nifty stenciling...

has been my latest craft.  i use my silhouette cameo for making most of them, but you can make your own or even buy them at craft stores.  i posted pics on my last entry of an intricate cross i cut w/ my silhouette, aka "sally"...that's right, i named her!

i simply used double-sided tape to attach it to a chalkboard vinyl that sticks on my fridge and traced it w/ chalk!  chalkboards are popping up all over the place and thought some of you could try this technique.  i use my fridge chalkboard for diff things...depending on what's going on...holidays, birthdays, etc.  i chose a pretty cross for Easter...beautifully and simply stated :)

i've made several banners by cutting circles with a bottom of a wine glass!, cutting Easter eggs out w/ my sally and using a nifty stencil i bought from hobby lobby!  actually, i think it's made for painting and/or mod podging...

here's an easy tutorial on how to make a simple burlap banner using a stencil...

supplies needed:

banner stencil (or draw a rectangle on a piece of poster board/cardboard/cereal box and cut it out!)

material for banner (if you like burlap, i recommend using 100% linen burlap.  it's easier to work w/ and gives a cleaner finish)

marker

scissors

string (twine, ribbon, etc)

acrylic paint

small sponge or brush

stencil for letters

the great thing about this stencil is that is has holes drilled, and i can mark where i need to punch holes later.  i lined my traces right next to each other as to get the most out of my material :)

cut them out and flipped over so there wasn't any marks showing...

and lined them up.  i placed my stencils on top...

and even used a ruler to make sure my letters were placed about the same spot on each triangle.

and then i pained w/ a sponge!  (i forgot to use foil underneath and got paint on my counter, so don't forget to use something underneath!)

i also forgot to take pics of making the holes, but i just used a normal punch hole and it worked easily through the material.  i then used some string to string through...

this banner was used at a baby shower for a friend, and she now uses it in her baby's nursery :)  the burlap and string give a rustic and organic feel while the hand-painted letters give it that special touch!

*tips*

-the burlap i used came in a package.  it's pricier than normal burlap so don't forget a coupon ;)  i've been meaning to find out if it's sold by the yard.