Stenciling on 3D Projects

Not long after I started paper crafting 10 years ago, I started doing 3D projects . Many call these projects “Altered Projects” but mine have nothing altered, they are made from scratch with chipboard and a craft knife. As a former architect and interior designer, doing building is natural for me.

With fall starting to creep in to the Pacific Northwest where I live, it seemed that doing a autumn themed project was perfect for this blog post. Over the last 10 years I have made many birdhouse projects that house a mini album… instead of a bird!

Many of the products used for this project were provided to me by The Crafters Workshop. but they are what I would have used regardless.

Adding stenciling on a 3D project is easiest during the construction process when the parts can be laid out flat. For the sides and ends of the birdhouse, I covered the chipboard elements with gauze applied with TCW 9011 Matte Gel Medium.

After allowing the matte medium to dry thoroughly, I applied ink to add a neutral color and dimension to the glazed texture. Line up the pieces for overlapping stenciling. Here I used the TCW855 Linked Tiles stencil for the back and sides of the birdhouse. I used the TCW9004 Light & Fluffy Modeling Paste for some added dimension. After drying the past thoroughly, add inking to enchance the pattern and dimension of the stenciling.

Next, I rearranged the sections to complete the front and sides stenciling. For the sunburst effect, I used the TCW871 Native Star stencil in both the 12 x 12 size and the 6 x 6 size. I masked off the center of the larger stencil and used TCW9037 Grecian Gold Modeling Paste. I then centered the smaller stencil inside the larger and used TCW9039 Copper Penny Modeling Paste for the inner image. I added some of the Copper Penny paste to the points of the larger burst.

Adding some alcohol ink or watered paint adds dimension and color to the stenciled images.

For the birdhouse/box lid, I used black chipboard. (It can be done with kraft chipboard painted with TCW9002 Black Gesso). I sprayed the chipboard with iridescent spray to add color and shimmer. I then stenciled with TCW876 Screen View using TCW9043 Marcasite Silver Modeling Paste. The modeling paste gives some subtle texture. After the paste dries, I layered it with TCW831 Faithful Tree using coordinating colors of acrylic paint.

Once all pieces are stenciled, the project is ready for assembly. Add a punched circle of black card stock at center of sunburst. Add foliage along base and at ends of roof/lid. I will show the mini album on a future post.

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