How to Make an Image for a Stencil

Stenciled images provide a creative touch to just about any craft project, whether you're creating a border on a wall in a child's room, painting a chair or decorating a wooden shelf. While you could easily purchase a ready-made stencil in your local craft store, making your own stencil allows you to use an image that will perfectly complement your room decor or project theme.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer
• Printer
• Self-healing cutting mat
• Craft knife
• Chipboard

1. Conduct an image search on the Internet for a graphic representation of the image you want to turn into a stencil. You'll want to choose an image that the theme of your project.

2. Print the image in black and white.

3. Lay the printed image on your self-healing cutting mat then use the craft knife to carefully cut out the image. You can make a simple stencil by only cutting out the image along the outer edges or you can create a more detailed stencil by carving out details inside the image itself.

4. Trace the cut out image onto the chipboard then use your craft knife to carefully cut the image out of the chipboard to create a sturdy stencil suitable for repeated use.