It's not cheating!

I've been asked a few times during my doodling classes - in person and now online - if I use doodling templates and if I think it's cheating. Cheating at doodling, that is. Well, I say absolutely not! I've used Crafters Workshop templates a few times and really like them. I also like to take them and add my own touches to them.

Here's one I made for my LSS. I used the template for the basis of the swirls and foliage and most of the dots. I moved the template around and just used bits of it here and there to create my own pattern of swirls. Same with the dots.

I used a Sakura black Permapaque marker for the black because it was going to be on both paper and the slick photo paper. Then I outlined some of them with white to give them a little more depth.

The second layout I used a different template and changed pens depending on what color I wanted to stencil in. I'd color it in, lift it carefully, and let the ink dry. I'd then reposition it and repeat the process with a different color. I put some of the design over the photo and some beneath.

So, for you doodlers out there, use those templates! It's still doodling, just doodling with help. :) Who couldn't use a little help every now and then?