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Stencils can be simple, small and one-color, or complex, expansive and layered with color. That's the great thing about them: They are entirely personal and unique. And they're easy to create!
Creating a Stencil
Step 1: Place a Mylar or Plastic Sheet On Top of the Image
Step 2: Identify Spaces in the Stencil to Cut Away
Step 3: Stencil Away!
Stencil making is 95 percent inspiration, 5 percent work. Once you determine the size stencil that you need, it's all about coming up with a design. You can try to draw your own, but it's much easier to find an existing design you love. Look at wallpapers, fabrics, design clip-art books or even architectural guides. If you've never stenciled before, consider a simple pattern. Photocopy an image, pattern or design and increase the size until you're happy with the scale. Then, follow the steps below to create a unique stencil perfect for your home.
Then, trace the image with a Sharpie marker.
We call those "black" spaces. The remaining parts of the stencil, which block the paint from being applied, are the "white" spaces. The key rule: All of the white spaces must be one piece in order for the stencil to stay intact. If you have white spaces that are an "island," meaning that they are completely surrounded by black space, you must create a bridge. That way the stencil will remain as one piece. You can color in the bridge space on your final surface after you're done stenciling.