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Patterned Backgrounds with the Honeycomb Stencil

Feb 16, 2017 Hero Arts Info

Hi! Using stencils in my card designs is a fun challenge that I personally love! In particular, some stencils are perfect for creating beautiful background patterns. Today I’m sharing a set of thank you cards with three different, colorful backgrounds that I made with the new, “must-have” Honeycomb Stencil. The possible patterns that can be created with this stencil are virtually limitless.

Honeycomb Stencil by Jayne Nelson for Hero Arts

For my first card, I created a vertical striped background. It was so easy to do with the Honeycomb Stencil and five ink colors – Mint Julep, Antigua (new color), Butter Bar, Fresh Peach and Pale Tomato. After securing a piece of white layering paper and the stencil to my work surface, I simply masked both sides of a single column of hexagons with masking paper, and then used an ink dauber to apply ink through the stencil, one column and one color at a time. I applied the ink more heavily along the lower edge and then lessened the amount of ink at the top edge to create graduated color.

Honeycomb Stencil by Jayne Nelson for Hero Arts

On my second card, I created a background pattern with stylized floral rows. Before applying any ink to my cardstock, I sketched a simple, floral pattern through the stencil onto copy paper. Once I decided on a pattern that I liked, I applied the same ink colors through the stencil, one hexagon at a time. To simplify the process, I created five masks, each with one, small, hexagon hole at the center. Then, I simply positioned a mask over one hexagon, applied ink, and easily moved the mask to another hexagon. I was genuinely surprised how quickly I inked the full background.

Honeycomb Stencil by Jayne Nelson for Hero Arts

For my final card, I created a random pattern of nested hexagons reminiscent of a quilt or a tile floor. I love the vintage look of this bold, graphic pattern. Once again, I inked the hexagons individually with masks and daubers to quickly create a striking background.

Honeycomb Stencil by Jayne Nelson for Hero Arts

To complete all of the cards, I embossed the beautiful bee image from the new Antique Bee and Flowers stamp onto black ovals that I cut with the new Nesting Oval Infinity Dies. I added stamped and die cut sentiment banners with the Thank You Messages set and coordinating dies. I also added flowers from the new Busy As A set, cut with the matching dies, and layered over vellum ovals.

I hope that you love this stencil as much as I do and that you are inspired to make some of your own honeycomb background patterns. Next time, I plan to make plaid and diamond designs.

Have a wonderful, crafty week! Thanks for stopping by,

jayne-sig

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