or masks) before I was chased inside by rain, hail, and lightening inclement weather. I have so many ideas for masks and stencils, and have just started experimenting with these.

Before you ask (and I know you want to), I hope to use these as either covers or the inner most pages of a book signature. Actually, five signatures. Which means I'm starting a new project, and hope to have something to show for it soon. Of course, then my friend Scott called and invited me to go to his parents home about 100 miles from Wichita. At this rate, those file folders may be the only thing I'll have to show for awhile. Have a happy Monday everyone.

Today's blog may be known by some. I'm not even sure of the blog owner's name, since the blog is in French and I couldn't find a profile or any personal information. I can tell you, she is part of a digital challenge, but she is also more than that. In addition to digital, she makes some fantastic mixed media pieces and vintage inspired collages. The blog is called L'Univers de The and the blog owner is one super collage, mixed media, and digital artist. I'm sure you'll find this one fun and full of eye candy.