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10/25/2018

Mixed Media Decor | Stenciled Tool Organizer

Hey friends! I’ve got some fun mixed media decor to share, because naturally I can’t handle things being PLAIN in my creative space!  This bright paintbrush and tool holder adds not only a pop of color, but keeps what I need close at hand – all the way around, it’s an expression of me.

Mixed Media Decor | How to Stencil and layer designs on plain wood. A fun way to organize tools and supplies at happyhourprojects.com

 

So, I have moved.  Yes, again.  The past TWO moves, I didn’t even unpack all my crafty goodness, so I am THRILLED to share that I have a great space to get to work and share more around here.  And, of course, in any new space, there’s some organization necessary to fit where I’m working.  In my former studio, I had things close at hand very close to where I had them stored.  In the new space, I keep more supplies at my table so I don’t go back and forth to shelves and drawers.  I needed a solution to my paint and mixed media tools, so I picked up an inexpensive pencil holder and dressed it up it with my unique style.

Mixed Media Decor | How to Stencil and layer designs on plain wood. A fun way to organize tools and supplies at happyhourprojects.com

For this project, I pulled out my Design•Memory•Craft goodies – stencils, mediums, tools and Gelatos – and got to work!  I’ll share how some of these products work here – this post isn’t sponsored, just a fun share of what’s new in my creative world! I have affiliate links below to what I used, in case you want to check it out, or do some shopping.

Here’s what you’ll need to tackle mixed media decor:

Design•Memory•Craft products:

  • Gelatos
  • Palette Knife
  • Stencils
  • Glaze
  • Gel Medium

Other Supplies:

  • Craft Mat (Mine is the Ken Oliver Best Ever Craft Mat and I just love it)
  • Paintbrush
  • Wooden decor item
  • Paper Towels and/or baby wipes
  • Also used in this project:
  • The Crafters Workshop stencil, 6×6 Mini Specimens
  • Scrapbooking paper

Mixed Media Decor | How to Stencil and layer designs on plain wood. A fun way to organize tools and supplies at happyhourprojects.com

I started by decoupaging some light colored scrapbook paper onto the front of the organizer using DMC Glaze.  This step is optional, but I find the subtle pattern adds more dimension to the finished project.

Mixed Media Decor | How to Stencil and layer designs on plain wood. A fun way to organize tools and supplies at happyhourprojects.com

Then I got to the good stuff – Gelatos!  They’re pretty cool to use as tint for the Glaze and Gel Mediums.  Just use your palette knife to cut off a small slice, and mix it well into a bit of glaze.  I mix mine right on my mat and clean up with baby wipes, but you could use palette paper or something disposable if you prefer.  The colors I used in the background are Stardust, Passion Fruit, and Mango.

Mixed Media Decor | How to Stencil and layer designs on plain wood. A fun way to organize tools and supplies at happyhourprojects.com

Next, I incorporated a little bit of blue and my favorite stencil, the brick texture.  (Can you tell it’s been well-used??  Haha.)  I mixed this with Gel Medium and used a combination of Boysenberry, Cotton Candy, and Metallic Icing.  Wait for the first cat of glaze to dry before beginning stenciling.

Mixed Media Decor | How to Stencil and layer designs on plain wood. A fun way to organize tools and supplies at happyhourprojects.com

Once I added some brick texture, I used the Mini Specimens stencil to add some rustic/steampunk-looking accents and butterflies.  Yeah, that may not be a real look, but I don’t know how else to describe my style here?  I also added a little stamping along one side to add Make • Write • Love – kind of a mantra in the studio!

Mixed Media Decor | How to Stencil and layer designs on plain wood. A fun way to organize tools and supplies at happyhourprojects.com

 

It holds all my most-often used tools like scissors and paintbrushes, plus some extras!  Overall, I’m really happy with how it turned out.  It’s right on my desk, on-hand for any project.

Mixed Media Decor | How to Stencil and layer designs on plain wood. A fun way to organize tools and supplies at happyhourprojects.com

So, that’s a recap of what’s new in my world (And I’ll show you the studio as soon as I get the boxes out!)  I hope you enjoyed this little mixed media decor project, and I’ll see you guys again soon!

Adrianne Surian

Filed Under: Home Decor, Home Improvement, Paper Crafts, Tutorials Tagged With: craft tools, decor, DIY, home decor, mixed media, organization, stencils

copyright policy and terms of use

I love it when you love my work! All tutorials and photos published at Happy Hour Projects are copyrighted. If you would like to feature my tutorial on your website or share it on your social media you may use one photo to feature, as long as you provide a link back to the original post.

If you feature a photo, it may not be accompanied by the project tutorial or recipe, whether in my own words as it originally appears or paraphrased by you. This also includes personal sharing on social media and Pinterest. Publishing multiple photos from a project, or including instructions with an accompanying photo are not permitted and you will be asked to remove them.

I love to share my projects, and my tutorials, recipes, and e-books are ALL free for your personal use. However, photos and ideas that are published to this site are my protected intellectual property. You may print them at home, but please do not copy or distribute them. I also allow all designs to be made and sold at fundraisers, craft fairs, etc. If you are selling a piece made from one or more of my free tutorials in your online shop, I require that you use your own, original photography, and include a link back to my website to credit me as the designer.

I hope you enjoy what you read here, and please be fair when you share!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kanchipuram sarees says

    04/01/2019 at 7:31 am

    nice

    Reply
  2. Tall chest of Drawers says

    08/20/2018 at 1:27 am

    I just love these designs. These pictures are beautiful and classy. Thank you for sharing DIY and decorating ideas and inspiration.

    Reply
  3. kanchipuram sarees says

    08/16/2018 at 2:24 am

    nice post

    Reply
  4. golu dolls says

    08/16/2018 at 2:23 am

    looking good

    Reply
  5. hotmail login says

    08/02/2018 at 4:40 am

    Nice decor. I love your idea. It’s simple and easy to follow.

    Reply

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Hello, and welcome! I'm Adrianne, an artist, author, designer, and blogger in mid Michigan. I work from home, chase my two kids, and this once-city-girl is learning how to care for chickens and adjusting to life out in the country. I have a compulsion for daily creativity... sometimes it's jewelry-making, paper crafting, metal stamping, mixing and baking, or giving new life to recycled items. But with 2 young kids, time is short! My goal here at Happy Hour Projects is to share projects and tips that you can do in an hour or less. The ideas you find here are designed to add a little creativity in your day, no matter how much (or how little) time you have!

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