Do you like to add a little texture to your paper craft projects? I do. I think it gives a project more depth and interest. Plus it’s fun to get your hands a little messy once in a while! Today I’m going to show you an easy way to add texture to any project using the new Echo Park Designer 6×6 Stencils, and some Craft Medium by Imagine Crafts.
I used this technique on a scrapbook page, but you could do the same thing on a card, mini album, canvas, or other home décor project.
I started by placing the balloon stencil on a plain white piece of 12×12 Designer Cardstock. You can tape the stencil down with washi tape if you’d like, or hold it in place with one hand. I used a palette knife to apply some Green Iridescent Craft Medium over the stencil. I didn’t need much—maybe half a teaspoon. I spread a thin layer around the stencil with my knife, leaving a few of the balloons empty around the edges of the stencil. You can apply complete or spotty coverage, smooth out the medium or leave some bumps in it—it’s up to you. Either way, don’t stress about getting anything “perfect”. Just have fun!
I let the medium dry for a few hours, and then created my layout allowing some of the stenciled balloons to peek out from behind the patterned paper. In keeping with the theme, I used the Birthday Wishes: Boy collection. I love how versatile the collection is! It has some fun themed papers, but also plenty of generic ones for more mature birthday boys. 😉
The medium adds just the right amount of subtle texture to the page background. Not too much, but just enough to make the background more interesting. Of course, if you’d like to make a greater visual impact just use a bolder color of craft medium, or use ink or as mister to add color. The stencil was super easy to work with, and just as easy to clean. Just wash it off with warm soapy water when you’re done.
For a full supply list visit the Echo Park Paper blog to see the original post HERE.