Guest Author - Sandy Laipply

Stenciling is one of the easiest crafts and should be in the repertoire of any paper crafter. It can be done with paints, chalks, markers, colored pencils, special stencil creams, crayons, or the paint to match your walls. Stencils allow the user to repeat a design as often as desired, with the same result, or to change the color of the motif. There are 4 basic kinds of stencils – brass stencils (often called templates), plastic stencils, multiple part stencils, and those you cut yourself.

A few tips will make your stenciling easier. Almost any surface accepts stenciling well, but we’ll stick to papers. Secure your stencil in place on your surface with removable tape or spray adhesive made for this purpose. Stencil brushes are round and stiff, with all the bristles the same length. Some people like to use a swirling motion to stencil, others prefer to dab with an up and down motion. You can also use a piece of a cosmetic sponge to dab the paint. Using a clip type clothespin, (or a special holder made for this purpose), to hold the sponge prevents paint from getting on your hands.

If you’re using the special stencil creams, remove the protective coating with a toothpick or craft stick. Swirl your brush in the cream, and then “ offload” the color by swirling on a paper towel. Starting on the outer edges of the stencil, swirl or dab the color onto your surface. Remember, in stenciling, less is more, so use a light touch. Check the color by lifting a corner of the stencil. If needed, apply more color. In the larger areas, leave a little white space in the center of the design to allow for some shading. Additional colors can be added to the design at this time. Continue in this manner until you have covered all the openings in your stencil. I like to protect any areas I want to remain unpainted with removable tape, or a sticky note. I also protect the areas outside my stencil in the same way, especially if the design comes close to the edge of the stencil.

If you are using a more moist paint, it is especially important to offload the color before going to your stencil, to avoid bleeding under the edge. When using colored pencils, I like to “ trace’ the design thru the stencil, remove the stencil, and continue applying my color. When using markers, chalks or crayons, your image will not be as sharply defined as with the other media.

Many people also enjoy working with multiple part stencils, or overlays. These designs consist of at least 2 stencils that work together to make up the finished design. Registration is extremely important with these stencils. They usually have small dots, or registration marks in each corner, and these need to be lined up with each different part of the stencil set. Using a pencil to place a small mark in each of these areas does this. The marks are erased when the design is finished. These stencils are also numbered in the order in which one needs to apply the color for best results. Designs done with overlay stencils can rival handpainted works in their intricate detail and beauty.