We are leading stressful lives and need a reason to de-stress ourselves. One good option is trying stencil art; it is definitely a good form or recreation. It is a very popular art form that is used to redecorate your house or it can also be used to create lively pieces of art. It is a fun filled activity that requires patience and hard work.
Stencil art is fast gaining popularity and so there are many templates that can be obtained at hobby shops or at the DIY. You can also try making your own stencils and creating a traditional or artistic design. Here are some suggestion that you can make use of to create your own stencils.
The materials and tools that go into the making of a stencil are a firm surface, a cutting board and a knife. In case you do not have a cutting board a thick carton can be used. A stiff plastic piece or any other piece of a transparent material is needed for making a stencil art. Don't forget a low tack tape.
First and foremost you should consider the blueprint(design) of the stencil that you want to create. Just take a paper and draw your design on it. a photocopier can enlarge this design for you. You can also use an image for your stencil art and just get the image printed into the required size.
It is time for the stencil to be cut. Just position your print out or the drawing over the thick carton (cutting board) and position the plastic material over it. the plastic should be cut through with the sharp craft knife. It is essential to use a sharp knife to get a good quality stencil art.
The line should be cut one at a time. Start out with the straight lines first on the longer ones, whichever is easier because it will help you do the cutting fast and you will get beautiful stencil art. Try and rotate your cutting board to make things easier. Use the adhesive tape to bind the print and the plastic. See that they do not move.
Finally you are done and your stencil art is ready. The edges should be checked now. Soften the rough edges to give a smooth finish to your stencil art.
The painting starts now. Use a sponge or a stencil brush to paint the design. A thick layer of paint should be applied by the sponge or brush. After the first layer dries up start applying the paint for the second layer. If you want the stencil for any future use , store it between pages of a book or in a flat box.