Giveaway and Dreamweaver Thursday Tutorial: Using The Sludge Left from 2012 in 2013

Say what???? Using sludge for stenciling? Yep. You'll change your mind! But before I explain, I need to congratulate our winner from Rebekka's tutorial...oh wow, it's Miriam Prantner once again. I guess everyone was busy with last-minute preparations for the holidays, and missed their chance that week. So...Miriam...you know the drill! Email me at phornschu@yahoo.com with your stencil choice. Lynell told me to tell you she'll mail you your other prize together with your choice for this week. Woo hoo...lucky you! To everyone else, for an opportunity to win the stencil of your choice, go to the Stencil with Style site and select a stencil you would like to win and mention it in your comment below. You have two weeks to leave your comment by. Maybe YOU will be the lucky one next week! Now it's sludge time!

Supplies

metal stencils (Dreamweaver Rooster, Stripes/Plaid, Birthday Words) • embossing pastes (Dreamweaver Glossy Red, Matte Orange, and Matte Yellow) • yellow ink pad (Tsukineko Splendor Circus) • large stencil brush • removable tape • small palette knife • Dreamweaver Paste Spreader • cardstock • buttons • adhesive (Beacon Zip Dry)

Step 1: I'm showing you the colors that I used, but this technique can be done with any colors you choose, as long as they don't turn into mud when you are done. You know the idea...stick with the color wheel and colors that mix well together and create other colors. This technique is particularly perfect for those small amounts of paste at the bottom of the jar that are not quite enough to paste with, but mixed with others will be perfect. There are a couple of ways to do "sludge pasting". One way is to place a dab of each color along the edge of your palette knife or Paste Spreader. The second way (shown here) is to put a dab of each color in a small disposable cup, and mix slightly.

Step 2: You've seen this step before on numerous tutorials, but it's a must. Use removable tape to hold your stencil against the cardstock panel you are using, all the way around. Trying to spread paste over a moving stencil is not pretty.

Step 3: Using a palette knife, place your slightly mixed "sludge" along the edge of the paste spreader.

Step 4: Holding the spreader at a slight angle to the stencil, spread the paste across and down, light pressure, and picking up at the end. If necessary, you can dab a bit of paste in an empty spot, and go over it once again with the spreader, picking up the excess. Note: Try not to go over it more than twice...less opportunity for seepage. Also, if your stencil design has long lines (bridges) like the rooster tail, swipe down with the lines, not against them.

Step 5: Carefully remove the tape from the bottom and sides. Lift the stencil as if hinged on the top, to reveal your pasted piece. Notice the almost ombre affect of the three colors in "sludge" form? Pretty cool, huh? Now immediately place your stencil in container of water and softly scrub clean. Repeat with your palette knife, not allowing the wood handle to sit in water. Set your rooster aside to dry approximately 20-30 minutes. If desired, paste your sentiment on the rooster panel as well, and allow it to dry.

Step 6: Repeat the process using the Stripes/Plaid stencil. Tape the stencil to your cardstock, but then...

Step 7: Using the large stencil brush (or an ink dauber), pounce ink over the open lines to create the vertical stripes of the plaid, and then...

Step 8: Tape the stencil in the other direction, and use remainder of mixed sludge to paste the horizontal stripes of the plaid. Set aside to dry.

Step 9: When dry, trim panel and mat with teal cardstock and adhere to card, slightly overlapping the matted rooster panel. Affix buttons with adhesive. Now, that's something to "crow" about! (Sorry...it just had to be said!) And so much prettier than the stuff that comes out of your car with an oil change!

Don't forget to leave your comment below, with the stencil design that you would like to possibly win (Stencil with Style). For more great tips and techniques with Dreamweaver Stencils, please follow the Dream It Up! blog, and play along with the monthly challenges for more chances to win some great stencil designs. For more fun, like us on Facebook!