These doors started out as the plain brown stained doors that you usually find in homes built in the 70’s and 80’s. So, they were in desperate need of a makeover. Plus they are a pair of Coat Closet Doors in a foyer just inside the front entrance. Needless to say they were not inviting.

Lion Head Trompe Loeil Stencils Doors

I decided to use a Lion Head Door Knocker Trompe Loeil Stencils to dress them up.

By the way, Trompe Loeil, (French for ‘trick the eye’), is an art technique involving realistic imagery in order to create the optical illusion that the objects appear in three dimensions, instead of actually being a two-dimensional painting.

Back to the Doors:

First, I glued thin strips of molding in rectangles to give the illusion that the doors have inset panels (similar to old fashioned doors) and then painted white.

It’s best to remove the doors, take off all the hardware and work on them lying across a flat surface. I had them stretched across a couple of saw horses. You’ll find when gluing the wood molding down you will have a few areas that want to rise away from the surface. Carefully weigh these areas down with heavy items like tools or old books (whatever you can find that won’t get ruined if it gets a little glue on it).

After the glue dried I painted the doors. I did it this way because the paint fills in the creases and seams between the wood and gives it more of a timeless look. You’ll find that this step alone can bring so much more class to a room, but wait that’s just the start…

I added Lock Plate Trompe Loeil Stencils behind each door knob and a couple of Lion Head Door Knockers for fun using some faux finish stencils. I left the doors lying flat because it’s so much easier to work that way. You don’t have a door swaying back and forth while you’re trying to paint. That could create a mess.

Each of these stencils had three overlays (see below for more information). They came from a book of stencils so I copied them on a copy machine so that the book was kept intact. If you need your image to be a different size you can resize them on the copy machine. This is one of the many advantages to downloadable or paper stencils.

Before cutting out the stencil openings, cover each page with a clear protective coating like clear shelf liner.

Line up your stencils where you want them and start adding the paint. For more on the basic techniques of stenciling visit How To Stencil. There you’ll find out more about the stippling technique and ways to keep paint from smearing under the stencil. You’ll also find information on using multi layer stencils.

When you are finished, hang your doors back up, stand back and admire! Voila!

 

Trompe Loeil Stencils Lion Head Closeup

Here is a close up of the painted Lock Plate Trompe Loeil Stencils. Again, notice the door molding and the shadows they produce. It’s a great effect that’s inexpensive.

These are two very creative craft patterns that can help you bring a sense of Old World Charm to your room.

If would like to try this project, you can find the Trompe Loeil Stencils in the Antique Door Hardware Book of Stencils as a download (so you can get your project started now) at our Stencil Designs Store or if you don’t mind waiting on the mail man to deliver a book in print go to our Stencil Pattern Books in Print Store Front.

Antique Door Hardware Book Cover

You’ll have fun watching the reactions of visitors and showing off the Trompe Loeil Stencils Doors in your house. I hope you are inspired to create some great works of art with stencils!

Happy Stenciling,

Penny

Dragon Stencil Jeans

So, you have an old pair of jeans that you like but you don’t seem to wear them anymore. Before you chuck ‘em out in the trash…why not paint an image on them? It could be this dragon stencil or it could be anything that appeals to you. Go ahead…Make a statement with it!

This project involves painting a dragon stencil on a pair of jeans. Cool idea, huh? I know you’ve thought of painting stencils on walls and furniture, but have you considered painting your clothes? Why not put an image that reflects your personality on a pair of old jeans? You have the talent and as I often say with stencils - it’s easy.

This project idea is all about turning your stenciling interests in a whole new direction – decorating your clothes. Besides, who knows your interests better than you? We all have images and icons that we identify with. It may be frogs, eagles, butterflies…this list of possibilities is endless. And the large variety of stencils available to you is sure to include that one!

The best part is that while having fun re-designing your clothes you’re creating unique items that only you will be wearing. We all want to stand apart from the crowd and the best way to achieve that is to put your own creativity to the task.

This article is all about motivating you. But if you’re ready to start this project, we have the complete step by step plan at How To Garment Stenciling. You’ll find the instructions complete with pictures and more details for stenciling on fabrics.

Dragon Stencil Closeup

Here is a close up of the painted dragon stencil on the leg of the jeans. Notice that I used a little gold with glitter paint on top of the red to add a little more pizzazz!

You can so much with Oriental Stencils - so check out these ideas on redecorating furniture, creating art prints and so much more!

You can use any stencil for this project, but if you like the dragon stencil you can find it in the Oriental Designs Book of Stencils as a download (so you can get your project started now) at our Stencil Designs Store or if you don’t mind waiting on the mail man to deliver a book in print go to our Stencil Pattern Books in Print.

You’ll have fun creating and showing off your new dragon stencil jeans. This project should get you thinking about all of the possibilities for designing art for your home. I hope you are inspired to create some great works of art with stencils!

Happy Stenciling,

Penny

Turn a solid wall into a collage of patterns, colors and designs. Maybe even paint an entire scene simply by placing a few stencils to the wall and splattering on some paint.

If you want hand painted images on your wall and aren’t comfortable with free hand painting then stencils are your solution. Even if you have some skills with a paint brush, stencils allow you paint images that are always consistent. Of course a few basic stenciling techniques can help make the completed design more detailed and beautiful. Yet even total novices can have a blast with a few small jars of paint and a pack of stencils, letting their imagination run wild with their stencil as their guide.

There are several different types of wall stencils. There are wallpaper patterns that repeat a single design covering an entire wall, wall stenciling borders and stencils that let you create murals. Here is a short discussion on each.

How to apply Wallpaper Style Stencils:

Secure the stencil to the wall with masking tape in each corner and apply paint into the openings of the stencil. When the stencil is removed, the design remains on the wall. If you are creating a repeating pattern, reattach the pattern in the next area and apply paint. Continue moving the pattern and painting until your wall is complete.

OK… There is more to it than that but it just doesn’t make sense in words so here’s a video for you to watch how it’s done.

Borders & Friezes

Stenciling wall borders is easy with stencils. OK it may be time consuming but there is no better way to get a hand painted border on your walls.

Border stencils are lines of images that have a repeating or a few combined designs with a theme, such as seahorses and seashells, grapes and curling vines with leaves, or flowing roses. Most have registration marks to guide you in the placement of the stencil so that you can create a continuing pattern. To apply border wall stencils accurately, use a measuring tape or level and use painter’s tape to mark the lines of the top and bottom of the design. Once certain that the lines are straight, tape or hold the stencil against the wall and paint. Repeat the pattern all along the taped area for a beautiful border.

If you want to see this in video go to Stenciling Wall Borders.

Decorating with wall stencils is great for any age group and can transform any room from boring to fabulous.

However, when decorating a child’s room, it can be a very fun and inexpensive way to carry out your theme. Create a Princess Bedroom with a castle fortress and maybe even a dastardly dragon (don’t forget the knight in shining armor). Maybe you have a little slugger that would like a baseball theme (or any sport for that matter). Combine alphabet stencils to print out your child’s name or any other sentiment. Wouldn’t it be fun to get the kids involved? I know…I know! You’ve always told them not to write on the walls. But it would be a great time to inspire their creativity too.

So far we talked about single images for wall stencils, repeating patterns (wallpaper) and stenciling wall borders but now I want you to stretch your imagination to its fullest limit. Consider painting a wall mural with stencils! Many designers have created stencils that complete a scene like a garden or seaside. All you need to do is search for stencils that are in a related collection. Maybe you have a knack for combining individual stencil designs to create your own paradise. The possibilities are endless! Well, I hope this has inspired you to create some great works of art with wall stencils!

Happy Stenciling,

Penny

As a crafter you most likely have many interests. Perhaps one of your interests is creative stenciling while another is gardening. Have you ever thought about lending some of your artistic stenciling techniques to your garden? It’s a great way to spruce up a planter.

Bee Stencil Planter

Here’s what I did with an old strawberry pot. I know once you read this you’ll have many other ideas.

 

I decided to adorn this old strawberry pot with a small bee stencil. I was looking for something that would make a subtle surprise in my peaceful herb garden and he was a perfect match.

The biggest challenge of painting on a planter is that they are usually round so taping or securing your stencil in place becomes a little more difficult than on a flat surface. Remember it’s important that your stencil hugs the planter as closely as possible so that paint cannot creep under and smear your painted image. Also, the bee stencil should stay in place.

Working with a paper stencil or a very flexible material like vellum or Mylar, the stencil will fold easily over the curve but some of the stencil outlines (or islands) will stick up. Here is where the stippling technique is essential. You need to use your stenciling tool (brush or sponge) to come down right over the edges of the stencil and gently push them to the surface of your pot. It’s an easy straight up and down motion. And as always make sure your brush is on the dry side. Too much paint will seep under the edge of the stencil and smear.

To learn more about basic stenciling techniques visit How To Stencil. There you’ll find out more about the stippling technique and ways to keep paint from smearing under the stencil.

 

If you’re working with a thick plastic stencil you’ll have more trouble getting it to hug around the curve of the pot. You might want to try to increase the tape or use a heavier tape. It may even be a good idea to try and hold it tight with one hand while you paint with the other. Just be very careful because pots do break.

 

Also, make sure that your pot is very clean and free of dirt of course. You can imagine what will happen if you paint over smudged dirt – the paint won’t last long!

Actually, I painted this pot with the plants still in it. I loved the pot and these chives had been growing so beautifully for a long time. So, I thoroughly cleaned the spot where I planned to paint the stencil.

Bee Stencil Close Up

Here is a close up of the bee stencil. As you can see, he’s just a little bee that has settled on the pot.

You can use any stencil for this project, but if you like this bee stencil you can find it in the Secret Garden Book of Stencils as a download so you can get your project started now at our Stencil Designs Store or if you don’t mind waiting on the mail man to deliver a book in print go to our Stencil Pattern Books in Print.

You’ll have fun creating and showing off this flower pot with the bee stencil. You may get so enthused by the idea that you will find yourself out buying more pots!

Happy Stenciling,

Penny

Stenciling on furniture is a great way to save an old dresser and add a new conversation piece to any room. Not to mention the money you’ll save by redesigning furniture you already have versus buying a new item.

Besides, older furniture is better than new furniture, because things built even 20 or 30 years ago were made with stronger wood products and better craftsmanship. The older the item, the more likely it will be around even longer. So why not redesign an old piece instead of buying something new.

If you don’t happen to have something around your house waiting for a makeover, these items can be found at flea markets and thrift stores at very reasonable prices. Although sometimes you get lucky and run across one that someone is throwing out. Don’t be shy about dumpster diving. It’s a great way to show everyone how talented you are by turning trash into treasure. Oh come on! It’s easy with stencils – I’ll show you.

Here was an old dresser that had been in my garage and I can’t tell you how many times I overlooked it. Then I needed some extra storage in a spare room and thought about it. It was a perfect fit but it needed a redo badly. So I went to work.

First, I lightly sanded the entire piece and spray painted with a light green for my Rain Forest back drop. Then I splashed on some forest greenery.

Don’t panic…it was easy. Just pour several colors of green on a palette. Drag a paint brush through the different colors, spinning as you go to get the bristles coated with the colors.

Then using the same spinning motion, brush the paint onto the surfaces while swaying from side to side in your lines (like as if you were skiing).This will create some vine-like accents. I used a tapered end paint brush but a flat end will work just as well.

Now, dab a round head brush (like a stenciling brush) into the paints with an up and down motion allowing the bristles to pick up several of the colors. Use the same dabbing motion to create some patches of foliage. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll realize the brushes and the colors do most of the work. I only made a few areas of foliage because I wanted my frogs to stand out but go as crazy as you want. Remember this is your masterpiece.

Next, decide where to put the frog stencils. Take a little time with this and put the frogs where they will really stand out. It’s easier if they don’t cross over drawers or around corners but sometimes that ads creativity so weigh the options on your project.

Frog Dresser Before

Here’s a picture of what the dresser looked like before. As you can see it wasn’t anything special but it was made from good solid wood. Now it’s a very interesting piece that provides much needed storage.

You can use any stencils for this project, but if you like these frog stencils you can find them in the Red Eyed Tree Frogs Book of Stencils as a download so you can get your project started now at our Stencil Designs Store or if you don’t mind waiting on the mail man to deliver a book in print go to our Stencil Pattern Books in Print.

You’ll have fun creating and showing off your frog stencils dresser. This project should get you thinking about all of the possibilities for designing art for your home. I hope you are inspired to create some great works of art with stencils!

Happy Stenciling,

Penny

This was an easy project mostly because working with small pieces is so convenient. They’re much easier to maneuver than a large dresser and when finished it’s easier to find a space for them in your home. I don’t know about your house but small stools like this one come in handy for an extra seat or a step up to the top shelf. I couldn’t believe it when my neighbor had it out for the trash. What a find! All it needed was a quick base of black spray paint and my canvas was ready for art.

Since the top of the stool was round I was inspired to find a stencil to mimic the shape. This Yin Yang Koi Stencil was perfect. Not to mention the color choices that work well with the fish stand out so well on the black background.

Make sure your surface paint is not too glossy or slick that the stencil paints won’t bead up. If you are spray painting a base coat, use a flat paint (you can always come back with a clear coat for protection and beauty when the project is finished). If your item already has a base coat and it’s glossy, just lightly sand it down with a fine sand paper.

Once your background color is in place, line up your stencil overlays and start painting. If you are new to working with Multi Overlay Stencils, check out this great article on Stencil Patterns.

I want to show you what the stool looked like when I picked it up from the trash. I love before-and-after stories. This cute little guy had so much potential that I just couldn’t let him end up in the land fill. And now it’s a great accent, that doesn’t take up much room and I am even surprised at how often it comes in handy! If you come across a stool like this, now you’ll know what you can do with it. Or maybe there is already one hiding in your garage or attic that is calling for a re-do.

Here’s a close up view of the painting. I used a light yellow for the center circle because it was a coordinating color for the room where I planned to keep the stool. But a nice light water blue would have worked well too. So always remember that when planning a project the final destination for your artwork should be considered. Having a good plan before starting work will give you the greatest chance for success!

You can use any stencil for this project, but if you like the Yin Yang Koi Stencils you can find it in the Oriental Designs a Book of Stencils as a download so you can get your project started now at our Stencil Designs Store or if you don’t mind waiting on the mail man to deliver a book in print go to our Stencil Pattern Books in Print.

You’ll have fun creating and showing off this koi stencils stool. This project should get you thinking about all of the possibilities for designing art for your home. I hope you are inspired to create some great works of art with stencils!

Happy Stenciling,

Penny

When you think about stencils, the first image that comes to mind might be paintings on the wall. But why not consider painting stencils for your floor? It’s the perfect place to add color plus you’ll love having art under your feet.

Maybe you have an old rug that needs help finding a new groove or maybe you have a blank floor space that could use a beautiful rug. Also, it’s a great way to add more of your personality to your home.

Remember, rugs define spaces. Create an artful rug to join two chairs and a table in one corner of a large living area to make a quiet reading spot.

The rug used in this project was purchased at a Thrift Store (which is one of my favorite craft stores – plenty of ideas and raw materials). It had a couple of stains on it but no matter because the paint will cover them up, right? I brought it home and washed it very good in the washing machine. Since it started out white I used a little bleach.

You want a rug that has very little texture or nap. A smooth will allow the stencils to get close to the surface and make clean lines with the paint. Straw rugs are a good option too.

I started by blotting on light blue paint on the top section of the rug and a tan paint on the bottom half to create the sky and garden background. I covered the whole rug so that any areas I wanted to peek out from behind any garden resident would still have color. Also, the paint helped to smooth out my surface and helped the stencil process along.

It took a lot of paint because the cloth of the rug was soaking it up but I used the large bottles of craft paint that were inexpensive (the ones I don’t recommend with stencils because they are too thin and seep under the stencil). Let this layer of paint dry well (it may take some time). Oh yeah! Make sure you spread something under the rug before painting because the paint will seep through and stain the surface underneath.

Then the garden and each individual flower stencil was painted on. You may want to take a few moments to plan where each stencil will be place.

For this project I actually framed the sides with the garden wall stencil and the bottom with the stone path. Then I just blotted on several different colors of green paint in the center to create the garden background. Don’t be scared of this part because it really was just that – blotting paint with a large brush in that area. It’s just a background and doesn’t need to be anything special because it’ll be covered up with the stenciled images. Use several different colors of green, maybe a brown and even a couple of yellows.

After that I just started placing stencils randomly around until I had a garden. I used many different flower stencil patterns with some bugs and even a fountain.

Here’s a close up view of the painting near the fountain. You may notice that around the stone path and garden wall stencil I blotted on a little green for some moss. Also, when all the stencils are in place if you want to add a little more color sprinkle in some areas of colors like yellow and purple for casual patches of color. Again, don’t fret this part because it’s just dabbing a brush with some color in patches left open between your stenciled images.

You can use any stencil for this project, but if you like this one you can find it in the Wine and Spirits Book of Stencils as a download so you can get your project started now at our Stencil Designs Store or if you don’t mind waiting on the mail man to deliver a book in print go to our Stencil Pattern Books in Print.

You’ll have fun creating and showing off this flower stencil garden rug. This project should get you thinking about all of the possibilities for designing art for your home. I hope you are inspired to create some great works of art with stencils!

Happy Stenciling,

Penny

It’s a wonderful thing to take an old piece of furniture and transform it into a conversation piece. Having a hand painted, custom piece of furniture in your home adds a touch of class and personality unique to you.

Decorative stenciling on furniture is easy with stencils as your guide. They will allow you to get the images in place exactly where you want them.

You can use any stencil for this project, but if you like this one you can find it in the Wine and Spirits Book of Stencils as a download so you can get your project started now at our Stencil Designs Store or if you don’t mind waiting on the mail man to deliver a book in print go to our Stencil Pattern Books in Print.

I was getting ready to drag this old dresser out to the trash when I took a second look at it. It was originally a four drawer dresser but two of the drawers were missing. So, I cut down the side and back so that only two drawers were left. I nailed pieces of accent wood around the bottom on the front and sides.

I gave the entire piece a base coat of a light cream background with spray paint before stenciling.

To make it easier on myself, I took the drawer that I was going to stencil and brought it in where I was comfortable. It’s easier to lug around just a drawer instead of the whole dresser.

To create a back drop for the wine and grape stencils, I lightly brushed a thin layer of tan paint on the area where the stencils would be painted with a crisp line at the top to give the appearance of a table top. Then the stencils went on. You may want to take a few moments to plan where each stencil will be painted.

Here’s a close up view of the painting.

Now it is a unique sideboard instead of a heap taking up space in some landfill.

You’ll have fun creating and showing off this wine and grape stencils sideboard. This project should get you thinking about all of the possibilities for designing art for your home. I hope you are inspired to create some great works of art with stencils!

Happy Stenciling,

Penny

Right click on any of these free stencils and select print or save if you’re on a PC or drag it into a document if you’re on a MAC.

Cross Stencil

So that you can use your printed cross stencil patterns again and again, cover them with a protective coat like clear shelf liner before you cut out the openings. I like to do just the top side because a slick cover on the back will encourage paint to seep under and smear your painting.

You can wipe your stencil down after each use with a damp cloth.

 

Celtic Cross

Celtic Cross

In Germany and the Netherlands, this cross is called the Keltisch Cross and in other countries it is known as the Gaelic Cross. The design is popular in Ukraine and adorns the tops of cupolas, where the circle sometimes has rays emanating out, much like a Sun symbol.

St. Nicholas' Cross

St. Nicholas’s Cross (also known as St. Olga’s Cross)

St. Nicholas is one of the most popular saints, especially for Eastern Catholics and the Orthodox. Due to his charity and concern for the welfare of children, the Archbishop Nicholas (280-342 A.D.) of the Mediterranean port of Myra (Turkey) became Saint Nicholas and is the patron Saint of children and travelers.

Hand Sketched Cross

Working with paper stencils like these cross stencil designs have a few advantages like being able to make the same stencil different sizes. You can also take the page to a copier machine to reduce or enlarge to fit your project size.

I hand sketched this ornamental cross stencil while I was designing some cards. It’s so easy to make lovely cards with this stencil (or any stencil that suits you). Trace it onto a sheet of fine paper (I like to use a cream colored thick stock), and cut out the openings (island). Fold the paper in two and glue a different color paper to the inside just along the back side of the fold. When you close the card, the openings will reveal the colored paper.

Enjoy!

Happy Stenciling,

Penny

P.S. We are thrilled to introduce our selection of Stencil Designs. Instant gratification at its finest! You don’t need a special printer - these designs are specially formatted to print straight from your home computer on standard letter sized paper. Once downloaded, you will have your complete stencil booklet with patterns and instructions. Just click, buy and print!

If you’d rather get your Stencil Pattern Books in Print (like these or the one pictured above) then visit our Printer’s Book Shop for a large variety of stencil collections. These books are easy to follow and come with complete instructions. You’ll find all of the stencil designs used as examples throughout this site.

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