Just a beginner

[Willow]

Do you know how happy I was to find this forum? Stenciling forums are far and few between. Does this forum have any free stencils to cut that it could share? Something easy of couse because I am just learning. Is there a certain way to combine colours when you stencil on the piece that is being worked on? What sizes do the stenciling brushes come in?
Willow

[lsbdesigns]

Willow, even though you are a beginner do not feel alone! We were all beginners at some time! The best way to begin is to start something and then practice, practice, practice! The more you do, the better you will be!
Is there a particualer reason you want to start by hand-cutting your stencil? There are many pre-cut laser stencils available (check out the site). Also, there sre some good reference books you can purchase at Barnes & Noble, such as "The Complete Book of Stenciling" by Sandra Buckingham. Some books have simple designs you can cut out. In the past, hand cut stencils were done on a special card stock, called "oil board". Much like a manilla folder, saturated with linseed oil to prevent the board from getting soggy. It was easy to cut, but  not transparent. Most of us now use special mylar to cut out stencils --- it is easily cut with an Exacto knife and you can see your design thru the material.
Stencil brushes come in a large range of sizes, from 1/8" up to 1 1/2". The brush I most often use with my students is 1/2". Good quality brushes are a must! Cheap brushes will not give you the good blending results you want. Many stencil companies carry quality brushes. Most stencils come with complete and easy to understand basic instructions for the beginner, so choosing a simple design for a small project would be a good way to start. You might also consider a class, if one is near you.
GOod luck!
Lynn Brehm
Lynn Brehm Designs

[Willow]

Hi lynn,
Thank you for responding. There aren't many stenciling forums and I wondered if there were any patterens here that were free. I just want to see if I could cut out my own. I am looking for patterns of stencils that are free as I can't afford to buy anything as I am on a very strict budget. I am on disabiliy and they barely give enough. I am at home all the time and thought stenciling would be a great craft to learn.
Willow

[justpaint]

Willow,

Since you're on a budget, can you check out what books are available at your local library?  Anything by Sandra Buckingham is a winner on the "how-to" end, and you might also find some books with patterns you can use to cut your own stencils.

I have handcut stencils with one of those inexpensive snap-off knives.  Mylar or stencil plastic is ideal for stencils, but in a pinch you can use other materials.  Freezer paper comes to mind.  If you have any money to use on this project, spend it on your brushes.  A decent quality brush will make a huge difference.  For more info on brushes, see the article on this site

Good luck!

[mysonkaleb]

Here is a great beginner how to video here:

http://www.howvids.com/Education/How_to_Make_Stencils.ad2