I love using stencils! I love everything about them, from picking them out, picking out my blending tools, my inks, putting ink on the stencil – everything except for the stencil moving. Even just the smallest shift can take a piece of cardstock from stunning to trash can, right?
And it never happens at the start of the stenciling, it's always at the end!
There are several ways to keep your stencil from shifting, but the newest on the market is the Stencil & Stamp Tool from Sizzix.
Not only is this a stamp positioner, it's also a stencil positioner – that holds your stencil in TWO ways, making it unique from other solutions.
The platform holds reusable sticky sheets that that hold your card stock in place. And then that little green window looking piece – that's the Stencil Adapter. You put that into position where you want it and then add your Sizzix stencils onto the pegs. It's a very snug fit, so they don't shift!
Not using a Sizzix stencil? No worries, they thought of that too! You can get a 10 pack of Universal Stencil Converters also. You peel off the top piece and stick it to any stencil, and instantly you have holes at the right spacing and a snug fit. AND these converters can be reused many times, so you don't need a ton of them.
Here I am using the Pool Deck layering stencils, but I only chose to use one pattern.
Once you have your awesome stenciled background, you are ready to stamp!
I used the Synchronized Swimmers stamp set and dies for the great stamped accessories of the beach ball, the flippers, and goggles.
These are layering stamps, so I used the Stencil & Stamp tool to line these up perfectly.
The coordinating dies cut out the images.
Then for the circle, the circle frame, and the label die, I used the exclusive stamp set that came in my new Big Shot.
And here is what I made:
It's been over 15 years since I bought a Big Shot. Mine was still working fine, but after me using it thousands of times, and having it at my classes and events since 2008, I decided it was time for a new one.
And WOWSERS! I still can't believe how smooth the new machine is! It die cuts like butter, smooth as can be. Crazy the difference in a new machine. So I have the starter kit that has the machine and these awesome dies.
Main Supplies
Here's a list of the main supplies that I used and my favorite sites to get them from:
Want To See More Ideas?
I certainly hope so since I have more to share! If you missed my other beach card, check it out here. More soon! XOXO, Meg
