How to Do Dimensional Stenciling

Dimensional stenciling is stenciling with a twist. Instead of the flat, one-dimensional stencils one associates with colonial houses, you are left with something that is a cross between sculpture and stenciling that's far easier to do than you think.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Buy some lightweight spackle from a hardware store or building supply store. Find some stencils of your choice at craft supply stores or make your own by cutting shapes into cardboard with a box cutter.

2. Choose craft paint in any color you like. Either mix the paint with the spackling before beginning the craft, or paint the spackling after it's applied on the wall. Decide this for yourself. Applying the paint afterward can create a different look.

3. Stir the spackling well before proceeding—either with the paint or without.

4. Secure the stencil to the wall with tape or stencil adhesive.

5. Apply the spackling to the stencil with a palette knife. It's up to you how thickly you wish to apply it. Add dimension and texture to the stencils. Add wavy lines for hair, curves for flower petals, roundness for balls and so on.

6. Lift the stencil from the wall by pulling it directly back from the wall. Try not to twist it so the details you added to the spackling remains unscathed.

7. Clean the stencil, and allow the spackling to dry. Once it is dry, either paint your dimensional stencil or leave it white. White spackle can have an adobe-like appearance.

Resources

• Victoria Larsen looks at stenciling.
• Thirty Fun explores stenciling.