How to clean filthy stencils without breaking out into a sweat!

So last August I was lucky enough to go over to the Cadence Academy in Turkey.

I spent a wonderful week creating and learning all about the products, it was pure bliss! In total I think we created sixteen projects, and they weren't all small!!

We used some fabulous stencils, which we were give to take home along with our projects.

As you can see from the picture above the stencils were put through their paces. I know some people don't ever clean their stencils, but I'm not one of them. Stencils with fine details can get gunked up, and you loose the clarity of the image.

We used all types of mediums from glass paints, acrylic paints, pastes and of course the fabulous hybrid acrylics, which stick to everything!

So here's my guide to cleaning your stencils, without breaking into a sweat.

Pop a dishwasher tablet into a bowl or sink, and carefully add a couple of kettles of boiling water.

Once the dishwasher tablet has dissolved, add you dirty stencils to the water, making sure they are completely submerged.

Just look at all the gunk on this one..................

And didn't we use gorgeous colours and mediums on here, and keep in mind these have been like this for six months, yes six months!

So half an hour later, and a little light brushing over with a soft nail brush, the magic has happened.

All the stencils are clean, gunk free and ready for using again.

Now to clean the kitchen island :)

Happy Crafting,
Elizabeth x