How To Use Layering Stencils - a Step-by-Step Tutorial

Hello, friends! Mindy Eggen here, and I’m thrilled to share a fun and vibrant Spring project with you today! In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to use layering stencils step by step, making it easy to add depth, color, and dimension to your handmade cards.

For today’s project, I’m using the Layering Twirling Tulips stencil – a beautiful design that also coordinates with the Twirling Tulips embossing folder. While these two work perfectly together, I’ll be focusing solely on the stencil technique to create a stunning floral background.

Let’s dive in as I walk you through each step of the process, from blending vibrant colors to achieving a seamless layered look!

Step 1: Aligning Your Stencil & Starting the First Layer

Prepare Your Cardstock & Stencil

Begin with a 6” x 9” piece of white cardstock, the same size as the Layering Twirling Tulips stencil. This ensures that your design lines up perfectly as you work through each layer.

Secure Your Stencil

Place Layer 1 of the stencil over your cardstock and secure it with Spellbinders Best Ever Craft Tape. This will keep it from shifting as you blend.

Apply Your First Color

Using a large blending brush, apply a light pink ink (Rose Quartz by Altenew) evenly over the stencil. Blend gently to create a soft, seamless base layer for the tulip petals.

Add Depth with a Second Color

Without removing the stencil, bring in a darker shade (Puffy Heart by Altenew) and switch to a medium blending brush. Focus this color towards the bottom portion of the petals to add dimension and create a natural gradient effect.

Pro Tip: Using two shades per stencil layer gives your design more depth and a beautifully blended look!

Now that the first layer is complete, let’s move on to the next step and bring these florals to life!

Step 2: Adding the Second Stencil Layer for More Depth

Remove Layer 1 & Align Layer 2

Carefully remove the first stencil layer and position Layer 2 on top. Line it up by matching the corners of the stencil to the cardstock, and use your first layer of inked petals as a visual guide to ensure perfect placement.

Blend Your Base Color

Just like in Step 1, begin by applying Rose Quartz (Altenew) with a large blending brush to softly fill in the design. This keeps the colors cohesive and adds depth to the tulips.

Enhance with Mid-Tone Shading

Next, use Puffy Heart (Altenew) with a medium blending brush to add richer color towards the base of the petals, just like before.

Add Extra Dimension with a Darker Shade

For even more definition, bring in Purple Wine (Altenew) and gently blend it along the outer edges of the petals using a small blending brush. This extra depth creates a beautiful, realistic floral effect and makes the colors pop!

Pro Tip: When adding a darker shade, use a light hand and circular motions to ensure a smooth transition between colors. Layering in small amounts allows for better control and a more natural look.

Now that our tulip petals have dimension and depth, let’s move on to the next layer to bring in even more stunning details!

Step 3: Adding Petal Details with Layer 3

Now it’s time to bring out the fine details in the tulip petals with Layer 3 of the stencil! This step adds definition and enhances the natural look of the flowers.

Align Layer 3

Carefully position Layer 3 over your inked design, ensuring it lines up perfectly with the previous layers. The built-in stencil guides make this easy!

Blend in Your Detail Color

Using a small blending brush, apply Purple Wine (Altenew) over the stencil. Focus on the accent areas of the petals to add contrast and refine their shape.

Pro Tip: Use a light touch when blending to keep the details crisp and prevent over-saturation. You can always build up more color if needed!

With this layer complete, your tulips are beginning to take on a beautiful, dimensional look. Now, let’s move on to the leaves and stems to complete our floral masterpiece!

Step 4: Bringing the Leaves to Life with Layer 4

Now that the tulip petals are beautifully blended, it’s time to add lush, vibrant leaves using Layer 4 of the stencil. This step will create a balanced, natural look for your floral design.

Align Layer 4

Place Layer 4 over your inked petals, making sure the stencil lines up with the leaves and stems. Secure it in place with low-tack tape to prevent shifting.

Blend Your Base Color

Using a large blending brush, apply Firefly (Altenew) as the base color for the leaves. This soft, fresh green sets the foundation for a realistic effect.

Add Depth with a Second Shade

Without removing the stencil, switch to a medium blending brush and apply Grass Field (Altenew) towards the base of the leaves and stems. This subtle shading creates a sense of depth and movement, making the foliage look more dynamic.

Pro Tip: For a more natural gradient, use gentle circular motions when blending the second color, keeping the transitions smooth and seamless.

With the first layer of leaves complete, we’ll move on to the final layer to add even more definition and depth!

Here’s a look without the stencil in place.

Step 5: Adding Depth & Detail to the Leaves

Now, it’s time to complete the foliage by adding fine details and extra dimension to the leaves with the final stencil layer!

Align the Final Layer

Carefully position the last stencil layer over your leaves, ensuring it aligns perfectly with the previous layers. Secure it with low-tack tape to keep everything in place.

Blend in Your Mid-Tone Shade

Using a medium blending brush, apply Grass Field (Altenew) to enhance the natural curves of the leaves and stems. This will give them a soft, realistic look.

Deepen the Shadows for Extra Definition

For added contrast, bring in Shadow Creek (Altenew) with a small blending brush, focusing on the base of the leaves and along the veins. This darker shade creates beautiful depth, making the leaves stand out against the vibrant tulips.

Pro Tip: Use a light touch when applying darker shades – it’s always easier to build up color gradually than to remove excess ink!

And just like that, your layered floral stenciling is complete! Now, let’s bring everything together and finish the card with a sentiment and final touches.

Step 6: Transforming Your Stenciled Background into a Card

With the layering and blending complete, we now have a stunning tulip background full of rich color and dimension!

To turn this into a beautiful finished card, I trimmed the background using the largest arch die from the Essential Arches die. This creates an elegant, curved shape that adds a unique touch while framing the florals beautifully.

Pro Tip: If you want a more dramatic effect, try using a stitched or scalloped frame die to add extra interest to your background!

Step 7: Assembling the Card & Adding the Perfect Sentiment

To complete my card, I created a shaped card base by die-cutting the same largest arch from the Essential Arches die set. I then adhered my beautiful tulip panel on top using a tape runner, ensuring a smooth and secure fit.

Since I didn’t want to cover up too much of my vibrant floral background, I kept the sentiment simple yet bold. I used a die-cut sentiment from the Everyday Sentiments collection, cutting it from Raven cardstock for a striking contrast. This minimal yet elegant touch allows the tulips to remain the star of the show while still adding a polished finishing detail.

This Spring-inspired card came together quickly and effortlessly thanks to the magic of layering stencils and ink blending! I hope this step-by-step tutorial gives you inspiration and confidence to create your own colorful, stenciled backgrounds.

Thanks so much for stopping by—I can’t wait to see what you create!

Happy crafting!

Mindy

How To Use Layering Stencils – a Step-by-Step Tutorial