Make your own stencils!

A couple months ago I bought a few plastic school folders to turn into my very own stencils. I used an Exacto knife and ruler to create a few different patterns. I now have circles, diamonds, a burst effect, a tessellation and chain link. I got the idea for the chain link from a youtube video of one of my favorite art journalers, ImperfectImpulses http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40X0x21Ww9Q
I have used the circles, diamonds and burst effect so far on art journal pages. Go see if you can spot them. I can either sponge paint through the holes in the stencils or use them more like a big stamp. They are great for adding texture and cost me 25 cents. Perfect!