It's project month here at Apartment Therapy and one of the easiest ways to kick out a fun patterned project is with a stencil. Whether painting a wall or adding pattern to the front of a dresser, stencils make short work of jazzing up a project. Here, we've collected some online sources for stencils and supplies…
Stenciling works with just about any kind of paint — from regular ol' latex to spray To make getting started on your project a little easier, most of the online stores also offer paint, brushes and other supplies.
• Cutting Edge Stencils Cutting Edge has a vast selection of stencils; from large sizes for creating an allover pattern to smaller stencils suitable for craft projects.
• Royal Design Studio While Royal Design Studio has a huge selection of stencils, the site is also notable for offering how-tos for stenciling projects.
• Designer Stencils In addition to offering templates for walls and crafts, Designer Stencils also stocks culinary stencils. Cake bakers, start your mixers!
• The Stencil Library From England, The Stencil Library "is generally accepted as being the worlds leading designer and manufacturer of decorative stencils."
• Stencil 1 If you're looking for edgier stencils, Stencil 1 is the site for you. From retro TVs to funky headphones, you'll find stencils here that you won't see on other sites.
MORE STENCIL POSTS ON APARTMENT THERAPY
• How To Paint a Wall Using a Stencil
• Pattern for Renters: Stenciled Curtains
• How To Repaint & Stencil Ugly Rental Vinyl Tile Flooring
• New From Ed Roth: Stencil 201
• 4 Places To Use a Stencil in the Bathroom
Image: Jason Loper
100 DIY Ideas for the 3-Day Weekend
Danielle's Charming, Classic Walk-Up
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
White Enamel Flatwa...
How To Cook Fluffy, Tasty Quinoa
Perfect Summer Cocktail Recipe: Honey Bourbon Lemonade
I love stenciling if it's done right. I, unfortunately, am severely deficient in the "put it on straight" department.
Royal Design and Stencil Library both have blogs with tutorials too.
Straight stencils? Dangle a door key from a string, it falls in a straight line. Match the edge of the stencil with the string and it too will hang straight.
Not a HUGE fan of DIY stencils... but if he's DIYing, I'm buying!
Great sources for stencil designs,thank you!
Love this stencil design! I wish we would have had a stencil when we created the harlequin pattern http://www.oldtownhome.com/2011/6/10/How-To-Create-a-Harlequin-Paint-Treatment-Diamonds-are-a-Girls-Best-Friend/index.aspx on the walls of our downstairs hallway. I'm guessing it might have been easier than the measuring and taping method we used!
another fabulous site for stencils is www.oliveleafstencils.com
Door key from a string-how delightful! There is also this thing called a level.
@PATRICK(THEOTHERONE)
Right on, brother. You guys take the stencils, I'll take the stenciller...
Thank you for these resources.
Hanging a heavy object from a string is called a plumb bob and dates back to the Egyptians. And is a fantastic free idea that can be used for any length. Plus, it's free. A spirit level is accurate only to the length of the level. And every time you move it, you introduce inaccuracy. If money is no object, a laser level is a good bet. But, nothing beats a good "stand back and look." Most houses are not plumb and level. Things hung perfectly level will appear off kilter to the eye if the ceiling is not level or a wall is canted.
I stenciled a similar design on the prominent wall (the one facing you as you open) of my small front closet. I didn't use the suggested paint for the stencil part, and it didn't come out very clean. But it still looks good for a small, front closet, and everyone complements it.
Mmm, I'd "stencil" him anytime. Oh, wait, we're talking about paint? You mean "stenciling" is not an euphemism? Wow, I've been in some weird chat rooms then.
As a graphic designer "jazzing up" is really negative for me...but I do like the idea of stenciling. I almost did it in my bedroom until I found the perfect wallpaper.
I so appreciate how Apartment Therapy continually promotes stenciling!! Also happy to say that our brand spanking NEW and improved Royal Design Studio stencils website is getting close to launching with lots more tutorials and inspiration. And from the comments on this post I think I am in need of some nice male models to pose for some of those stencil tutorials!! ;-)