Testing, testing...

...1, 2, 6.

When I create a new stencil (see previous post here), I do a test run to see whether it works, needs altering, or will hit file 13.  And no, I won't tell you how many are in the latter category.

Using Golden Open Acrylics, I do a first print on the Gelli plate, using plain white paper,

 and then pull a ghost print.

 If I've used enough paint, I can pull what I call a 'haunt'.

Then I test it over another Gelli print (this one was a blue/green ghost print created using the Balzer Tiny Circles stencil).

I pulled the ghost print over top of a fern leaf print (first print).

Then I managed to pull a haunt print over top of the first pull at the top of this post, just off register.  I could tell you that was planned, but that would be a bold-faced lie, wouldn't it?!

I tested it underneath a commercial stencil, like this.

This first print will need at least two more layers using other stencils before it starts to look interesting, but I can see some possibilities here.

The ghost print already looks like fun.  I rather like the space on the right caused by the paper I used to mask off part of the stencil.  It could be used for text or the start of a frieze.

This haunt, over top of another haunt print in gold is starting to build some soft pattern.  It will be interesting to see what develops with further layers.

How do you make stencils and masks?  What tools do you use?  How do you test them?  If you send me a link to a blog post or video, you'll go in a draw on November 15/14 to win a monoprint by yours truly...just put your link in a comment below for a chance to win!