Elda Kohls Fiber Elegance

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For full information on how to contact Elda, visit our contact us page. To order items, visit our order page

About Our Stencils
The creative designs of our stencils are available in two materials, each with unique characteristics for specific application techniques. Both are individually cut for precise design transfer. Some stencils are two-part to accommodate color separation. Many may be repeated vertically and/or vertically or with a half-drop.

The Mylar stencils are cut from 8 ½" x 11" hazy mylar (5ml) for durability, ease of cleaning / placement, and may be used with a variety of surface design media. Each stencil is packaged with instructions for care and for suggestions for creative applications. We can accommodate your needs for custom sizes for special projects such as walls, yardages, crafts, etc.

The Japanese silk stencils are cut from shubigami paper and finished in the traditional method Japanese artists have used for hundreds of years. These stencils were primarily used with rice paste resist (katazome); however, with proper care they can be used with thickened dye, paints, and other colorants. The shubigami paper consists of several layers of mulberry paper laminated with a tannin such as persimmon juice and then smoked to produce a leather-like surface that is strong and waterproof. Because the stencil designs are stabilized with a laminated layer of silk gauze (sha), the designs may be more delicate and intricate than those of mylar but are very durable for repeated use. Each stencil is packaged with application and care instructions. The size of the images is stated in inches. Custom designs and sizes may be ordered. Contact us for information.

For the convenience of the katazome artists, the images of the mylar stencils can be produced as Japanese silk stencils; however, because the Japanese silk stencils do not require as many bridges for support of the design, they cannot be produced in mylar without adaptation of the design. Contact us for information.

What is a Japanese silk stencil?
The design is carved into shibugami, a water-resistant paper made by laminating sheets of mulberry paper with persimmon juice and smoking. This paper has been imported from Japan. A silk gauze, sha, is then applied to secure the parts of the design for durability. This allows for more details and fewer bridges in the design. With proper care, the stencil can be used multiple times and has been passed from one generation to another in the history of the fiber arts. This type of stencil was primarily used in the katazome process using rice paste as a resist while applying color to fabric.

How does one care for the Japanese silk stencil?
To prepare the stencil for use and assuming that water soluble media will be used with the stencil, the stencil with silk sha upward should be soaked in cool water for about 30 minutes to allow for expansion and also for easier cleaning. Place between layers of newspaper and apply a bit of pressure so that the excess moisture is absorbed before using. Cleaning should be done immediately after use so that the medium used will not dry permanently on the sha and clog it. Soaking the stencil in cool water again for a short time will assist in removing the media. Working from the sha side, a soft brush or sponge may be helpful. The cleaned stencil should be placed flat between layers of newspaper to dry. In some instances, a weight on the top of the newspapers may be needed to flatten the stencil. The stencils should be stored flat in a protective wrapping.

What is a mylar stencil?
Many plastic products are available for producing stencils, such as vinyl, polyester, acetate, mylar, and more. The process for producing the stencil and the use of the stencil determines the choice of material. The stencils offered here are made from a hazey plastic film which accommodates laser cutting. Each of these stencils has been cut individually with a laser for finer details rather than being punched in multiples. Because of the hazey finish, the design is more readily visible than with a clear finish. The translucency allows for ease in placement of the stencil, a feature that is expecially expedient in a repeat pattern or in using a multiple layer stencil. The material is very durable. The medium used with the stencil may leave a bit of stain even after cleaning; however, this stain does not affect the use of the stencil. Warm soap and water is effective for cleaning when water soluble media have been used. Test before using solvents for cleaning.

May the stencil be used any number of times without giving credit to the designer?
Yes, the stencil may be used as you wish, the only stipulation being that it may not be reproduced as a stencil and sold or distributed.

What media should be used with the stencils?
Many water-soluble media are available that are permanent when following the manufacturer's direction for setting. Clean up is with water. Test for permanency in washing and in dry cleaning if either are factors in the use of the article on which the color was applied.

May dyes be used with the stencils?
It will be necessary to thicken the dyes before applying. Many thickeners are available from dye suppliers and by experimenting with several one can determine which gives the desired effect. The list might include, sodium alginate, gum Arabic, various commercial print pastes, and commercial liquid resists. The proper consistency of the thickened dyes can be determined by testing.

What is the difference between dyes and paints?
Dyes tend to penetrate or unite with the fibers while paints tend to attach to the surface of the fibers. The paints are generally formulated with a resin base and are usually water soluble while wet and water resistant when dry; however, each manufacturer has developed its own unique formula so research each product.

May the dyes and rinse water be disposed of in the sewer system?
Generally, unless vast amounts are added to the sewer system or septic tank, it is acceptable; however, the manufacturer and the local authorities can be more specific.

Can one make his/her own stencils? What materials are required?
If the stencil is to be used with dry pigments or low moisture colorants, heavy paper such as tagboard may be used. It is easily cut with a sharp knife of scissors, or even torn for special effects. Should the stencil be subjected to considerable moisture such as paint, a waxed or plastic coated surface would do well. Consider any packing or packaging materials that might be among shopping items. These items might have interesting shapes or be of suitable material to use for stencils. Stencil paper and stencil materials are available in shops promoting stencils.