Creative Mixed-Media Techniques with Stencil Deck Vol. 2: Crystal Paste & Cloud 9 Inks!

 Hello!

Today, I am absolutely thrilled to share a very special project featuring the brand-new Stencil Deck Vol. 2 from Lisa Horton Crafts. While these mini stencils are fantastic for simple ink blending, they are also a dream come true for mixed-media experimentation!

For this "Have a Wonderful Day" card, I wanted to try a unique order of layers to achieve a porous, stained-glass effect on the flowers, combined with a dreamy, milky background.

The Magic Ingredients & Techniques:

1. The Crystal Paste Secret: Instead of applying paste over my ink blending, I did it the other way around! I applied Crystal Paste through the gorgeous flower stencil from Deck 2 directly onto my paper first. Because of the paste's unique properties, when I blended the inks over it, the medium actually absorbed the colors, locking them into the petals with incredible texture and detail.

2. The Cloud 9 Mix: I layered a stunning combination of Cloud 9 Matt Inks and Cloud 9 Interference Inks over the top. The Interference inks add that magical, shifting spectral light when the card catches the sun.

3. The Milky Green Background: To achieve that unique, chalky, and soft milky-green hue across the rest of the card panel, I experimented with using a Matt Reinker. It completely transformed the background, giving it a soft, ethereal vibe that lets the rich pinks, purples, and blues of the flowers take center stage.

To finish off the design, I added a simple, striking black sentiment strip and scattered some gorgeous pearls across the panel for that perfect touch of elegance.

The official launch of Stencil Deck Vol. 2 is today (Friday)! I hope this inspires you to look at your stencils as mixed-media tools and play with the order of your mediums.

What do you think of this textured look? Let me know in the comments below!

Hugs,

Natalia x