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
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.
You're Just Two Steps Away from Completely Waterproof Shoes!
With this simple guide, you'll learn how to easily waterproof your fabric shoes and walk in the rain without fear of your feet getting wet!
Plastic Wrap Definitely Isn't Just For Keeping Food Fresh...
We often just associate the use of plastic wrap with food, but it has numerous other uses. Here are 15 clever uses for plastic wrap.
Building Your Own Greenhouse Is Cheap and Easy!
A quick and easy greenhouse project that won't cost you an arm and a leg.
Safe & Natural Recipes to Add Scent to Your Home
Forget those fake, unhealthy air fresheners and chemical-packed scented candles. Make your own natural scents and keep your home fresh.
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.
NEVER Pop These 7 Types of Bumps and Blemishes
When it comes to bumps and blemishes, keep your hands off. Keep your complexion fresh and flawless with these handy tips.
Here's Why You Should Never Wear Shoes Inside Your House
Here are 7 reasons why you should get into the habit of taking your shoes off before you enter your house!
Make a Difference to Your Local Wildlife with These Tips!
If you have a garden you can make a huge difference to the local wildlife. Here are some easy tips that will help you help the wildlife in your backyard.
DO NOT Make These Mistakes When Frying an Egg
For a quick lesson in frying an egg, just watch this vidoe guide.
4000 Years of History in One Glorious Map
In one incredible map we see thousands of years of history.
COLLECTION: Growing Tips for Outdoor and Indoor Plants
Dive into the world of indoor and outdoor plants with these 10 great guides to show you the way.
50 Ways to Unwind Without Spending a Cent
Here are 50 different ways to help you unwind which are totally free of charge.
5 Foods You Should NEVER Wash, and 5 You Absolutely MUST!
Washing some foods can lead to the spreading of bacteria and other negative consequences. In this article you'll find 5 foods that you should never wash and 5 foods that you should always wash.
Your Toothpaste Can Be More Harmful Than You Think
Stop using toothpaste that fills your body with nasty chemicals, and try making one of these natural versions instead.
8 Adorable Mini Indoor Plants to Liven Up Any Small Space
These low-maintenance houseplants aren’t just cute, they hardly take up any space!
Clear a Clogged Drain Without Using Any Chemicals
The clogged drains of your house don't always need chemicals. These natural homemade cleaners provide great results, too.
A Coffee Filter Can Be the Most Helpful Item in the House...
Don't let their name fool you - coffee filters are some of the most useful things you can have around the house!
Make Your Own Laundry Soap for Just $1 a Gallon!
Making your own, much cheaper, liquid laundry soap is straightforward and can save you a lot of money. The best bit is that it only requires you buying 3 very cheap ingredients.
The Dirtiest Places In Your Home Will Surprise You
Bacteria can proliferate ad infinitum in the most unexpected places in the home. Forget the toilet, here's the low-down on the dirtiest things in your home.
WATCH: Keep These Tips in Mind to Protect Your Art At Home
As everyone does, I'm sure you have pieces of art in your home that are precious to you. Here's how you can protect them for your prolonged enjoyment.
How to Reduce that Puffiness Your Face Gets in the Morning
Get to know the 6 most effective ways we were able to find to treat a swollen face in the morning.
Save Money with These 15 Great Fuel Economy Tips
These 15 great tips will help improve your fuel economy, saving you money in the process.
These Sleep Secrets Are Only Known to a Few...
What are the things that will help make your sleep better?
Tips For a Happier Life: How Much Free Time Is Optimal?
People love fantasizing about a world with unlimited free time. But is having a lot of free time always the best option for one's well-being and happiness?
Avoid These Email Clichés and Communicate More Effectively
Watch out for the outdated phrases below and upgrade your email vocabulary with thoughtful and unique sentiments.
The Easiest Way to Clean and Freshen Your Mattress
There are thousands of small reasons to clean your mattress, and one simple way to do so!
NEVER Do These 7 Things When Using a Power Strip
These are 7 safety tips you should always follow when using a power strip to avoid disaster
40 Common Tourist Traps to Avoid on Your Next Vacation!
If you're planning a trip abroad, please be aware of these 40 common tourist scams!
8 Shopping Tricks That Will Save You Money
Learn to save more money with these secret tips.
Now is The Last Chance for This Outdoor Winterizing Task
Learn how to seal cracks and potholes in your driveway, and how to winterize your driveway before the first snow.
10 Products You Should Never Consume on a Plane
Eating on a plane is fine, but there are actually certain food and drinks that you should avoid consuming while flying. Here are 10 of them!
How to Increase Water Pressure in Your Shower: 9 Tips
Is the water pressure really slow in your shower? Here’s what you should do to improve it.
Guide: How to Make a Tasty Fruit Salad In No Time at All...
This video will show you how to quickly chop fruit for those delicious and fresh fruit salads.
8 Super Handy Grocery Bag Tips You Have to Try
Whether you prefer paper or plastic, there are enough hacks here to really boost your bag usage. These tips will save you time, money and space. Perfect!
The One Ingredient in Shampoo that Damages Our Hair...
Most shampoos have at least this one ingredient that might damage your hair - protein.
Experts Warn Against Ordering These Foods at Restaurants
According to the experts, you should avoid ordering the following 8 foods at restaurants. You'll want to heed their advice.
10 Great Extra Uses for Charcoal Briquettes
Here's how you can put those extra charcoal briquettes to good use at home.
Watch This and Become a Knot Expert!
Become a knotting expert with this educational guide. Some of these knots can be life-saving...
7 Steps That Will Help Break Your Addiction to Sugar!
If you're addicted to sugar, following these 7 steps will help you break this unhealthy addiction.
Are Your Sofa Cushions Sagging? Here's What to Do
Got saggy sofa cushions? Here's what to do.
This is How You Keep Your Marriage Strong & Life-Long!
Here are 12 ways you can keep your marriage long-lasting, strong, full of love and support.
You Definitely Should Try These Amazing Cleaning Hacks
If blotches and stains are putting an dampener on how the interior of your home looks, be sure to learn these 20 unusual but super neat hacks.
Re-purpose Your Old Clay Pots Into Something Special!
Clay pots are rather mundane things if there isn't something quite spectacular growing out of them, but you can use them to make something amazing...
8 Things You Need to Do With Your A/C to Save on Money
Not looking after your AC properly will decreases the efficiency of your system, meaning you’re losing a lot of money.
7 Kinds of Food Known to Cause Adult Acne
There is a significant link between adult acne and diet. These 7 food types are known to cause acne in adults
What Is Your Learning Style? This Chart Explains
What is your learning style? Identify your learning style with this chart.