Gotta love those stencils - they’re like art for dummies! Simply choose your favourite pattern, stick it to the item of your choice and get painting!
TRY A STENCIL ON…
* A plain cupboard door Particularly good on wardrobes or linen presses to pretty them up.
* A window A full pattern all over a window will let in light and obscure any ugly views. Also great for privacy or creating a stained-glass window effect. Use glass paint.
*A mirrored wardrobe A simple way to dress up those sliding mirrored wardrobe doors that, while practical, can be quite in-your-face. A beautiful white leaf pattern across one door would be so pretty…
*A Roman blind or lampshade Give run-of-the-mill household items a stamp of personality - try animals for a kids room or a Moroccan pattern for the living room.
* Wrapping paper Gift wrap in one-of-a-kind wrapping paper - much more personal, too.
HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN STENCIL
If you can’t find a stencil you like, or for a cheaper option, try making your own. This is best for small patterns.
Step 1 Find an image you want to stencil - from a magazine, the internet, an item you already have - whatever shape or pattern inspired you.
Step 2 Trace the image onto acetate paper (the thick clear plastic paper used in overhead projectors).
Step 3 Cut out the image with a scalpel and cutting board.
Step 4 Stick on the surface you want to stencil and get to it with the paint!
EVEN EASIER INSTANT ARTWORK
If stencils are a little too tricky for you, you can't go past decals. Check out the blurb on one of our fave finds in our sites we love section.
MAKE A SILHOUETTE FAMILY
If you liked the look of silhouettes in our latest issue (see above), you’ll love this: you can make your own - of your partner, kids, dog, the whole family! - sooo easily. Here’s how…
Step 1 Take a photo of your subject's profile (from the side).
Step 2 Print out on normal paper (don't want to waste precious photo paper!)
Step 3 Using tracing paper, tissue paper or even baking paper, trace around the profile with a pencil.
Step 4 Turn the traced outline face down onto a piece of cardboard.
Step 5 Retrace the outline with a pencil, or gently rub over the pencil, and the profile will imprint into the cardboard.
Step 6 Cut around the cardboard outline, turn over (so any pesky pencil marks are turned over) and stick onto constrasting cardboard.
Step 7 Frame and display.
Step 8 Admire!
