How to Make a Stencil

I’ve never done this before, so if you have any tips or if I’m doing it completely wrong, please share.

As most of you know I am super cheap. Call it frugal if it makes you feel nicer, but I’m not afraid to say cheap. I read online where you could just print your image on transparency paper. Not only am I cheap but I’m pretty impatient too. I couldn’t wait for transparency paper! So here is what I did.

Step 1: Find an image, save to computer, then print. (Bonus, three steps in “step one”).

Step 2: Find an old binder with the clear plastic on it (these have a name, but I’m drawing a blank). Also, you can skip this part and just print your image on a transparency, if you have one.

Step 3: Slide your image under the plastic and trace with a sharper. After you trace you will need to cut the whole piece of plastic off the binder.

See image below:

Step 4: Get out your exacto knife and cutting mat. (seriously how have you survived this long without one)?

Step 5: Take the exacto knife and cut out all the images you just traced. (This was my first time using an exacto knife and I did a poor job, but obviously you don’t have to be perfect for nice results).

Step 6: Congratulations! You have made a stencil. What do you do now you may ask….paint, silly!

Step 7: You place the plastic on top of fabric, wood, whatever you want to paint, then apply paint with a sponge brush.

Stay tuned to see what I am making with my stencil.

Cheers!