Posted by Hero Arts Info
on February 16, 2017
Hi! Using stencils in my card designs is a fun challenge that I personally love! In particular, some stencils are perfect for creating beautiful background patterns. Today I’m sharing a set of thank you cards with three different, colorful backgrounds that I made with the new, “must-have” Honeycomb Stencil. The possible patterns that can be created with this stencil are virtually limitless.
For my first card, I created a vertical striped background. It was so easy to do with the Honeycomb Stencil and five ink colors – Mint Julep, Antigua (new color), Butter Bar, Fresh Peach and Pale Tomato. After securing a piece of white layering paper and the stencil to my work surface, I simply masked both sides of a single column of hexagons with masking paper, and then used an ink dauber to apply ink through the stencil, one column and one color at a time. I applied the ink more heavily along the lower edge and then lessened the amount of ink at the top edge to create graduated color.
On my second card, I created a background pattern with stylized floral rows. Before applying any ink to my cardstock, I sketched a simple, floral pattern through the stencil onto copy paper. Once I decided on a pattern that I liked, I applied the same ink colors through the stencil, one hexagon at a time. To simplify the process, I created five masks, each with one, small, hexagon hole at the center. Then, I simply positioned a mask over one hexagon, applied ink, and easily moved the mask to another hexagon. I was genuinely surprised how quickly I inked the full background.
For my final card, I created a random pattern of nested hexagons reminiscent of a quilt or a tile floor. I love the vintage look of this bold, graphic pattern. Once again, I inked the hexagons individually with masks and daubers to quickly create a striking background.
To complete all of the cards, I embossed the beautiful bee image from the new Antique Bee and Flowers stamp onto black ovals that I cut with the new Nesting Oval Infinity Dies. I added stamped and die cut sentiment banners with the Thank You Messages set and coordinating dies. I also added flowers from the new Busy As A set, cut with the matching dies, and layered over vellum ovals.
I hope that you love this stencil as much as I do and that you are inspired to make some of your own honeycomb background patterns. Next time, I plan to make plaid and diamond designs.
Have a wonderful, crafty week! Thanks for stopping by,
