Wall stenciling and decals are all the rage in home décor. While I must admit they are gorgeous, some of them are a bit above my decorating budget. I did some investigating in my local hardware and stationery stores and have a devised a cheap and easy DIY version in 8 easy steps.
Tools for the Project:
If you’re artistic draw it by hand, but if you’re not blessed with creative skills, look for a pattern on the internet. Find one you like and print it. If it’s a large design you might need to go to a printer shop.
It’s important to measure the space you intend on stenciling if you plan on making your stencil a repetitive pattern. You need to make sure your pattern fits evenly in the space you want to fill.
Step 3: Prepare the Stencil Sheets
You can cheat and buy blank sheets at an art supplies store, but I found plastic folders and made my own. It’s cheaper and I have no use for a whole pack of 12 sheets, which is what the art supply store sells.
I bought plastic folders, cut them up, taped the pages together and used these as my stencil sheets. Make sure they fit your pattern in size. My design called for a 24 by 24 inch square (60x60cm). Other designs might be more oblong.
Step 4: Trace the Pattern
Place your printed image underneath the semi-transparent stencil sheet. You should be able to see the pattern clearly. Now you can trace the pattern using a marker.
Step 5: Cut the Stencil
Cut out the stencil using an Exacto knife (this allows for more precision). This step was the most time consuming part of the project. Press on a cutting mat in order not to ruin your desk or table.
In retrospect I would choose an less intricate pattern than the one I chose. This one was a bit ambitious and took a few days to do.
Step 6: Fix the Stencil on the Wall
You might need a ladder or something to stand on if your stencil needs to be high up the wall.
Two things you can do to make sure your stencil is firmly stuck to the wall:
If you’re worried that the image looks skew, use a level stick to ensure the design is straight.
Step 7: Painting The Stencil – The Fun Bit
Using a stencil brush paint the cut out areas of your stencil. Some of you might find it easier to work with a sponge paint dabber.
I used stencil paint. It’s drier and doesn’t drip down the the other parts of the stencil. I used 6 bottles (1/2 fl oz, or 15ml each). The amount of paint you will need does depend on your design’s size and detailing. The paint takes 24 hours to become dry for touch.
Step 8: Repeat
Learn DIY: How to Duplicate Your Own Key at Home!
From now on you won't need a locksmith when you get locked out. all you need are scissors, tape, a tin can and a light and you can make your own free spare key!
Time to Clear Up Baking Soda vs. Baking Powder Confusion
Many people think that baking powder and baking soda are one and the same, but they're actually not. This guide will highlight the key differences between them.
14 Tips to Give Tired Old Furniture a New Lease On Life
Have you got a pieces of furniture or fixtures and fittings that are looking tired? Try these 14 tips to give them added longevity and a new lease of life.
10 Homemade Face Masks For All Skin Types and Problems
No matter what kind of skin you have; dry, oily, lifeless or burned, read this article and you'll learn how to make simple masks to nourish it!
Windows Paint Can Do a Lot More Than You Think! Here's How
Although Windows Paint seems like it isn't capable of very much on first glance, there are actually many things that it's capable of. Take a look at this guide.
Here's What You Do With Your Leftover Plastic Spoons!
I never thought there was so much to do with this simple single-use utensil.
9 Tips to Keep Your Sweater from Shedding This Winter
Winter is almost here, and it’s time to protect your sweaters from shedding.
21 Sizzling Hot Microwave Tips To Improve Your Life
The microwave is something we use every day, but did you know how many different ways you can use it? Here are 21 surprising uses.
Vintage Beauty and Self-Care Tips We Should All Be Using
Here we feature 14 really effective, but often forgotten vintage beauty. Best of all, nearly all of these tips use items you have at home
Guide: 11 Ways to Defend Yourself in an Emergency
The basic self defence tips all women should know.
7 Common Bank Scams and How to Avoid Them
Banking scams continue to evolve with time, but with proper knowledge you can learn to avoid them.
How To Prevent Roaches From Entering Your Home
Learn some useful tips as you struggle to keep roaches out of your home.
I’ve Found a Natural Remedy for Those Red Bumps on the Skin
A natural remedy to erasing those red bumps that appear on your arms without visiting the dermatologist. You only need to ingredients, which are easily found at the grocery store.
How to Develop a Green Thumb For Home Plants
The following houseplant cheat sheet summarizes the essentials you need to know about growing your own houseplants.
10 Hotel Secrets You Should Be Aware of Before Booking
There are numerous tricks of the trade that hoteliers employ to maximize profits. Here are 10 hotel secrets that you must know before booking your next trip.
A Better Kitchen: 20 Tips You Can't Afford to Miss
How to make your kitchen one of the EASIER rooms in the house? Just check out these 20 tips that'll make your kitchen a much nicer place
14 Little Known Ways to Save on Gas While Driving!
If you take heed of these 14 easy pieces of advice, you will end up saving hundreds of dollars each year on gas.
Say Goodbye to Your Weeds with These Natural Weed Killers
Trying to find a way to kill your garden weeds without killing your plants? These 8 all-natural weed-killing tips are just what you're looking for!
Enrich Your Soil with This Easy-To-Make Compost
Enrich your soil and provide your plants with all the nutrient that they need by making this compost.
Rice Water - 6 Unexpected but Super Helpful Uses
After reading this article, you will never throw away rice water again.
A Simple, Easy Guide for Writing Your Living Will
It's not something you want to think about, but writing your will is sure to lift a huge burden from your shoulders. Here's a simple guide.
10 Great Money Tips from the World's Most Successful People
People rarely find success by accident. So why don’t you set yourself up for financial success by listening to the following pieces of advice.
There's a Reason Our Grandmothers Stored Bacon Fat
What are the uses for bacon fat? You'll be surprised what you can do with it.
Did You Know You Shouldn't Store These Foods in the Fridge?
Contrary to popular belief, these 10 foods shouldn't be stored in the refrigerator for a variety of reasons. Read this post to find out more.
14 Genius Cooking Hacks You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner!
Try these awesome cooking hacks today to make your life easier.
A Few Tips for Restoring Order to Your Household
Some of the best home tips
Do You Know When to Go to Bed? Just Follow Our Tips
A great way to boost your health is to make sure you are getting enough sleep. Here are 10 bedtime rituals that are sure to get you in the mood to sleep.
15 Tricks Restaurants Don't Want You to Know About
Ever go into a restaurant planning to stay in budget, only to find out that by the end of the night, you've gone way above it? Now you'll know why.
This Ice Cube Hack Will Keep Your Burger Juicy
Check out these essential tips to ensure a juicy burger.
8 Awesome YouTube Channels For Simple At-Home DIY Guides
Become a home renovation expert with these awesome home DIY YouTube channels.
Book Recommendations: 10 of the Best Reads for Dog Lovers
If your best friend is a dog, then you’ll this list of the best book about dogs.
10 Natural Remedies That Actually Work
Not Feeling well? We recommend that you think outside the box, or in this case outside the medicine cabinet with the following 10 effective natural medicines!
13 Household Items You Never Knew Had an Expiry Date
Take note. These common household products do go bad.
Video Tutorial: How to Speak More Clearly
In this video, we will learn how to speak clearly and so we are easily understood.
How to Choose the Best Kitchen Sponge for Your Home
What things should you consider when choosing the best kitchen sponge for your home? This video explains...
9 Ultimate Methods for Stain Removal around the House
Things we;ve had for a long time tend to lose their fresh-out-the-box look but this can be remedied! These methods will help you remove those stubborn stains!
Wasting Time: 5 Misconceptions About Time That Delay Us
How to use our time in a way that will help us to bring happiness and success.
These 2 Solutions Will Help You Say Goodbye to Plaque!
If you have some plaque on your teeth that you need to get rid of, we recommend that you try out this brilliant home remedy!
The Devil Is in the Detail, Even When it Comes to Cleaning...
This guide shows you how to clean every room in your home, as well as specific parts of each one. You won't find a more detailed home cleaning guide than this.
You May Have Been Washing Your Hair Wrong Your Whole Life!
This simple guide will explain why you haven't been washing your hair properly and how to do the right way to make sure your hair is healthy and strong!
Can't Seem to Find a Good Pillow? This May Be Your One
You may be on the verge of settling for a pillow that is less than optimal for you, but we can suggest an alternative - buckwheat pillows.
10 Reasons Why You Should Drink More Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea has an incredible amount of uses! Check out our top ten here.
8 Surprising Ways Vinegar Can Help With Pet Care
From being a natural flea remedy to cleaning the aquarium, vinegar proves to be an excellent option for taking care of your pets.
STOP! Before You Throw Your Egg Shells, Read This...
Egg shells have a plethora of useful properties.
Did You Know There’s an Optimal Time for a Cup of Coffee?
Learn when to drink your coffee for it to give you the best pick-me-up.
15 Cleaning Tips to Keep Your Home Spotless With Ease
Tips and tricks that'll help you keep your home clean with speed and ease.
40 Incredibly Useful Things You Can Do with Vinegar
Vinegar is one of the most useful materials in the house...