Create Your Own Wall Stencils
I wanted to do some geometric shapes on the wall in the baby room, so I created a stencil. Start to finish on this project is about 1-2 hours.
Pick your shape
You can trace fabric, freehand, or create your own shape. I used one of Tristan’s Photoshop brushes.
Trace your shape
Trace your shape onto the stencil surface. I used leftover shelf-liner {contact paper}. It has a sheen on it, which means it won’t get soggy or ruined like paper would. You can also use posterboard to create the stencil.
Cut out your stencil
I added thickness to my shape. Remember that if you have a shape like mine, you need to leave pieces of the inner portion attached to the outer portion or you’ll have a hole.
Start stenciling
Tape your stencil on the wall with blue painter’s tape. You may need to use your fingers to hold parts of the stencil down to get a crisp line.
I’m using a mini roller cover I had, because I thought it would work best, but you can use a stencil brush, foam brush or sponge.
Get in the corners
I always think it adds interest for your stencils to round the corners. Just use your free hand to help lay the stencil flat in the corner.
If your stencil gets yucky…
Just wipe it off, let it dry, or make a new one.
Clean Up
You can always fix mistakes. Keep a wet paper towel nearby. If you pull your stencil off and see that the paint has bled, you can easily wipe it off. Once it’s dry, just touch up with the wall paint. You should go back and fill in the gaps that were left by the stencil, but in this case, I like how they look. I’m going to keep ‘em.
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they remind me of little clouds :O) great idea.
Smart idea!
Did you find the edges of the paper curled when you cut it out? Ive tried to make my own stencils on tranparencies (b/c they don’t curl) but I find it very hard to cut to shape while regular paper just rolls up on me.
@mrslimestone – it did curl up a little bit, so I just made sure to use my fingers to hold the section down. Not a big problem, my fingers got a little messy, but it made for clean lines.
Posterboard {using the shiny side to paint on} doesn’t curl up.
Good luck!
Susan beat me to it. They are like sweet little bubbles or clouds with a sophisticated edge. Nice work. That kid is going to be surrounded by good design from the get-go.
looks great!
I like the gaps too, and that a few of the stencils overlap.
It is ridiculous how much I love this idea! It is so simple, but it adds so much dimension and sophistication to the room! And scalloped frames are some of my favorite shapes, so this looks like something I’ll want to try in my own bedroom. Thank you for the inspiration!
How did I miss this?????????? I LOVE IT!!!! You are so flippin’ creative + talented.
Gorgeous! I can’t wait to get started on my own. I love the shape you picked out. Perfect for a nursery! You’re very talented!