How To Make Stencils In Easy To Follow Steps with Illustrations

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How To Make Stencils

So you want to know how to make stencils. You have an image and decided that a single layer stencil is going to work best. You understand that a single overlay stencil is a complete design on a single sheet. It will have gaps or bridges between the individual elements of the design which emphasize the details of the image.

Remember, the best images have high contrast with few variations. So let’s start with something simple. I am using an image of a frog. First of all, I like him. Second of all, he has a little variation in color but is really not too detailed. And he will be a good subject for showing you how to create islands and bridges from an image.

Here is the photo I am using:

If your image has a lot of colors and depth and you need to simplify it, put it on a copy machine and get a black and white print of it. Take your black and white image to your drawing table or desk. Top your image with a piece of thin tracing paper and begin to create an outline separating the different parts of the image. Take the term “separating” seriously. Areas should have clear boundaries that allow bridges to appear around the islands or openings where paint is to be applied. Make sure the bridges are wide enough to keep paint from seeping under and smudging your image.

This is what my single layer frog stencil looks like when separated into islands and bridges:

Notice how the islands and bridges developed as each part of the frog and branch were isolated. Some detail was lost like the branch between the frog's toes but that is the disadvantage of a single layer stencil. The advantage, of course, is that you only have one sheet to cut and paint.

Now you have your stencil! Click here for hints on Long-Term Stencil Making. I have a few tips to help you prepare your overlays to be saved for future use.

Excellent! It’s time to put paint to your stencil. You should be a pro at this by now but if you need help or want to review, go to How to Stencil for the details.

Here is what my painted Single Overlay Frog looks like:

Color brings the image back to life! A lot of the detail has been lost. Yet with practice and experience you can add details by using two or more colors in a single overlay stencil.

Well, you have taken your hobby of stenciling one step further by learning how to make stencils from your own image. I know that sometimes when I get to the drawing table and try to break a sketch down into islands and bridges I end up rubbing my head. But I persevere and it all comes together. I hope you had a great time learning to make a stencil!

Just to let you know – the stencil that I used as an example for this lesson is called Hanging Around from the Red Eyed Tree Frog Collection from Designs From Penny. If you like the frog you should know that he has three companions. Look them up and some other fun stencil projects. This is a great place to find downloadable stencils so you can get your project off to a quick start.

Now that you know how to make stencils, you'll find a need for stencil making supplies, like mylar and acetate. Dick Blick Art Materials can provide you with a large variety of what you need and many other art supplies.

Another stop when seeking stencil making materials is Mister Art.com. They have a few options of films (for permanent use) and Bee Paper Stencil Oil Board which is cardstock thick so you are able to use more than once when stenciling (but not permanent). You'll find they have a dedicated section for stenciling.

Still looking for more information? Amazon.com has a couple of suggestions for books related to stenciling. I've also added a Google Search Box for your convenience.

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