Stencils and 'Icing'

Hello everyone,
After Shirley gave me a little class on all of the different ways that stencils can be used I've been experimenting away like a mad scientist. That's how it feels anyways surrounded by modelling paste, inks and blending tools. I love all of the different possibilities they present for making layered backgrounds. In fact, I loved them so much that I am now in the process of getting my own line of designs started.
In this card I used Shirley's collection of stencils. I believe they were from The Crafter's Workshop but I'm not 100% sure. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong. Using the diamond shaped stencil Shirley showed me how to apply modelling paste. She told me to use the palette knife like I were 'icing a cake'. I said ok and then had to admit, "Shirley, to be honest I've never iced a cake before". We both started laughing. I managed in the end ;) On the left side of the card I used a blending tool to rub Distress inks through another stencil.

To stamp Cardinalfish from my collection I used Versafine ink - Onyx Black. I find that this ink really captures the details in my stamps well. Plus, it isn't water based so I can play with water over top of the image afterwards.
The bottom fish is stamped directly onto the Dylusion Ink Spray background. I used a paintbrush to add water within the image, waited a couple of seconds and then sponged it off with a paper towel. This removed some of the ink from the fish. I then highlighted with a white gel pen.
The raised Cardinalfish was coloured with Tombows and then blended with a wet paintbrush. I also highlighted this one with a white gel pen to finish it off. The dots in the fins were fun to colour.

Writing this, I'm thinking about how long it has been since I posted one of my own cards in this space. It's been so long that my style seems to have changed completely. I began designing stamps before I knew how to use them. Strange isn't it?!

The more I experiment, the more I feel like I am finding my groove. I have my wonderful Design Team to thank for inspiring me in the direction of mixed media. I've grown a lot from reading their detailed explanations of how to achieve certain effects on their blogs. Feeling thankful.

That's all from me for now. Hope you like my little experiment with stencils and 'icing' ;)

Bye for now,

Ryn