Stenciled Tapestries

by Karen Sabrsula

These panels were created for a Christian School Fundraiser. They were both done on Roc-Lon fabric with a pocket sewn in the top for a rod. The edges were folded back and secured with glue. A few base coats are needed and a slight sanding to get rid of any nubs that pop up. I applied a real soft faux finish and when that was dried, I started stenciling! It is easy to create a tapestry look and you can have a lot of fun using some of the different border/molding stencils that are available. As for color selection, I used the colors that I used in many of the clients home in my area. I knew most of the people at the Fundraiser and had been in enough of their homes to know what colors would go.

The first year I did this, a few people got into a bidding war. I had already discussed it with the auctioneer, so after the first one sold, he offered a second at the same price. I had an agreement with the school that I would do a second, all I asked for was my cost back and the rest I donated to the school. The good news, I had orders for 3 more of them. I did donate $50 each back to the school as well.

Now, they ask me each year to do a piece. It has been a great way for me to give to my community and a great way to promote my business in my area.