Using Stencils to add beauty to your dotted journals
 

Hello! Stenciling is one of my favorite ways to add color and pattern to a journal page and in my artwork. Below is an inspiring video showing ways to use stencils to beautify your dotted journals.

Right now, March 25 - April 6, 2025 my stencils are all 20% off. USE CODE VALERIE20 AT CHECKOUT

For stencils: https://www.stencilgirlproducts.com/stencils-valerie-sjodin-s/2044.htm

Further down in this post you can watch a stenciling video tutorial, also featured on StencilGirl’s Stencil School YouTube channel at: https://youtu.be/HTTDbzqj0Nk and a similar post with a free digital download of the hearts stencil pattern at: https://www.archerandolive.com/blogs/news/7-ways-to-use-stencils-to-add-beauty-to-your-journals

Stenciling in a dotted journal notebook

You may wonder if the dotted pages are thick enough or durable enough for wet media. It is not like using watercolor paper that has an ease of moving the watery color around, but I’ve found that light watercolor will work on dotted notebook paper, but it does tends to buckle a bit, depending on how much water is used. 

When I use stencils, however, there is so little water used with the paint, that my pages don’t buckle.  I apply the paint on top of the stencil and on the paper with a cosmetic sponge, making sure to test and blot before applying the paint to the page. I think the same stencil application would be true of lightly applied acrylic paints too. Often I layer the stencil with pencil and/or pen. 

Watch the video below to see the techniques in action. 

There are so many possibilities for stenciling with various media. I think it’s a good idea to start with what is on hand. Some dry media I have used and enjoyed stenciling with in my dotted notebooks, and often combine with pencil and pen are Gelatos® (applied with a bristle brush), and Pan Pastels. (Not shown in the video)

7 ways to use stencils to add beauty to your journals 

Here's what is demonstrated in the video found below the 7 ways:

1. Stencil the edge of the paper with overall pattern

  • TIP: When applying the paint to the stencil along the edge of the page, I lighten up the pressure on the sponge as I go away from the edge, and towards the center of the page.

  • Supplies: 

2a. Mask off part of a stencil to put title, quote or image 

TIP: You can cut a shape to put on a stencil to mask off a portion of the stencil in order to make room for a quote or an image.

2b. Trace around the edge of a stencil with a pen and add metallic dots

TIP: Following up stenciling with pens is a great way to finish off an edge and tie in any writing on the page.

Supplies:

3. Stencil and cut page edge + small coordinating page border

TIP: When choosing a stencil to use as a border or Dutch door, look for one that has a continuous pattern or border that would look good along the edge of the page. Some stencils are made with a shaped edge, but you can also look for ones that have interior patterns to line up on the edge, like the one used in this video.

Supplies:

4. Stencil the back pocket and end pages of the notebook

TIP: When stenciling the back pocket of the journal, make sure to put a piece of paper in the pocket so the paint won’t go on the end pages behind the pocket.

Supplies:

5. Stencil a frame and make spaces to put quotes in

TIP: Stenciling with Distress inks or Gelatos® work well for stenciling finely cut stencils. I apply them with a stencil brush or bristle brush. 

Supplies:

6. Use letter stencils to make a background pattern & banners to make headings and focal points in your journal.

TIP: In the video is a quick show-n-tell of the various types of stencils you can use in your journals, such as letters, numbers, banners, and simple shapes. 

7. Make a homemade heart stencil and heart garland in your notebook

TIP: Click on the link below to go to the Archer & Olive post with the PDF download, or make your own. It’s easy!

https://www.archerandolive.com/blogs/news/7-ways-to-use-stencils-to-add-beauty-to-your-journals

Supplies:


Video Tutorial

For stencils: https://www.stencilgirlproducts.com/stencils-valerie-sjodin-s/2044.htm Use code VALERIE20 for 20% off all my stencils March 25 - April 6, 2025.

You can find a similar post I wrote and a free digital download of the hearts stencil pattern visit: https://www.archerandolive.com/blogs/news/7-ways-to-use-stencils-to-add-beauty-to-your-journals
I’m demonstrating in an Archer & Olive A5 dotted notebook. Use code Valerie10 for 10% off at Archer & Olive

 

StencilGirl Stencils used in the video:

  • Spirit Swirl Mask #s578

  • Vintage Book Leaves #LL1010

  • Open Book Stencil #M342

  • Circle-Line Stencil Mask #LL1002

  • Stars Stencil with Stars Mask Edge #L843

  • Vintage Book Elements #LL1008

  • Script Sans Serif Planner Alphabet + Grid #L833

  • Mid Century Modern Stars #s754

  • Planner Banner Ribbons #L832

  • Mid-Century Modern Banners #L711

USE CODE VALERIE20 through APRIL 6, 2025 for 20% OFF

To receive a FREE digital download shown in the video, visit the blog post at:

https://www.archerandolive.com/blogs/news/7-ways-to-use-stencils-to-add-beauty-to-your-journals 

Use code Valerie10 to receive 10% off Archer and Olive purchase at https://www.archerandolive.com?aff=816 

 
 
 
 

Be inspired!

Valerie

 

For more inspiration & how-to possibilities visit:

https://www.valeriesjodin.com/tutorials  

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Copyright: All contents here are copyright by Valerie Sjodin © 2010-2025. Please do not copy, download, or print anything published here without my written permission & please link back. Thank you!

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