Creating Stencil Artwork!

A stencil is designed to create an exact image every time. So it’s up to you to give your stencil artwork that one of a kind look.

This page is going to introduce you to the many ways to produce art easily with stencils. We'll talk about how to add special details to a stencil after it has been painted to give it that hand painted look and we'll also talk about using special stencils to create unique paintings. Let's get started!

If you are new to stencil artwork I'd like to suggest two great videos. First is a video on the basic stenciling techniques. It's short and simple but with great tips for a good painting.

Then at Stenciling Instructions you can watch as one artist covers the basics and also adds some shading for a more custom look.

Now, on to the fun stuff!

Adding highlights and shadows is the best way to make any stencil artwork!

Using two colors can help you create shadows with a slightly darker color along some edges and blending into the lighter color at the opposite side of the opening. See how this was done to create shadows along the tigers belly and tail.

Make sure to use two paint colors that are similar in tone and have just a subtle difference. It’s best to do this while you still have the stencil in place to keep your edges clean.

Don’t forget to blend shadowed parts together for a smoother finish to your stencil artwork.

That same technique of using two colors has been applied on the Zebra below. However this time a lighter color was used to add a highlight. Notice the lighter edges near the hoof for the feet in the background. Again, it’s best to do this while you still have the stencil in place to keep your edges clean.

Another way to show the effect of light is to add a small amount of white paint to your original color. See how the Zebra's nose has a wet look. Use a thin bristle brush to run lines where you want highlights. Do this sparingly and of course don’t add too much white. You are only looking for a subtle difference in color. This is best done when the stencil is removed and your picture is completed.

Maybe you want an area that is lighter in color instead of a thin line. In this case, use the stippling technique (pouncing motion) with a small stenciling brush. Add a small amount of white to your original color and bounce paint on the finished painting in the area you want lightened. This can be done with or without the stencil in place but if you have removed the stencil be careful not to smudge paint past the outside edges.

You can add highlights or shadows while you are stenciling, wait until the picture is complete or both. Remember it is your stencil artwork so do whatever feels right!

If you are wondering how to add life to the eyes on your decorative paintings, then check out this stenciling tip.

Now! You're ready to awe them with your stencil artwork. So, here are some other stencil applications you have to try.

Can you tell that the Lion Head Door Knocker is a stencil? Well, that's Trompe L'oeil (paintings that look like the real thing). It's an exciting way to fool guests or add ornate details to your home without the expense. You can learn more about this at Trompe Loeil Stencils and get the full details for this project. The stencils are available below.

Toile is a design familiar to French Country. It normally a very ornate and complex design which is not good for a stencil design. However, I have created Toile Stencils Toile Stencils Design for you to work up some French Country stencil artwork. Best yet this is one of many free printable stencils that you can find on this site (just check out the list in the right column).

We're not done yet! There are more ideas at Stenciling Art like creating raised art with stencils and making art prints to frame.

We are thrilled to introduce these downloadable and Printable Stencils. Instant gratification at its finest! You don't need a special printer - these designs are specially formatted to print straight from your home computer on standard letter sized paper. Once downloaded, you will have your complete stencil booklet with patterns and instructions. Just click, buy and print!

The books below include the stencil artwork featured on this page. Each book will come to you as a down-loadable pdf file in your e-mail. Just check your e-mail after purchase for the link to connect to your file and print or save. It's that easy!

Click on any Book Cover Image for Project Ideas.

All designs can be adjusted to fit your project size. Instructions are included. Pages are 8.5” x 11”.

If you'd rather get your Stencil Books in Print, just click the blue button below each book.

Zoo Babies: Stencils for a Nursery

This collection includes 7 designs- an Elephant, a Giraffe, a Hippo, a Lion, a Monkey, a Tiger and a Zebra.

This purchase is of a PDF file with 40 pages.

Price: $9.95

To get this Book in Print for just $19.95 click here:

On the Farm

With these stencils you can create the perfect barn yard setting for your little one. This collection includes 9 designs- a Cow, a Chicken, a Pig, a Sheep, a Lamb, a Horse, Fence, a Barn and a Tractor.

This purchase is of a PDF file with 40 pages.

Price: $9.95

To get this Book in Print for just $19.95 click here:

Antique Door Hardware: A Book of Stencils

This collection includes 5 designs- Lion Head Door Knocker, Key Bow, Lock Plate and Mail Box Plaque (with two word options). These images should add a little fun and even some humor to the doors in your home while they introduce a touch of the past.

This purchase is of a PDF file with 25 pages.

Price: $9.95

To get this Book in Print for just $19.95 click here:

For a Princess

This collection includes 7 designs- Royal Carriage, Knight in Shining Armor, Castle, Dragon, Sceptre, Tiara and Pillow plus the word "Princess."

This purchase is of a PDF file with 40 pages.

Price: $9.95

To get this Book in Print for just $19.95 click here:

Fleur de lis: Book of Stencils

This collection includes 22 designs. Ten are easy single overlay. Six have 2 overlays and six have 3 overlays.

This purchase is of a PDF file which has 63 pages.

Price: $9.95

To get this Book in Print for just $19.95 click here:

If you’d rather get your Stencil Pattern Books in Print (like these or the ones above), then visit our Printer’s Book Shop for a large variety of stencil collections. You’ll find all of the stencil designs used as samples throughout this site.

Stencil Artwork used as examples on this page are courtesy of Designs From Penny.

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