Course Description: Stencil 101

WELCOME! 

This quick-take course is designed for everyone who is new - or relatively new - at using stencils in their art. 

We will explore the terminology, techniques and tools used. You will learn to use a stencil with different types of paint and ink pads. There are no projects; basic stencil use is covered so you can start using your stencils! Additional information will be added to this class as time goes on and you will be notified when it is up so you can take a look (for free, of course). Each segment is designed to be short and easily mastered. We have provided links to supplies used that are available on StencilGirl Products.

In this course you will learn:

  • Handling and using stencils
  • How to stencil
  • Repositional spray
  • Cleaning stencils
  • When to clean and when to not clean
  • Brushes
  • Sponges
  • Applicators – Ink pads vs paint
  • Types of paints






Course curriculum

  • 1

    Introduction

    • Stencil 101 - Introduction

      FREE PREVIEW
    • Stencil 101 - The Basics

    • Stencil 101 - To Clean or Not to Clean...Stencils, that is!

    • Stencil 101 - Layering Stencils

    • Stencil 101 - Making Stencils your own

    • Stencil 101 - Using Silhouette Stencils

    • Stencil 101 - Mask vs Stencil

    • Stencil 101 - Examples of Stencil Projects

    • Stencil 101 - Texture

    • Stencil 101 - Gel Plate Quickie

    • Stencil 101 - Seamless Pattern

    • Stencil 101 Techniques

    • StencilGirl Studio Community Group on Facebook

    • Mary Beth's favorite art supplies available via Amazon

    • Stencil 101 - Storage & Cleaning Tips

  • 2

    About StencilGirl Products

    • Stencil Girl History, Quality, Culture and People

    • Tour of StencilGirl Headquarters

Reviews

5 star rating

Perfect title

denise spillane

This is a great class. I’ve been stenciling for a while and still learned a lot. Very thorough. Videos are excellent. Just watched the add on videos. It is wonderful to know that as new things come up they will be added. Thanks Mary Beth.

This is a great class. I’ve been stenciling for a while and still learned a lot. Very thorough. Videos are excellent. Just watched the add on videos. It is wonderful to know that as new things come up they will be added. Thanks Mary Beth.

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5 star rating

Stencil 101

Kate Brehe

Excellent, concise class

Excellent, concise class

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5 star rating

Stencil 101

Ellen Martin

Informative. Let me know what I needed to know. Will go forward with classes.

Informative. Let me know what I needed to know. Will go forward with classes.

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5 star rating

More than an Intro

Nancy Goodall

What a great course - easy to access and follow, creative ideas that would make anyone feel like an accomplished artist, but ideas that anyone can do. I have tried stenciling several times and she corrected my issues in the first lesson! The best...

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What a great course - easy to access and follow, creative ideas that would make anyone feel like an accomplished artist, but ideas that anyone can do. I have tried stenciling several times and she corrected my issues in the first lesson! The best money (very inexpensive, too!) I have spent in quite a while.

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5 star rating

Great Introduction To Stencils!

Amy Schneider

I am writing this while in social isolation due to the coronavirus. I finally had time to take the course and I am so glad I did. I am so inspired now to stencil away! There are so many ways to use stencils. I've been using them on my gel plate. ...

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I am writing this while in social isolation due to the coronavirus. I finally had time to take the course and I am so glad I did. I am so inspired now to stencil away! There are so many ways to use stencils. I've been using them on my gel plate. This course has shown me other ways to use them, how to continue patterns, figure out the difference between a mask and a stencil, layering stencils and so much more. Thank you Mary Beth!

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5 star rating

Gets you started

Jo Murray

Definitely a good way for a beginner to learn about stencilling. Clear instruction and great examples.

Definitely a good way for a beginner to learn about stencilling. Clear instruction and great examples.

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5 star rating

Very helpful

Judy Friedkin

I had all of my questions answered about the basics of using stencil . The class is very thorough. Great class for beginners. Thank you.

I had all of my questions answered about the basics of using stencil . The class is very thorough. Great class for beginners. Thank you.

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5 star rating

Perfect description

Maureen Biagi

Even when you are not new to a technique, I find that taking a well done basic course is usually helpful, and Stencil 101 is a very well done basic course. I learned a number of things here that were new to me and it enlarged my concept of using ...

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Even when you are not new to a technique, I find that taking a well done basic course is usually helpful, and Stencil 101 is a very well done basic course. I learned a number of things here that were new to me and it enlarged my concept of using stencils in a wonderful way. Mary Beth is an excellent and delightful teacher.

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5 star rating

Great primer and review

Bernie Ryan

This is quite an interesting class, full of great tips for the beginner as well as for those looking for a bit of a refresher. It touches on a bit of everything for the new stencil artist. Mary Beth's pace is just right. It wasn't so fast that I c...

Read More

This is quite an interesting class, full of great tips for the beginner as well as for those looking for a bit of a refresher. It touches on a bit of everything for the new stencil artist. Mary Beth's pace is just right. It wasn't so fast that I couldn't keep up and/or missed a tip or technique. It wasn't so slow that I was hypnotized into a nap, or found myself wishing she'd hurry up. It was just right. She is a friendly, experienced instructor. The camera angle is excellent, with everything well lit and in full view. The course is broken up into short segments which is perfect for me. I watched one or two when I had a few minutes. Then another few when I had a bit more time. And I can always go back and review some of the tips I learned early on, which I find helpful. I greatly enjoyed and learned quite a bit from this introduction to stenciling. If I can't get a class with Mary Beth in person, this is definitely the next best thing.

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5 star rating

Stencil 101-good stuff

Denise Neumark-Reimer

I have been working with stencils for many years and as I watched Stencil 101 I learned NEW STUFF! 1. Sofft sponges are not just for Pan Pastels 2. Layer colors immediately - if my sponge is dry enough 3. Other tidbits that I am glad I got...

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I have been working with stencils for many years and as I watched Stencil 101 I learned NEW STUFF! 1. Sofft sponges are not just for Pan Pastels 2. Layer colors immediately - if my sponge is dry enough 3. Other tidbits that I am glad I got to review again.

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5 star rating

Great Introduction!

Janis Graham

In this introduction Mary Beth discusses and demonstrates the use of different tools and paint consistencies (even an ink pad) in stenciling to get various effects. I love the way she shows how to layer stencils to create more depth, which is one...

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In this introduction Mary Beth discusses and demonstrates the use of different tools and paint consistencies (even an ink pad) in stenciling to get various effects. I love the way she shows how to layer stencils to create more depth, which is one of the first things I noticed when I saw her personal journals in a class I took with her. This is a great introduction to stenciling.

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5 star rating

Straight to the point & inspirational

Sharon Turner

This was exactly what I needed.) It was clear, straight to the point and has been really inspirational. Looking for my dense sponges right now.

This was exactly what I needed.) It was clear, straight to the point and has been really inspirational. Looking for my dense sponges right now.

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5 star rating

Fabulous class

Doreen Kinkade

I so enjoyed this class, I am a novice. My favorites were the layering, texture and learning about Masks. And to receive a printout of the class that I can take into my room to refer to....PRICELESS!!!! Thank you !!!!!

I so enjoyed this class, I am a novice. My favorites were the layering, texture and learning about Masks. And to receive a printout of the class that I can take into my room to refer to....PRICELESS!!!! Thank you !!!!!

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5 star rating

Wonderful Workshop!

Pamela Barnes

I am new to using stencils. Stencil 101 gave me all the tips and techniques on how to use stencils with the proper tools and mediums to get good results. I've watched the videos several times and plan to move on to the journal workshop. Thank y...

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I am new to using stencils. Stencil 101 gave me all the tips and techniques on how to use stencils with the proper tools and mediums to get good results. I've watched the videos several times and plan to move on to the journal workshop. Thank you Mary Beth and Stencilgirl!

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5 star rating

Stencil 101

Carol DuBois

Although I have used stencils for many years, I enjoyed taking this course to refresh my memory. Also, I learned a few things I would never have thought about them. Thank you. Excellent course.

Although I have used stencils for many years, I enjoyed taking this course to refresh my memory. Also, I learned a few things I would never have thought about them. Thank you. Excellent course.

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5 star rating

Fantastic! Answered all My Stencil Questions

Anne Dalton

Ok, I have a LOT of stencil anxiety. I know it's supposed to be a fun thing to do with no pressure.... So I had all those beginner problems... the most effective tool apply the paint... color bleeding under the stencil... how to use multiple sten...

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Ok, I have a LOT of stencil anxiety. I know it's supposed to be a fun thing to do with no pressure.... So I had all those beginner problems... the most effective tool apply the paint... color bleeding under the stencil... how to use multiple stencils... to clean or not to clean the stencil... how to continue a pattern across the surface without making myself crazy... on and on. Mary Beth nailed every one of them! Thanks! It's really perfect.

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5 star rating

Great info!

LUCY TYSON

Mary Beth Shaw is very knowledgeable about how to use stencils. In this course, Stencil 101, Mary Beth shows the tools we can use with stencils, what kind of media to use, layering techniques and how to clean if you decide to do so.

Mary Beth Shaw is very knowledgeable about how to use stencils. In this course, Stencil 101, Mary Beth shows the tools we can use with stencils, what kind of media to use, layering techniques and how to clean if you decide to do so.

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5 star rating

stencils

sue Doyle

I have had a hard time learning on my own to stencil. Mary Beth gives a quick and complete way to stencil. I understand now. I also would clean my stencils, now I see I really do not have to. I have torn stencils cleaning them which makes them ...

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I have had a hard time learning on my own to stencil. Mary Beth gives a quick and complete way to stencil. I understand now. I also would clean my stencils, now I see I really do not have to. I have torn stencils cleaning them which makes them unusable. thanks for the class.

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5 star rating

Lots of good tips

Joan Terrell

Whether new to stenciling or not, this course will inspire you to see in a different way and to imagine new things.

Whether new to stenciling or not, this course will inspire you to see in a different way and to imagine new things.

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5 star rating

Great Overview

Ruth Spitzer

This was a good overview,of,stencils. I’m not a beginner in using stencils but every artist sometimes finds unique ways of using tools and that’s what I was hoping to get - even if I learnt one new trick. Totally worth it. And Mary Beth didn’t dis...

Read More

This was a good overview,of,stencils. I’m not a beginner in using stencils but every artist sometimes finds unique ways of using tools and that’s what I was hoping to get - even if I learnt one new trick. Totally worth it. And Mary Beth didn’t disappoint.

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Mary Beth Shaw

Owner

Mary Beth Shaw worked in the insurance industry for 18 years before she quit her job in 2000 to re-ignite a childhood love of art. She is now a full time painter and internationally known workshop instructor. Her creative process is largely self taught, spontaneous and joyful. She is author of Flavor for Mixed Media and Stencil Girl , both published by F&W and is also a columnist for Somerset Studios Magazine.In 2010, Mary Beth recognized a need for 'artist designed' stencils and created StencilGirl Products, which has quickly grown into a respected supplier of high quality stencils for all media. Living with her husband and three cats, Mary Beth is passionate about every moment of life.