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I sort of have a tin can obsession. I think they are a beautifully designed object. And as a container, there are so many re-uses for them. I especially like to paint them to give them some newness.

I used a basic paintbrush and various colors of Folk Art new Multi-surface paints for these cans. Two coats did the trick. Final use for them?

An urban herb garden for my window sill! Of course you can use them as pencil holders, vases, and more. What would you do with some colorful painted tin cans?

To make this herb garden you’ll need 4-6 clean tin cans, paint, paint brushes, soil and a variety of herb plants or seeds. Once you are finished decorating your cans replant different herbs (or seeds) into the tin cans. Have some fun incorporating the name of your herbs into your design! An optional step to make your herb garden last a little longer is to punch a few wholes at the bottom of the cans and add some pebbles before you add the soil. This will allow some water to drain out. If you follow this step, consider placing your garden on a small tray to catch the water.

This post comes to you from Marcela, a Stencil1 new assistant!

Accessories are always better when they’re custom made. Not only are they unique, but also YOU made it so when some ask where you got you’re awesome iphone case you can take all the credit! I looked around amazon for cheap solid-color iphone cases and decided to stencil them. (You can do this with any phone cases for you android user out there 😉

To make this iphone case you’ll need an plastic case (you can find them for a couple bucks on amazon), stencils, paint, brushes and water & paper towels.

First, choose the stencil and paint you want to use on your case. I decided to go a with an arrow. Place the stencil on top of the phone case and use the brush to apply paint. Try not to use too much paint at once because so your image doesn’t get too distorted. Have fun mixing colors and using more than one color for different parts of your stencil! I made my stencil purple and gold.

When you’re done painting, lift your stencil very carefully and set it aside. Let the paint dry for a good 5 to 10 minutes, a little longer if you used a lot of paint. Once the paint is dry you’re ready to show off your awesome iphone case!

Show us what your iPhone case looks like! @stencil1

I was walking by a tall apartment building in NYC and there it was, a discarded avocado colored wood lamp. Solid wood! I carried it home on the train and got busy on this make-over!

First, I sanded down the surface to make it more receptive to paint. I dusted it off too.

Then I choose a light neutral colored paint as my base, a cream. I love it, it already looks happier.

Then I wanted to do something modern, on-trend but also folky so I choose some arrow stencils from the Stencil1 CAMP stencil set and another arrow in Stencil Style 101. I taped off areas to isolate the arrows. I then choose two colors, red and blue for my arrows.

I did a stencil test of my arrows on a piece of scrap wood.

I then stenciled arrows in various positions, all “shooting” upwards! I think it’s more positive in that direction! I used a very dry brush technique to give it a super handmade, folky look to it. Sort of modern folk, no? Anyway, I covered the entire lamp in hundreds of arrows and splurged and bought a new shade for this found treasure!

And there it is, to brighten my day!

Recently I did a workshop at Unique Camp. This trip inspired me on many levels, from new business goals to this new stencil design. This 6-pack Camp Stencil set includes a bow and arrow with target, campfire and roasting marshmallows, an ax, a canoe and paddle, a tent and wood-style camp letters. Use these stencils to give a journal an outdoorsy look or to customize t-shirts and maybe even your tent! Here are some images of things we made to inspire you! Show us what you make by tagging Stencil1!

Can do!

For Your Phone

To Brighten Up Your Day

“Dolly Was Cloned From A Mammary Gland” on Cool Hunting

Get Campy! Stencil1 Camp Stencils

Ice Cream Stencil 4-pack