Zentangles and Stencil Cutting

I don't know how I stumbled upon it, but I somehow found this Flickr site about Zentangles. I thought they look so FASCINATING and fun, and I really am trying to think outside the box and try and expand my creativity. I have been working on them at work (shhh!!) and at home, and it is addicting. I love how they turn out, and so far it has been harder than I had imagined to just think of random doodles. I don't doodle, and I never really have. I've always just randomly colored things. I like color! I can't draw, outside of triangles, hearts and stars. I have looked at many Zentangles from this flickr site, have written down ideas, but I hope that one day I can do one all from my brain. Here are some I have done. I also tried to do one completely in black and white, but it is too tempting to add in color. The last one I really like so far...even if  I just started it. (click to enlarge) I use different sized Sakura Micron pens for these, and watercolor (Prismacolor) pencils for the color.

I just have started out playing with stencils and spray paint on my journals. Constantly searching for stencils you want and buying them is difficult and expensive, so naturally I want to make my own! I first found this on Michelle Ward's Blog. She does monthly Crusades, a challenge to anyone who wants to participate. I think I am going to work through most of them even if they are over. Some are so awesome! Here are some photos of my beginning stenciling crusades.

As you an see, its a little rough around the edges. It is MUCH easier using a heating tool (found at Michael's) than an exacto knife...but harder than I thought. Any tips on how to make pretty stencils?