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This how-to was inspired by our love for Japanese textiles and indigo dyes. The deep blue color and the patterns on Japanese kimonos are a beautiful combination I am always drawn to. I also like the simplicity of circles or dots.

This is what you’ll need for this how-to: Stencil1 8-Pack Patterns stencil set, Stencil1 Asian Dots Stencil, Pebeo Setacolor paint or fabric paint, a pair of Converse sneakers, stencil brushes and low-tack spray adhesive.

Step 1: Use the low-tack spray adhesive to secure the stencil. You don’t need too much of it, just enough to make the stencil sticky. Make sure that the room is well ventilated and that you are spraying near a widow.  Place the stencil on the corner of the shoe, near the heel.

Step 2: Pour some paint on a plate. You don’t need a lot of paint since you will be stenciling with a dry-brush technique. This means that your brush will have very little paint and that you will apply multiple layers.

Step 3: Begin to stencil the shoe with the circle patter stencil by moving the brush in a circular motion and/or and up-and-down dabbing motion. Remember to use a dry brush technique.

Step 4: Stencil the other shoe. WE sort of stenciled in dots here and there to give a feeling of motion.

Step 5: Use the Asian dots stencil to paint the tongue of the shoe.

Step 6: Put your shoes on, snap a pic and share them @Stencil1

Our project this week was inspired by the excitement that came with the hand-written letters left in your mailbox. Remember the times when no one could email you, text you or facebook message you? We do! While it’s nice to have an easier way to get in touch with someone, a hand-written “I miss you” will always be extra special! Try personalizing your cards with our Stencil1 Stamps the next time you want to remind your special someone how much you think about them.

For this project, you’ll need: Bow + Arrow and Bullseye Stamp Set, Clearsnap Pigment Ink Pads, Hampton Art Clear Blocks and blank cards and envelopes.

Step 1: Peel the Bullseye stamp off its backing and stick it onto the clear block.

Step 2: Evenly coat the rubber stamp with ink by pressing it face-down against the ink pad.

Step 3: Stamp the image on the center of the card by firmly pressing it against the paper.

Step 4: Follow the same steps with the bow and arrow stamp and the envelope.

Show us what your cards look like @Stencil1

Stenciling on glass always looks stunning! It’s particularly exciting because the final product is slightly different each time. Try using our Stencil1 Mum stencil, part of our new stencil line with Plaid, to give your candleholder a new look.

This is what you’ll need for this how-to: a candleholder, multi-surface paint, Mum Stencil1 stencil, low-tack spray adhesive and stencil brushes

Step 1:  Spray the adhesive on to the back of the stencil. You don’t have to use a lot of adhesive, just enough to secure the stencil to the glass so it doesn’t slip when you are painting.  Make sure your room is well ventilated and that you are by a window when spraying.

Step 2: Use the stencil brush to start stenciling the mum onto the glass. As always, use a dry brush technique (use very little paint and apply multiple coats). Stenciling on glass normally requires 3 to 4 coats, however we only did one coat so that you could see the candlelight through the paint.

Step 3: Lift the stencil and allow the paint to dry.

Step 4: Repeat steps 2 and 3 for each side of the candleholder, we used a different shade of green on each side.

Step 5: Once the paint is dry, light a candle, snap a picture and share your candleholders with us @stencil1

Cherry Blossom season is definitely one of the most beautiful times of the year. Cherry blossoms are inspiring for more than just their beauty. We love their color, delicacy and gracefulness.

For this how-to you’ll need: A natural wood slab, Folk-Art multi-surface paint, Stencil1 Plaid Cherry Blossom Tree stencil, stencil brushes

Step 1: Mix off-white paint with a tad of brown paint. Use a large stencil brush and a small amount of paint to create a base color. Paint with a circular motion until the entire surface is covered.

Step 2: Once the paint is dry, lay the stencil on the surface. Hold the stencil down using the hand you’re not painting with. First, paint in the branch. Use a small stencil brush and very little brown paint.

Step 3: Once the branch is done, stencil in the petals using a coral color. We mixed our own color using pink, orange and white. This gave us the opportunity to make some petals darker and others lighter. Stencil the small dots in the center of each flower white.

Step 4: Lift the stencil and allow the pain to dry. This piece would look great hanging on your wall or resting on a side table. You could also use nails to turn it into a key holder! Show us yours @Stencil1