Using Stencils with Paper

Lesson 8: Using Stencils with Paper

Here I am ending with what probably should be the first lesson in dealing with stencils. Not because it is the easiest, but because it is probably the least expensive. A project gone wrong on sheet of paper seems far less disastrous than one gone wrong on the wall. It's far easier to crumble the bad attempt and take a clean sheet of paper than it is to repaint the wall.

I saved it for last, however, because you have now had experience with dimensional stenciling, and may even have some of the necessary supplies from that to create not just tiny stationery stencils but dimensional ones.

We use stencils with paper in several ways. One is basic. Take a small stencil and pounce your paint through the holes in order to create a distinctive letterhead for your stationery.

But people also use heavy stencils such as those used for plaster to emboss paper. And They have been known to use stencils and modeling medium to create dimensional designs on paper just like the plaster stencils we used on walls earlier.

So in this lesson we'll actually be applying a lot of what you have already learned, but add a few new techniques to give those stencils you've probably been accumulating many new uses.

Basic Stenciling on Paper

The equipment you need for this is what you probably already have on hand. Paper, stencils, acrylic paint and a brush for each color you plan on using. You will also want to have low tack masking tape on hand. Stencil adhesive or any tape with a lot of tack can ruin the paper when you attempt to remove the stencil.

I won't insult you by telling you how to apply paint through a stencil. Instead, I'll warn you that paper can be porous, so you will want to rehearse a time or two to get a sense of the difference between paper and what other surfaces you have been stenciling. I should also remind you that for this we go back to the traditional method of working with a dry brush.

Don't limit yourself to small stuff here, though. Yes, little stenciled designs on letterhead are cute and personal. But why stop there? Design your own wrapping paper. Or do one large and dramatic design on a gift box and don't wrap it at all. No need for an all-over print when a big splash of picture might be more personal and attractive. Last Christmas I stenciled clues on my packages - little hints as to the nature of what might be inside. So a Chinese silk throw was wrapped in paper stenciled with bamboo while a night light was wrapped in paper stenciled with kittens tossing glow-in-the dark painted balls.

HINT: Wrap the gift first and then stencil if you don't want a real puzzle trying to get your design properly centered.

Today's multiple overlay stencils resemble hand painting so much, that you can also create framed pictures for your walls - done by you. Think of them as miniature murals and assemble a few elements that create a scene.