A DIY Stencil Project That Will Make You A Stencil Believer

Having never stenciled anything before in my life, I was nervous about whether or not I’d be able to do it. But I can tell you now, there’s nothing to it (I loved it so much I purchased a second stencil for another project almost immediately after completing this project).

Skill Level: Moderate
Time Required: 2 hours plus drying time
Project Cost: $10 plus cost of stencil

• Stencil
• Foam Board
• Stencil Brushes
• Folk Art Extender

1. I used the Endless Circles Lattice stencil follow for my project. It came (quickly) in the mail and included basic instruction on using the stencil. My biggest concern was being able to line it up correctly, which didn’t end up being a problem at all. I used Martha Stewart stencil brush follow for this (found at Michaels).
2. Royal Design Studio recommends Folk Art Extender, which I couldn’t find at my Michaels. I was thisclose to doing this without the use of an extender, but decided at the last minute to see what Hobby Lobby had. And, let me tell you, using an extender is a must! I tried both ways and definitely found the paint easier to work with using the extender. It makes the paint thinner and easier to manipulate, a must for stenciling projects.
3. Now, just so you know, I didn’t actually stencil the inside of my china cabinet. Instead, I used foam board (found at Michaels), cut to fit the cabinet, and stenciled that. I positioned the stencil at the top left of my board (following the clear direction that came with the stencil), loaded my brush, wiped off the excess and began. Now, I did not use a stencil adhesive. I figured that since I was working horizontally, it wasn’t necessary. I did, though, use some painter’s tape just to help me hold it in place.

I luuurve how this turned out. I seriously couldn’t be happier.

How about you? Have you stenciled before? Do you want to learn? What in your home would be made happier by some stencil love?

Thanks, Linda! For more info on this project and others, check out Linda’s blog burlap + blue.

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