Lace as Stencil for Home Decor Projects

Lace As Stencil - Lace has been used for home décor in many ways. Using lace as a stencil pattern is unique and versatile. This technique can be a fun and rewarding way to decorate. A common form of the lace pattern used in stenciling is paper doilies. Using paper doilies as a lace stencil is inexpensive. Paper doilies can be found at most dollar stores in packs from ten to forty pieces. They range in size and styles so you are sure to find something you like. Once you know what you want to try the stencil design on, you will have a better idea which pattern of lace you should choose. Some have large irregular holes while others are tiny intricate patterns. I suggest sticking with a pattern size to match your project.

One simple stenciled project to get you started could be a card and envelope you can personalize. Feeling unsure? Give it a try and send it, along with an upbeat note, to a loved one. Surely you have someone who will love the attention. You can choose a simple store bought card and just add a touch of lace to a corner or even just the envelope. Most of us like to see a personal touch on a piece of mail. This builds excitement for the note inside. Check in with your local craft store, I always walk through the "marked-down" or "dollar bins" just to see if I can find anything I can use. I often find blank cards with matching envelopes. You may even find fabric lace you want to use for stenciling.

Another lace stencil project to personalize your home are frame mats. I love to display pictures as decorations, but find I do not want to spend all my budget on an over priced frame. Sure, some are worth the price. But usually, I am satisfied with a cheap frame with mat from a discount store. I can then decorate to enhance my décor or a specific picture. I recently purchased a rectangular black metal frame including a simple mat for three small pictures. I picked my handy-dandy paper doily, cut the lace parts I wanted to use and stenciled onto the mat. I chose to accent the black frame and white mat using black paint for the stencil. I feel my pictures pop out of the beautiful, one of a kind mat. And since I already had the paint and supplies this project only cost me two dollars for a pack of doilies and the frame. To do this project you will need the following:

Paper doily with lace pattern
Picture frame with mat insert
Acrylic craft paint
Newspaper or any junk surface
Tape
Stencil brush, stencil roller, or stencil sponge

Remove mat from frame and lay face up on newspaper. Lay doily or pieces of doily you want to use over mat. Tape the overhang of doily down to newspaper . Keeping doily in one spot will help ensure an even pattern. Apply paint with a brush, roller, or sponge. I like the appearance of a brush tapped on the surface. If you are unsure, play with various methods on scrap paper until you have the look you want. To make clean up easier I use a disposable plate and a jar I devote to painting. While working and finishing I keep my brush clean, rinse out my jar, and toss the plate. Remove your stencil and throw away. Allow mat to dry before placing it in your frame.

Look around. See something else you want to stencil? If you stencil on a surface which will be exposed or used often seal your stencil work when finished. You can use decoupage, clear varnish, or something similar.