Everywhere we look we find stencils. Stencils made of cardboard, metal, and plastic. Did you know you could even make your own? Take an empty milk carton for instance and cut out one flat side. Use either a pair of scissors or an exacto knife to cut different shapes and images into the plastic. This “negative” image can then be placed onto your paper media of preference and then ink or acrylic paint applied.

In this prompt, I would like for you all to play with stencils. Today, I did a watercolor wash for my background. I then used, believe it or not, a paper pad from Michaels I found on sale.  In this paper pad, all of the sheets have been laser etched. I used one of these sheets for my stencil pattern.

 I wrapped my finger in a paper towel and dipped it onto an ink pad. I then rubbed the tip  of my finger over the stencil while holding it in place.
 This is what it looks like. Then I did the same with two more ink pad colors.

        I stamped on some flowers and a todo list lined grid.

       I colored in the flowers with colored pencils and added what I did today to the lined grid. This helps to remind me what a great day I had.

This is super simple and can be done quickly even if you are short on time. Take a look around your home, what shapes do you see that you might be able to incorporate into your project? The corner of a box? Drawn circles around the rim of a bowl or glass? The end of the cardboard tube from aluminum foil dipped in paint? Loads of possibilities, and you are only limited by your imagination.

Happy art journaling!