Some cards practically make themselves—this was one of them. Today I’m featuring a project made with the August 2025 Hero Arts Layering Stencil of the Month, Sunnyside Manor. This dreamy stencil has a charming layered interwoven scene that comes to life with just a few colors of ink.
Step-by-Step: How to Use Layering Stencils
If you’re new to layering stencils or just want to brush up, here’s how I created this scene using the Sunnyside Manor Stencil set:
1. Start with a Colored Card Base (Optional)
I used lavender cardstock to add an extra tone to the finished design before I ever inked. You can also use white for a clean slate.
For this version, I created a bold and beautiful palette using three shades of purple and a pop of orange. I started directly on a lavender card base, giving me a built-in fourth shade of purple before I even began inking.
2. Secure the First Stencil
Place Layer 1 over your cardstock and secure it using low-tack tape or a sticky mat to keep everything from shifting. Hero Arts Stencils have great square guides in the four corners so each layer lines up perfectly everytime! I take a pencil and mark each square before I begin.
If you’d like to see this process in one of my How to Stencil Videos, click HERE.
3. Blend Your First Ink Color
Using a blending brush, apply your first ink (I used Thistle). Blend evenly and lift the stencil carefully once done.
4. Repeat for Each Layer
Align Layer 2 (they’re clearly numbered on the lower left) and easy to line up with the square guides or by eye).
Ink with your second color: Purple Galaxy
Layer 3: Tangerine
Layer 4: Amethyst
Hero Arts inks dry quickly, but if you’re planning to hot foil or emboss over it, give the ink a moment to fully dry.
5. Add Your Sentiment:
- I hot foiled “HELLO” using the Best Wishes LetterPress/Foil Plate in matte gold on purple cardstock.
- I built a three-layer frame using elements from the August Card Kit:
- Bottom: Vellum
- Middle: Lavender cardstock
- Top: Matte Gold cardstock
The card has a soft shimmer, deep contrast, and that quiet elegance that stenciling always brings. I find stenciling to be my Zen moment—and this one was so satisfying.
Interested in more August Club Kit Cards, you can read my August 2025 Release Day Blog Post HERE.
>>>> Hero Arts Club Kits Overview <<<<
Why I Love This Stencil
If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly but artistically satisfying project, this one is for you.
Stenciling has become my go-to technique for beautiful, relaxing cardmaking. The Sunnyside Manor Layering Stencil is especially satisfying—the layers line up easily and the design allows for infinite color combos. Whether you go soft and serene or bold and whimsical, this stencil adapts beautifully.
Interested in seeing some other layering stencils…..click HERE.
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