HOW TO CUT A STENCIL.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 164, 13 July 1935, Page 4 (Supplement)

HOW TO CUT A STENCIL.

PREPARING TO MAKE BOOKPLATES. Next week it is our intention to commence a series of articles on bookplates, and the method, in which they may best be made. Before these may be attempted, however, a knowledge of stencilling is necessary. Stencilling is a form of handprinting where the shape or design is cut on the "plate," which consists of stiff paper or sometimes thin metal, and is then printed on the surface.

The printing process is repeated to requirements. The stencil itself may be a complete design or a portion of a design, arranged when repeated side by side to make a continuous border or an all-over pattern. Although stencilling is often considered purely mechanical, there is ample scope for individual expression in the making of designs and their treatment. When choosing your design it is wise to select a fairly simple one, for it must be remembered that the tracing must afterwards be cut on the stencil, which is not so simple as a straight-

forward sketch, for instance. Another important point to be remembered. is that the "ties," the name given to the small parts holding the design together, must be carefully considered, and not only arranged to make it practical, but also to improve it and to appear as part the

design ratlier than something that has had to be added afterwards. This is well illustrated in Fig. 1. Constant repetition of these two given designs make very attractive borders. Now, in cutting your stencil there are several points which must be given careful attention. The design k carefully traced on the stencil paper, which is then laid on a piece of thick glass or other hard, smooth surface ready for cutting. The knife is held like a pencil, but in an almost vertical position, and is usually drawn towards the worker. The cut-

ting must be accurate, for if the cuts extend beyond the pattern the stencil will in all probability be spoiled. When stencilling on paper, this must be drawing-pinned on to a flat board or tabic. When the stencilling is finished the stencil plate must be thoroughly cleaned. If this is not done the stencil is liable to become clogged. Whilst drying, the stencil should be kept quite flat and put away in this condition so that it does not curl up. Onr second illustration shows the tools necessary for cutting a stencil. Specially stencilled waterproof paper

is necessary, on account of its durability and the sharp, clear edg« it gives when cut. The knives vary in shape, but either of the two kinds illustrated are recommended. Cutters are also useful. Both knives and cutters must be kept sharp to give good results.