*Stencil Graffiti Tutorial by Paula Kesselring

Welcome to Paula's September Wednesday 9/18 2PM EDT Designer Chat & Stencil Graffiti Tutorial! We are chatting in the chat room here! Today is going to be fun!

Paula @paula kesselring has been so kind to not only video a PS tutorial on her Stencil Graffiti, but also wrote up the PS instructions. I am sure a lot of it is similar in PSE (I no longer have it on my computer, so I am unable to be specific) but it should also be similar in other programs.

Paula will have a chat participation coupon for all that join us in the chat, and she will also choose 2 random $5 coupon winners, for those that do a scrap page with her tutorial.

For those making a page using her tutorial and want to be entered into the random drawing, you will have until 3PM EDT Thursday Sept. 19th to complete your pages.

Let's Chat!!
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Note: To be eligible for the random $5 Coupon to Paula's store, please post your completed layout in The Lilypad gallery under Paula's Designer Gallery and link here in this thread so we make sure to give you credit.

GALLERY RULES: Layouts must contain at least 75% Paula Kesselring products. (Templates count as 15%.) Uploads must be less than 250k. List all credits; no off-site linking allowed.
Your page must be a new page for this Designer Technique/Tutorial scrap and cannot be used for any other challenge or slow scrap.
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Here is the wonderful Tutorial by Paula:

Here is the video:


Introduction:
Stencil graffiti is a fast and efficient technique to create images or text by cutting out designs (stencils) from materials such as paper, cardboard, or other mediums. The image is formed by applying spray paint or roll-on paint over the stencil, which can be reused multiple times. Artists often layer different colors or textures to add depth and detail.

Digital stenciling offers a cleaner, more precise approach. All you need is design software, the Brush tool, and your chosen image.

This tutorial was created using Photoshop 2024,which provides even more advanced features for editing and creating images. However, the steps can easily be adapted to other design programs that offer similar tools, such as adjustment layers and brush settings.

Tutorial Steps:

1. Select the image you want to convert into a stencil.
To begin, you'll need to add a Levels adjustment layer. Go to:
Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Levels (or click on the black and white circle icon at the bottom of the Layers panel) and select Levels.
When the Levels dialog box opens, adjust the black triangle slightly to the right and the white triangle to the left until the image gains more contrast and definition.

2. Add another adjustment layer, this time using the Threshold tool.
Go to:
Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Threshold, or find the option in the Layers panel. The image will switch to a black-and-white format; use the slider to adjust the balance between black and white until you’re satisfied with the result.

3. Next, go to: Select > Color Range and click on any black area, then hit Enter.
This will highlight all the black sections of the image. You’ll notice the selection is now marked with the "marching ants" effect.

4. Create a new blank layer.
Head to the menu:
Layer > New > Layer and give your layer a name, or click the small square icon at the bottom of the Layers panel to create a new layer. Make sure the new layer is active.
Now select the Brush tool. If you want a softer spray effect, choose a lighter brush; set the brush to a harder setting for a more defined spray.

5. Soften the edges of the selection slightly to mimic the natural spray effect of real stenciling.
Go to Select > Modify > Feather and set the radius to 3 pixels.
You’re almost ready! Adjust the brush to Dissolve mode, set the opacity to 100%, and flow to 50%. Pick a color and begin brushing over the selected areas to apply your stencil effect.

6. Finally, deselect the area, hide the original image layer, and your stenciled image is complete!
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Here is the page I made using Paula's Tutorial:

(Credits: 100% Paula Kesselring Designs: AntiquePapers8 , Graffiti Spray Alpha (Black), Messy Mix1 and Messy Stitches2 ...Knight Chess piece made from custom shape and applied a bevel and shadow to it.)

Now it's your turn!!! We cannot wait to see your pages!

 

I dont have PSE anymore however Kayla @keepscrappin suggested the magic wand and i agree

Let us know if that helps, Jagruti!

 

Closed

 

@mrs2a50 Julie, can you move this thread to the learning center.. Thanks!

@paula kesselring FYI

 

Thank you Krista!