Stencil Reflection
by Dina Kowal
From Split Coast Stampers
Use a stencil or reverse mask to create a watery reflected image.
Supplies
- Stamps (Penny Black Poppy Time used here)
- Waterproof ink for stamping (Versafine Toffee Ink used here)
- Water soluble coloring medium (Versamagic Chalk Inks and
Faber-Castell Albrecht Durer watercolor pencils used here)
- Coordinating stencil or die cut, or paper and craft knife to cut a
reverse mask (Penny Black Sun Catcher stencil used here)
- Paper or sticky notes for masking
- Watercolor paper
- Paint brushes, one broad flat brush and a smaller one for detail
- White acrylic paint (optional)
- Other supplies as needed to complete the card
Step-by-Step
-
Step 1
Cut watercolor paper to desired size. Determine the position of the
rubber stamp image that will be reflected in your stamped
scene.
-
Mask a horizontal line using sticky notes or paper where the
reflection will begin, representing the surface of the water.
-
Step 2
Stamp the image using waterproof ink. A lighter ink was used in the
sample so the outline of the image was more faint. Experiment with different
looks and shades of ink to find the look you like best.
TIP:
If
you want the image to reflect in the water as if it were completely above water,
stamp above the masked line. If you want it to appear to be sitting in or
dipping into the water, allow the stamp image to overlap the masked
line.
-
Step 3
Cut a reverse mask from
acetate or
text weight paper, or use a
coordinating
stencil or
die cut as a reverse mask.
(For a
complete tutorial on Reverse Masking, click
HERE.)
-
Give the stamped image a base layer of color using a water soluble
medium, such as chalk or dye ink, Distress inks, watercolor pencils, or
Gelatos. If desired, use the reverse mask to cover up the areas around the image
as you color. Apply color directly with an inkpad, or use a sponge, dauber or
brush.
Layer color as desired for shading. Clean or dry the mask or
stencil before moving on to the next step.
-
Step 4
Remove the horizontal mask but keep a mental note of where it was positioned.
Flip the stencil over and position it so that it is at equal distance and
opposite angles to the stamped image in relation to the horizontal
line.
TIP:
If the stamped image crossed the horizontal line,
find the point on the mask or stencil where the width of the opening is the
same.
-
Step 5
Add color through the stencil openings to create the reflected
image.
-
Layer color as desired for shading.
NOTE:
When adding
shading, remember that the reflection is a mirror image and angles and positions
will be opposite. For example, if you shaded toward the bottom on the stamped
image, the shading on the reflection will curve the opposite way toward the
top.
-
Step 6
Blend coloring using a wet paint brush. When blending the colors on
the stamped image, take care to stay within the outlines.
-
When blending the colors on the reflected image, use a wide flat brush
and brush with a side-to-side motion to simulate ripples and reflection on the
surface of the water. Don’t worry about staying in the lines.
To create
an illusion of depth, pull a little color from the lower part of panel up around
the stamped image above the horizontal line. This makes it look like there is
water behind the object being reflected.
-
Step 7
Add deeper shading to the colored images if desired.
-
On the reflection, shading can be added in horizontal strokes.
Blend
from side to side as before, using a smaller brush so more detail is
left.
-
Step 8
For an added water effect, dilute white acrylic paint with water and
brush thin horizontal lines over the reflected image.
-
The white paint can also be used to add highlights to the stamped
image.
-
Step 9
Use the panel to complete a card or other project.
Video!
