Post by Linda Germain
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| © 2013 linda germain cutting stencils from magazines for gelatin printing |
I was flipping through some old magazines looking for some new masking stencils for gelatin printing. I like people in motion or with interesting negative shapes. They are harder to find than you think.
Here’s some things I learned about cutting stencils:
- Use a new sharp razor blade to get smooth cuts
- Move the paper instead of moving the blade
- Cut the tiny details first – it is more stable this way
- Try to keep as many small details as you can
- look at the image from the backside to check for interesting shape
- Your scraps may be interesting stencils too.
- Don’t be afraid to cut past the outline several times when cutting a delicate curve
- Be open to new images and shapes
Check the current workshop list for a class that would interest you.
I actually like the process of finding and cutting my own stencils.While I busy doing it, I’m also thinking how I will use it. I often start with an image from a magazine or something I’ve drawn, but then in cutting, I change it. Rounder, smoother, less detail, something. Scissors sometimes work better for larger curves. Torn edges are interesting, too. Stencil frames.
I recall several years ago, working with a group of young teens, drawing and cutting out life-sized dancing figures from rolls of wallpaper. We dampened the wallpaper first, then let it dry flat. We rolled water based paint on each image then printed with them to create a strong image. Then, without re-inking, we lifted the stencil and, moving the image slightly to the left or right, we made a second print, paler than the first. We continued this process until the stencils held no more paint. Each completed image was printed on a large sheet of white-painted plywood (smooth side) and mounted around the school hall as a simple, but effective backdrop to a dance performance. As each stencil had been printed in a different colour, the effect was striking and the image of movement was excellent.