How to Make a Stenciled Plaque Wreath

These beautiful stenciled plaque wreaths are great because of their versatility. The plaque at the center of the wreath can be stenciled as a welcome sign, in a holiday-theme, or personalized with a person's name. I love this wreath on a front door to welcome guest. If you hang it on the front door, make sure it is covered and protected from the outside elements. Eucalyptus can run if it gets damp or wet.

Stenciled Plaque Wreath

8 inch to 10 inch grapevine wreath
5 inch wooden heart with hanger
Light colored acrylic paint for the heart background
Acrylic paint in various colors for the stencil
Stencil
Stencil brush
Small paint brush
Glue gun and sticks
Scissors
1 pound eucalyptus
Filler and dried flowers in colors matching the plaque
Checked bow matching colors in plaque
Paint tape

Directions:

1. Cover work area with a small tarp or large plastic bag. Pour a small amount of the light colored paint into a small bowl. Paint the front of the heart with the small paint brush. Let dry. Once dried, turn over and paint the other side. Let dry.

2. Place the stencil on the front of the plaque. Secure the stencil with the paint tape. Stencil one color at a time. Pour the first color of paint in an old bowl or dish. Dab the stencil brush into the paint, then tap the brush at the edge of the dish to remove excess paint. Carefully dab it in the first part of the stencil design. Do all parts of the stencil that requires that color of paint. Carefully remove the stencil, and allow the first part of the stencil design to dry completely. Wash and dry stencil brush and stencil. When it is completely dry, tape the stencil on the plaque, and repeat this step. I find doing one color at a time is easiest and keeps the colors from running together which could ruin or change the look of the plaque.

3. Once the plaque is stenciled and completely dry, glue it by the hanger to the top, center of the grapevine wreath. I also have taken the loop of the heart plaque and weaved it through the vine to the back of the wreath, then secured it by gluing the hanger to the back. Gluing the hanger this way makes the plaque wreath ready to hang once decorated.

4. Glue bow to the bottom of the wreath. Glue eucalyptus to the bottom of the wreath and to the top of the wreath above the heart. Make sure the eucalyptus arrangement is full and even at both ends. Glue the accent dried florals throughout the the eucalyptus arrangements.

The website www.woodcrafter.com offers a heart plaque with jute hanger that is approximately 5 inches, and is a perfect choice for the stenciled plaque wreath .