Crafts With Stencils

Stencils can make elaborate detail work fuss-free.

The beauty of stenciling is that you don't have to possess professional drawing or painting skills to produce professional-looking results. Stencils are cost-effective craft supplies because they can be reused, and are widely available in a variety of sizes, shapes and styles. You can use stencils for almost any craft or home decor project that might benefit from an image, design or splash of color.

Kids Crafts

Kids who enjoy drawing can use plastic or cardboard stencils to incorporate into their art projects. Have them trace and color stencils onto paper or cardboard to make bookmarks, door hangers or pictures for the refrigerator. They can decorate their scrapbook pages with stencils. Give them an old shoe box and stencils and they can make their own treasure chest.

Holiday Crafts

Use stencils to make your own greeting cards or wrapping paper for any occasion. Buy ready-to-paint balsa wood ornaments to paint and stencil on fine details, or use winter theme stencils and spray-on snow to decorate your windows. At Easter time, stencil your eggs with egg paint; at Halloween, stencil your pumpkins with painted designs.

Home Decor Crafts

Use stencils to spruce up anything in your home that seems drab. Give your drawers and cabinets some glitz with stencils and gold or silver paint. Varnish over it, and the designs will look inlaid. Stencil your plain window or lamp shades. You can stencil on wall borders in any room, or use letter stencils to write warm messages on walls.

References

• "Two-Hour Painted Wood Projects"; Linda Durbano; 2001
• "Southern Living": Done in a Day: Stenciled Window Shade