So, I had this blank spot on our wall…
Sometimes, I think that’s how all my posts begin.
When our fabulous sponsors, Royal Design Studio, were gracious enough to let us choose a stencil, I made a beeline for this design. I knew exactly what I was doing with this incredible pattern.
I move things around quite often in our home, especially on the walls. And this spot next to our bed needed some sprucing. It’s a bit of a hidden alcove in our home…not usually noticed by visitors, and I wanted a real statement maker in this corner.
Since our house is on the market, I was a bit hesitant to go for the walls and I thought I’d try something a little different. In a way, I thought this was an example of how renters, or those who are unable to paint their walls at the moment, can add a little pizazz and character to their space. Also, an example of big impact in a small area, with pattern, as well.
I’m not really sure the photos do it justice, because of the high contrast going on…but I love the idea of a graphic pattern paired with an aged, rustic quality.
Here’s how we did it:
After deciding on our initial size {measuring the wall to see what would look right} we purchased and had our wood cut, accordingly. We gathered medium grade pine at varying widths, staining them {Minwax’s Early American} and placed them in a random order. Together, they made the overall size of 60″ x 43.” We stabilized them on the back with two pieces of plywood. Once we joined the wood together, we did any necessary trimming on the end that wasn’t flush, to make sure the stencil would look right on the finished product.
From there, we broke out the paint {semi gloss chantilly lace} painter’s tape, paper towels and sponge brushes. I’ve worked with stencils before, but never an overall continuous pattern on a large piece.
These stencils came with wonderfully detailed instructions on how to complete your pattern, and were super easy to follow. My favorite part about the entire thing was their registration marks. It made a seemingly challenging task relatively easy. Once I established a pattern, I simply filled it in from there.
When I was finished with my first initial take, I did something afterwards: There wasn’t much room for touch ups, but there was for cheating ;} The slight shifting of the planks made it a little bit of a challenge. Painting with latex on top of oil {which in paint land is technically a no no unless you have a plan} has it’s benefits.
Some of those booboos were quickly scraped up with the exacto. I literally went back around each shape, because I knew it would drive me bonkers on the wall if I didn’t finish up as cleanly as possible. I simply scraped, and then marked each one with a small piece of painter’s tape as I finished.
Side note: This project is a lot like our Mills fab 5 project…it’s the same concept. The whole latex on top of oil rule is not “supposed” to be done, but hanging on the wall, isn’t a problem. Just use care when moving your art. Sometimes, scrapes can make it cooler, depending on the look. I simply plan to touch mine up should some crazy kid run by with a gigantic toy and scrape it’s surface.
A few tips on painting with a stencil :
• Stencil brushes are best, but I’m a cheap skate and like sponges, too. • Keep your paint spare, and dab in a direction away from the edges. • Wait in between takes with the pattern, so the paint on your stencil doesn’t continue to spread underneath. Wipe the underside before you begin again. {Or if you’re in a rush, purchase two of the same stencil.} • If you’re working on a wall, I would most definitely recommend a temporary spray wall adhesive, to hold it in place.
All in all, we’re pleased with the look it brings to our space…a fresh, modern look with a rustic twist…and we LOVE these stencils. Seriously, guys. I’m already planning out my next project.
Want to try them out for yourselves? Don’t worry. We have a giveaway coming up Tuesday that I think you’ll be super pumped about. The generous Royal Design Studio will be here…so stay tuned!
Have you guys stenciled anything lately? What’s the craziest way you’ve used a stencil? I’d love to see!
Emily says
that looks incredible! i have yet to try a stencil project but I’ll definitely be back here for the giveaway next week!
Nancy says
Oh.my.word.
Love everything about this…. Made me smile this morning with my coffee in hand. 🙂
Kate says
I LOVE it! The wood showing through it sooo pretty, and I love how it’s moveable. {Definitely going to be watching for that give away!}
The craziest thing I’ve ever done with a stencil is projecting it onto an armoire!
{http://www.discovercreatelive.com/2011/11/armoire-redo.html}
Seriously Sassy Mama says
I have the shelf from an old ikea table that I have been thinking about stenciling. i was thinking of doing some sort of Ikat like print. it looks great!
{amy k.} says
this looks fabulous! i love it!
Aimee says
Wonderful! I love how the staining adds a subtle ombre effect to the background. I’m now eyeing that pile of boards in my backyard.
Michelle says
Love the combination of mod rustic…it looks absolutely delish! The craziest thing I’ve stenciled is a rug with a similar moroccan pattern that you just showed us. It was time consuming, but turned out pretty nice!
Megan says
LOVE the stained wood. Very cute idea!!
Rebekah says
Love it! What great, cheap art…so cool!
I stenciled a pillow with “Silent Night” for a little decoration during the holidays. Had seen it in a catalog from etsy, but could not bring myself to pay $90…so I made my own cheap imitation for about $12. I was happy with it!
Michelle @ Ten June says
I really like it! Great idea. Oh and I’m a little behind on blog reading (so I apologize if I missed it in a post), but how is the house selling thing going?!
ashley @ the handmade home says
No, not at all Michelle! You’re so sweet. I started to write twenty different responses…but in short, It’s not. I think I’m kind of staying away from the topic here, just to play it safe… But it’s not. :{
Michelle @ Ten June says
Aw, I hate to hear that. This market is NOT fun! In an unexpected turn of events, we’ll be putting our house on the market in the next couple of weeks… I’m nervous for the rollercoaster ride ahead of us!
ashley @ the handmade home says
awe good luck with everything! Here’s to hoping for a speedy sell! ;}
Pine Tree Home says
Wow, I wish I thought of this before I stenciled an entire wall. I like this look as ART WORK! Great idea.
Colleen says
This is SO great! I love the rustic wood! You did a great job!
I want to cry because the one and only stencil project I have done never got pictured! You can see a glimpse at the end of this post, if you want. I can’t wait to do something similar in the near future!
http://www.alwaysaparty5.blogspot.com/2012/02/home-means-more-than-house.html
Blessings!
(Colleen) @ PaRtY of 5!
Jami Nato says
so i have a ton of wall space in our attic. that we painted white. completely white. and it needs some stenciling. i’ve been dreaming about stencils. and now i shall try it. this looks fab.
amelia says
what an amazing piece!!! i’m FLIPPING over this! LOVE-A-LOVE
MJ @ 517 Creations says
What a great way to add a big impact without it being permanent! Beautiful job.
Totally random question, but where did you find the quilt on your bed?? I love it!
Marni says
I love it! I tried a stencil from hobby lobby on my black hutch. I had their frame shop cut pieces of black foam board to fit the shelf backing. I stenciled a pattern similar to yours on the back. It came out great!
Christina says
Love it!! I was looking into doing something like this on a canvas for our master bedroom. My husband isn’t keen on the whole wall stencil, so I came up with that for a compromise. I love that you did it on wood.
Jenn says
Wow!!! I haven’t really been into stenciling an entire wall (the look or the work) but I am in absolute LOVE with this!!! Once again you amaze! I’ll definitely have to try this one.
Amber says
I would love to do this on my backsplash in my kitchen. Where did you get the stencil or what is the pattern called?
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hey Amber! I am such a dork! The link is here!
Linda Leyble says
Hi there – Just wanted to let you know that I pinned your image on one of my boards – and it gets a lot of repins!
Beautiful work!
Linda
MartyAnne Kowalski says
Oh, this made me remember that years ago, I saw stenciled floors, and I checked out books from the library, but I didn’t yet have my own home/floor! 🙂 It was so cool. And now I have my own home/floor so I am ready to start learning again. I would love it if you had ideas to share! Love your work here.