Wall Stencils

So you've decided to stencil your wall!

Planning and execution are the keys to success. Today, we'll discuss the planning step.

The first thing to do is to choose a stencil. You can buy stencils either ready to cut out or ready to paint. Stencil Gallery is perhaps the best-known source of wall stencils in Australia. However, Dover Books publishes a wide range of ready to use and ready to cut stencils. Rainbow Book Agencies stocks a variety of stencil design books, including Dover's.

You can use lace, including paper lace doilies or vinyl lace . You can use stencils intended for quilting, fencing or screens, or even found objects such as kitchen tools with interesting patterns.

You can also make your own. Draw or trace a pattern on thick card or lightweight plastic and cut it smoothly with a craft knife.

You need only small quantities of paint, so don't skimp. Choose a good quality paint intended for stenciling. Consider your colour scheme carefully. Traditional Australian stenciling uses ochre, reds, and black shades, and you might like to do the same. You might prefer white on flat-painted walls, or a tone-on-tone effect.

We recommend that you practice on a board before you stencil your wall, in order to be sure you like the results.

Next time, how to ensure success!