Design Inspiration. Planet Stencil Library.

Happy Christmoose

Okay, it's probably a reindeer antler stencil and not moose antlers at all but I could not find a festive pun for deer. My tableau started with an antler stencil from the CrownPaint/RCA collection at The Stencil Library.

It is stencilled onto fibreboard painted with matt emulsion.

Firstly I placed antlers in the kitchen,
 
Hmmmm quite nice but more useful if I could hang things from it.

Aha much better.  But....I have other stencilled works of art that I want to hang above the cooking range this holiday so I tried it in the dining room.

No one liked it there except for me.

It moved to the panelled room.  That is where we we'll celebrate with the family on Sunday.  Our Christmas day is early this year.

A unanimous decision! We liked the way that the red worked with the black. Baubles were hung from cup hooks on the antlers.

What have I made to display above the cooker in the kitchen?  I'll take a picture and show you.

Festive puns on deer antler stencils anyone.  Here's a dreadful one for UK readers. ANT (ler) & DEC (oration)?  Okay, that was truly hideous..to make up for it I will leave you with this handsome interpretation of the antler stencil by the team at Crown Paint.

Helen.

How To Stencil The Giant Baroque Cat

The Baroque Cat stencil by Alex Mattsson is a single layer stencil.  It is recommended that spray repositioning adhesive is used to hold it in position as this is a floppy stencil.

Remember that both sides of the stencil may be used depending on the direction that you want the cat to face in.  The design can be applied successfully with foam roller, spray paint or a foam mushroom.  I also recommend stencilling with an extra large (size 8) stencil brush (two if more than one colour is to be used).
Firstly apply a light coat of repositioning adhesive to the back of the stencil.  Press it into position.  If using a foam paint roller, make sure that the stencil has adhered well to the surface.

Work away most of the paint from the roller so that it is barely moist before rollering over the design.  If using a brush follow the instruction below.

Take a small amount of paint onto the stencil brush and work it onto paper towel.   When the bristles are moist with paint rather than wet, it can be applied through the stencil.  Use either a light tapping motion or a gentle swirling motion to apply the colour.

Carefully peel away the stencil and place it into it's next position.  The stencil can be bought by mail order from The Stencil Library.

Helen  

How To Stencil The Giant Books

Our project today is to stencil The Baroque Cat and Classic Book Stack designed by Alex Mattsson and cut by The Stencil Library.  It is another offering from the collaboration between Crown Paint and the students of the Royal College of Art.

You will need water based paint.  Matt emulsion from Crown should be perfect.  This paint can be applied with stencil brushes, spray paint or foam paint rollers or mushrooms.

3M Spray Mount repositioning adhesive is recommended to hold this stencil design to a vertical surface as this particular design is floppy.  In addition, low tack tape may be needed as this stencil is heavy.

Firstly apply a light layer of Spraymount to the back of the large area of stencil film that has been cut from the middle of the books stencil. 

Press it into position on your wall and then fit stencil overlay number 1around it.  This is to stop Layer No. 1 from warping as you try to position it.

Remove the inner piece carefully so that it leaves layer no. 1 in position.

If using a roller, take the paint from the roller tray onto a five inch (approx) foam roller then work off the excess paint onto scrap paper or hardboard.  The remaining paint on your roller should only be moist, not wet.  Starting from the sides of the stencil, roller the paint towards the centre of the shape rather than pushing paint against the edges. 

Fill the shape with a light even layer of paint.

Build up colour depth with layers rather than overloading with paint.  Before removing overlay no. 1, mark the registration points given near the corners of the stencil.  You can stick tape on the wall under the registration diamonds and mark them if preferred.  See the tape on the wall?  All subsequent overlays will now match up with these marks.

Remove overlay 1.

Apply a light layer of Spraymount to overlay No. 2.  Match up the registration diamonds then press into position.  Colours can be used on this layer if wished.  Our pictures show red and gold being applied with large stencil brushes.  A brush is needed for each colour.

After stencilling this overlay, remove it and position overlay three by matching up the registration diamonds again.

Stencil overlay 3 with the same colour that was used on layer 1.

Admire handiwork and take a well earned coffee break or start another bookstack.

Our header photograph shows an oversized cat stencil with the giant books.  The cat 'how to' is coming soon.  To order stencils or see more of the Crown RCA designs visit here.

Helen

Chandelier stencil...getting the hang of it

Remember this chandelier stencil?  We  recently wrote about the designer Kyu Seon Lee and the stencil design competition that he won.  The competition was a collaboration between final year students from The Royal College of Art and Crown Paints.  The Stencil Library was to produce the finalist's designs.

I promised Design Inspiration readers that I would stencil '"Image Furniture"  and hang things from it as it's creator had intended.  I did, and here are the results.

A chandelier for the kitchen...

and one for the bedroom or dressing room.

Actually it might be rather quirky to hang ones garden tools, or screwdrivers and hammers from it.

Isn't that a yummy pink?  It's called 'Cheeky Wink' from Crown Paints

We will be showing stencils from the other competition finalists soon.  Watch this space.

Helen

Crown Paint - how to use the designer blossom stencil

The new Crown Paint brochure features a handful of our stencils.  One of them is my current new best friend, LTL3 Designer Blossom.  Follow our step by step to see how easy it is to decorate with this stencil design.

Ingredients:

Paint, stencil, spray repositioning adhesive, low tack tape, plumb bob, paper towel and a stencil brush for every colour that you use.  We used Dazzle (for the stencilling) and Prom Night (for the wall) from Crown Paint.

Step 1:

  Use a good quality stencil brush to take a little paint from the lid of the pot.  Use the lid as a palette.

Circle the loaded brush firmly onto paper towel to distribute the paint and to dry the tips of the bristles.

Paint should be almost dry before applying through stencil.

To test whether the paint is dry enough, dab the brush onto paper, run a finger over the mark.  If it smudges then more paint must be removed before stencilling.

Step 2:

Spray a light, even coat of repositioning adhesive onto the back of the stencil.

Use the plumb bob to help you position the stencil in a straight line.  Press the stencil into place.  If the wall is cold or damp you may need some low tack tape in addition to the repositioning adhesive.

Apply the paint lightly through the stencil with either a tapping or a circling motion.

Start to stencil a frame work of lines using the different components. Lift and reposition the stencil as necessary.  It is easiest to start with a central line and build side shoots from it.   Remember not to use much paint, it must be dry immediately. 

Step 3:

  Add as many lines and dots as required.  Only reapply the adhesive if the stencil no longer sticks to the wall.

Step 4:

Further interest can be added by stencilling smaller circles within larger ones.  A different brush will be needed for each colour used.

Step 5 (The finished project):

Stand back and admire!  (Photo from Crown Paint.) Clean your stencil and brushes by immersing them in hand-hot soapy water.  Leave for a few minutes, then clean stencil gently with fingers.  The stencil brushes can be cleaned by hand or by using a brush scrubber.

The stencil and stencilling equipment can be ordered from The Stencil Library.  Dazzle and Prom Night paint from Crown Paints.

The following pictures show the same stencil in different colours and configurations. This one is stencilled over sueded wallpaper.

Over black textured wallpaper,

and over a plain, painted wall.

A versatile stencil don't you think?

Helen.

More Crown Jewels

Several weeks ago, we wrote about the collaboration between Crown Paint and the Royal College of Art where students were asked to design stencils.  We displayed the winning design "Image Furniture" by Kyu Seon Lee. You can read that post here.

Now we have some photos to show you this impressive (and large!) chandelier stencil in use.  In white on black:

  In black on lilac:

In blue on yellow:

All achieved using Crown Paints.  Click here to go to their site where you can request a colour card and to see the full range and stockists, or here to order the stencil.

The stencil was designed so that it could be used as a frame to hang actual everyday objects such as mugs, cups and corkscrews from it if wished.  It is something we are keen to try and shall post the photos of the results soon.

(Photos courtesy of Crown Paint)

Rachel.

New stencil workshops for 2009

The Stencil Library are bringing you two new workshops and one old faithful this year.  The original stencil day course will be offered again.

Stencilling Day 1:

Time: 10am-5pm,  Price 69.00 GB Pounds.  This workshop starts with the basics of stencilling and builds to encompass many professional techniques.  The emphasis is on practical work with demonstration and discussion.  We will stencil various media onto different surfaces.  You will also learn to cut a stencil.  The programme includes lunch and a tour of The Stencilled Home.  Students will receive around 30.00 pounds worth of supplies to take home.  This workshop provides an overview of many aspects of stencilling and is suitable for both beginners and those with some experience.

Dates: Sat June 27th,  Fri September 4th

Our first NEW workshop is Stencil Day 2. This class works well as a companion to Dday 1 as it covers quite different territory.

Stencilling Day 2,  New Stencil Techniques:

Time: 10am-5pm,   Price: 69.00 GB Pounds.  This class differs from Stencilling Day 1 because it explores less conventional methods of applying stenciled pattern.  Decorating masks, feature walls, silhouette and overlay stencils are all presented during the day.  Although this workshop builds upon techniques learned in the Stencil Day 1, the projects can still be achieved by beginners.  Lunch is included.

Dates: rehearsal date Sun June 28th, Sat September 26th

We also have a new half day class which explores stencil techniques that can be used in the creation of a Print Room.  We have a photo gallery of Print Rooms on this blog's side bar.  A Print Room Class was introduced last year and this one has evolved from it.

Techniques For 21st Century Print Rooms:

Time: 1.30-5.30pm, Price 55.00 GB Pounds.  Students will explore techniques to create modern versions of 18th century print rooms.  A mixture of stencilling, decoupage, handpainting and gilding will be practised.  A demonstration of texture stencilling and overglazing will also be given.  Walls, screens and furniture are all suitable subjects for a print room treatment using your favourite prints and photographs.  This class offers a grounding in many absorbing techniques and the PR Tassel stencil is yours to keep after the class.

Dates: Rehearsal date Mon June 29th, Sun September 27th

What is a rehearsal date?  Well, we do a rehearsal before launching any new class.  It is so that we can make sure that the timing works. We also need to test that the projects are attainable and enjoyable.  Rehearsal class prices are 10.00 GB Pounds cheaper than the prices given above.

Want to know more information, get a brochure, join us for a workshop?  Just email, call or fax us.

Private courses and tours of The Stencilled Home can be arranged. 

The details of the July USA classes that I am teaching for IDAL in Memphis, Tennessee arrived today.  I have a glitch to sort out and when that is done I will give you details and links.

Helen.

The jewel in the crown

Crown Paint and the Royal College of Art embarked on a new, exciting and unique collaboration.  The second year students were asked to design the 'Crown Jewels'-modern, stylish and inspired wall stencils for the home.

'Image Furniture' by Kyu Seon Lee was the winning stencil design.

The stencil shows a chandelier created from household objects. Keys, corkscrews and glasses can be hung over the silhouette, acting as a fun frame for everyday objects.

"I designed a stencil which takes furnishing objects as flat images.  The reason I chose to do this is because some houses do not have enough space or height to accommodate something as opulent as a chandelier, but with this stencil it is easy to integrate the object into your home" says Kyu. "In addition, I wanted to give a little practical function and humour to my design by encouraging real objects to be incorporated into the stencil."

'Image Furniture' Kyu's winning stencil can be ordered from The Stencil Library.  At five feet high (153 centimetres),this is no timid stencil design.  I think it is fabulous. I would like to play with the stencil and see how it looks when the real objects are hung over the stencilled shadows.  Can I resist the temptation to start adding my own embellishments?  I doubt it, but I think that is the spirit of the design.

What do you think? Love it or loathe it?
Helen.

It's a wrap

My husband has an office next to mine.  The door between is always open.  Yesterday it was closed and a weird thumping noise could be heard behind it.... he was stencilling gift wrap for my mother's Christmas present.  I think he was well cheesed off to be disturbed and even more so when I grabbed my camera and photographed the process.

 

He formed one of our sponge squares into a ball shape and dabbed it into some white acrylic paint that he'd poured onto a plate.  Next, the excess paint was pounced away onto another plate until the sponge was moist rather than wet.  Then it was applied to the stencil.

Registration marks are drawn all the way around the design for easy alignment of pattern repeats.

Voila, isn't that pretty?

The design is part of our forthcoming series of vintage inspired stencils.  Need one now?  Contact us for more details.  Helen

Coming to a Tv near you

Our Stencilled Home Video is now available on DVD. 

So far it is only in the USA format, but if demand is there we will have Europe and Asia versions made. We can still supply videos in all formats for a while longer.  What is the Stencilled Home DVD or video?  Simply, it is a tour with commentary around fourteen of the stencilled rooms in our home.  There are panorama shots and lots of detail.  When the tour is over, I give tutorials on different decorative techniques and projects used in our home.  It is just like coming on one of our organised monthly house tours only you can do it from the comfort of your armchair. 

Because the decoration of our home is constantly changing, you will find some of the rooms that you see in The Stencilled Home Dvd are different from the ones shown in The Stencilled Home book and different from the ones that are presently featuring on our house tours.  So between the three of them, there is a wealth of stencilling information and inspiration.

Here are a few of the rooms featured in it:

The Vintage Kitchen,

 Ottoman Bedroom,
 Gustavian Bedroom

 Rachel's Lounge

 Rachel's Bathroom

 Arts & Crafts style dining room.

The DVD may make a good gift for someone with an interest in stencilling.  Remember that so far, I only have the USA version, but will get other formats if there is sufficient demand.

Helen.