Stenciling 101

Introduction

If you've admired stenciling in magazines and books - or other people's homes - but have been afraid to try it yourself, this is the class for you. We will start with the most basic, simple stencils made - inexpensive ones that won't break the budget - and practice on newsprint or posterboard. And from there we will move to more complicated stencils and projects. Lesson one may actually give you enough confidence to do your next stenciling on your walls, or a piece of furniture.

Once you've finished the first week's lessons and seen how easy it is to stencil, you actually have the foundation for creating almost any stencils effects you've ever admired. Some have more colors, and several overlays. Some may require a bit of shading. But the basic lesson will give you a feel for all of that.

When we are finished, you should have the skills and tools to be able to tackle almost anything in the way of classic stencil projects, from a simple border around a window or room to a faux carpet. You'll even get a peek at some fancier stencil techniques using faux finish techniques and even 3-D stencils using plaster.

The basic act of putting paint through a stencil is unbelievably simple. I have taught six year olds to do it well enough to turn them loose decorating a theater set. But when you learn a bit more about manipulating color and shading, and about the different types of paints and applicators that will create different effects for you, you will see that the possibilities are endless - even for people like me who can't draw stick figures.

I strongly recommend that you get Sandra Buckingham's The Complete Stenciling Book as it is an excellent reference and inspiration. If you're really into it, you will find mo other recommendations valuable resources as well.

You will also need a few stencils to master the lessons and may want to order them as soon as you sign up. Here are my suggestions. By the way - if you like this course, you may also want to take our course in Faux Painting by Cheryl Lewis - not only because it relates to this one as a creative way to use paint but because it will be invaluable to you when doing murals that need backgrounds - and is such an easy way to do exciting things with paint. And be sure to check out Jo Murphy's course on Visual Literacy - especially written for those of us who think we can't draw. I know a lot of us turned to stencils because we lacked drawing skills. Jo has a way of taking the fear out of that, unlocking your creativity and helping you to do things you never thought you could, Go ahead - try it!

Lessons

Click here to see course syllabus