Create a quick and easy DIY Stenciled Journal with Ikonart. Personalize a store-bought journal with your favorite quote using the Ikonart Custom Stencil Kit. Y'all know that I love to hand letter, doodle, and draw, so I have included a free printable quote file that is perfect for a journal cover, card, or framed artwork. And with the Ikonart Custom Stencil Kit, making these personalized gifts is quick and easy.
Ikonart DIY Stenciled Journal
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Here's what you need to make a Custom Stenciled Journal:
Starting a new craft technique can be intimidating, but fear not! The Ikonart Custom Stencil Kit comes with everything you need to be successful:
- Quick Start Guide
- Printed Inkjet Sample
- Finished Stencil Sample
- Inkjet Printer Film
- Laser Printer Film
- Ikonart Stencil Film and 2 Clear Exposure Sheets
- Exposure Stand and UV LED Light
- Ikonart Clipboard
- Ikonart Plastic Squeegee
- Coupon codes for free fonts and designs
Here are the additional supplies needed for this project:
- Hardbound Journal
- Map or Decorative Paper
- Americana Decou-Page Medium
- Paintbrush
- Black Acrylic Paint
- Craft knife
- Ruler
- Scissors
- Pencil
- NOT ALL WHO WANDER ARE LOST PRINTABLE QUOTE – download below ⇓
Here's how to create a Custom Stencil with Ikonart:
To begin the DIY Stenciled Journal with Ikonart Custom Stencil Kit you need a high-quality image or quote to print in black only. Download my “Not All Who Wander Are Lost” quote below ⇓ or create your own or purchase a black and white cut file using the discount codes included in your stencil kit. I love to hand letter my quotes with the MONO Twin Permanent Marker from Tombow.
STEP ONE
Size the design to fit your final project, and print it out on either Inkjet Printer Film or Laser Printer Film depending upon which type of printer you have. Be sure to flip or mirror the image and follow all of the directions for the best results. The kit does come with a sample print if you want to see how the designs look when printed, and to make a stencil with it.
Next up is exposure. Set up the Ikonart exposure stand with UV LED Light by following the directions included in the kit. Ikonart Stencil Film is light sensitive, so be careful to keep it out of the sunlight and bright interior lights before exposing it. Cut a piece of the blue exposure film the same size as your design.
Lay the piece of blue exposure film down on the base of the stand with the textured side facing up. Place the printed design on top of the film, making sure it's right-side-up, making sure that you can read any words in your design.
Place a clear exposure sheet from the stencil film pack on top and press to seal the design securely against the stencil film.
STEP TWO
Turn on the exposure light and expose the film for 35 seconds with inkjet printer film, or 30 seconds with laser printer film.
STEP THREE
Next, the exposed stencil needs to be washed out or rinsed. After exposing the film, the design will not yet be visible. You can soak the stencil for up to one minute in warm water to speed up the rinsing process.
Clip the exposed stencil film to the Ikonart clipboard with the shiny side touching the clipboard. Use the sprayer of your kitchen sink faucet to rinse the stencil film with warm water to reveal your design. Spray the stencil film evenly until the design shows through and becomes completely clear. The rinsing process should take about 3 minutes.
Hang the washed-out stencil to dry.
STEP FOUR
The last step is to post-expose, and it is important, so don't skip it! Once the stencil is completely dry, place the stencil back on the exposure stand with the textured side up and post-expose for at least 2 minutes. The clear cover sheet is not needed. Note: Post-exposure increases the durability of the stencils and is very important. Use a permanent marker and write “back” on the carrier sheet (shiny side) on the back of the stencil.
STEP FIVE
Now it is time to CREATE with your new Ikonart Custom Stencil. Peel the carrier sheet away from the stencil and set it aside, but don't throw it away. Carefully rub the stencil down and apply pressure to help it stick to the surface and get rid of any air bubbles. Add a little bit of your water-based paint, ink, or paste to the top or side of the stencil. Be careful not to go near the edges. If you feel like you need a little more room, you can place some painter's tape around the edges.
Cover all the open mesh areas of your stencil using the included Ikonart squeegee or a brush. Again, be careful not to scrape the paint off of the stencil edges.
Carefully remove the stencil to reveal the design on your project surface. If you had bleeding under the stencil, don't panic. It's totally normal, and it happens to everyone! Keep in mind that any time you are learning something new, you will likely make mistakes. It will take a few tries to figure out how much pressure and paint to use with the stencils, and that's okay.
I highly recommend choosing something washable or with a large surface, like my map, for your first project! I re-stenciled and washed about 3 times before I got the right amount of paint and time.
To clean the stencil, get the Ikonart clipboard wet so your stencil does not stick to it. Place the stencil on the clipboard with the textured side up, and lightly rub the stencil under running water to remove all the paint. Do not rub or scrub the adhesive side of the stencil, and NEVER use anything other than water to wash the stencils. To prevent the stencil from breaking down, don't ever leave the stencils to soak.
Remove the stencil from the clipboard and lay it down with the adhesive side up. While the stencil is still wet, place the carrier sheet onto the stencil so that the word “BACK” is readable. Hang or lay the stencil flat to dry completely.
Stencils MUST be dry before using, or you could ruin your stencil and/or project surface. Repeat the stenciling process (and washing) again until you are satisfied with the project.
STEP SIX
To create the DIY Stenciled Journal with Ikonart, roughly trim the map 2″ wider and 2″ taller than the front cover with scissors. Measure the front cover of the journal, and then transfer those measurements to the map, adding an extra 1/2″ to the top, right, and bottom edges. Cut the map to size with scissors. Appy Decou-Page Medium to the front of the journal cover and the back of the map. Apply the map with a quote to the front cover of the journal, lining up the left edge with the existing binding. Smooth out any air bubbles.
STEP SEVEN
Open the front cover of the journal and lay it flat on a self-healing mat. Make a diagonal cut with a craft knife at both corners. Apply additional Decou-Page Medium and fold over the top and bottom edges. Decoupage the side edge, fold over the front cover, and trim any excess map paper from the corners with a craft knife. Allow to dry and your personalized Stenciled Journal is complete.
Create Custom Stencils with Ikonart
I cannot wait to create more personalized screen-printed home decor, clothing, gifts, and more with my Ikonart Custom Stencil Kit. The possibilities are ENDLESS!
Lindsay from Artsy Fartsy Mama used one of her many SVG files to create a fun Sip Sip Hooray Sign that would be the perfect addition to any party or celebration. Click through to see how she applied the two colors of paint with one Ikonart Stencil.
Laura from Me and My INKlings is always killing it with fun and unique ideas, so check out her post How to Make Your Own Cookie Stencils with Ikonart. She hand drew those emoji faces and then stenciled them on cookies with royal icing! Click through to see the whole tutorial.
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Too busy to make this DIY Stenciled Journal right now? Pin it for later! I'd love for you to pin this project to your favorite craft board on Pinterest and then it’ll be waiting for you when you’re ready.
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