Making Stencils from a Photo Instructions and Illustrations

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Making Stencils for Multiple Overlay Designs

So you found a cool image and you want to try your hand at making stencils!

And you decided that you want a complete picture and not just a ghost of the image. Great! The stencil design pattern that is best for you is a Multiple Overlay Design. Here’s how I create a stencil from an image or photo.

Remember, the best images have high contrast with few variations. So let’s start with something simple. I'm using The Venus de Milo. First of all, I love her. Second of all, since she is primarily marble she relates well to a black and white image. That makes it easy for me to break her into two overlays with just highlights and shadows. And a great place to show you just how to break an image down into layers - the first step of making stencils. 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. Don’t worry if it isn’t as pretty as the original image. You will be adding color back to it when you have your stencil design pattern.

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 dark and light areas. Take the term “separating” seriously. Shaded areas should have clear boundaries if at all possible because bridges need to be built around the islands or openings where paint is to be applied.

This is what my Venus de Milo looks like when the outline is finished:

Notice how each shaded area is isolated. Now this sketch can be broken down into overlays. Hmmmmm! What is the best way to do that? Well, first I see that I can use the outline of the entire sketch and apply my lightest color. Then use my islands of shaded areas as a second overlay and apply a darker color. Need to see it in action? Here goes:

The first Overlay should look like this:

And the second overlay should look like this:

OK! Have you been asking, "What are those obnoxious triangles in the corners of each sketch?" Well, I'm glad you asked. Those are registration marks or points. This is how you will line up each overlay to make sure that your paint layers are exactly where they need to be. Just cut out the triangles and when you have your first stencil overlay lined up and secured in place, mark the registration points using a pencil. Then lay the next overlay so that the marks line up. Never paint inside the registration points because they are not a part of your design and you will need to eliminate them when the art is done.

When making stencils, design in the registration marks on your first sketch so you can have them exactly aligned on each of the overlays that you trace off of the original.

I have made the triangles bigger than I normally would on the examples used here to make them stand out and to get your attention. They can be smaller or even a different shape. Whatever, is going to work best for you. I just find that cutting three short lines is easier than trying to cut out a nice circle.

Now you have your overlays. 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 Venus de Milo looks like:

Keep in mind the colors that you are going to use. This was a pretty simple two overlay stencil As you start adding more dimensions and overlays the more complicated it gets. I prefer to have a separate overlay for each color. It just keeps things simple and you don’t have to worry about the wrong paint getting into an island where it’s not supposed to be. Of course, that means more overlays and more cutting. However, this extra work in the beginning makes your painting go smoother and that usually results in less mistakes.

So, designing and making stencils of your own can be simplified by creating an overlay for each color needed. You may end up with more overlays, but the stencil painting process will be easier. Well, you've taken your hobby of stenciling one step further by making stencils from your own image. I know that sometimes when I get to the drawing table and try to break a sketch down into layers I end up rubbing my head. But I persevere and it all comes together. I hope you had a great time making a stencil design pattern.

Here’s a fun note: The Venus de Milo example is part of a design called Venus By The Sea (pictured below). It's from a collection of 15 Old-Fashioned Luggage Labels and Travel Poster Stencils that are great for making art prints or decorating an old sea trunk. If you would like, you can purchase the collection below.

For details on many other fun Stencil Pattern Books visit our Stencils Catalog.

Below is a sample of the design books that we offer. This book has 15 stencils including the Venus de Milo stencil used as an example on this page. The book will come to you as a down-loadable pdf file in your e-mail. Just check your e-mail after purchase for the link to connect to your file and print or save. It's that easy!

All designs can be adjusted to fit your project size. Instructions are included. Pages are 8.5” x 11”.
Old Fashioned Luggage Labels and Travel Posters

Paint some travel posters or decorate an old steamer trunk with these 15 designs. 5 are Hotel Advertisements, 5 are Transportation Ads and 5 are Destination Ads (like Paris and New York).

This purchase is of a PDF file with 102 pages.

Price: $9.95

If you'd rather get your Stencil Pattern Books in Print (like these) then visit our Printer's Book Shop for a large variety of stencil collections. These books are easy to follow and come with complete instructions. You'll find all of the stencil designs used as samples throughout this site.

So, now that you are creating your own designs you will need some special tools for making stencils.

For example, using mylar or acetate sheets instead of paper will make your patterns good for permanent use. I always recommend a matte finish that will easily accept ink or pencil (because you will be drawing your design on it). Also, a matter finish doesn't encourage paint to pool and run underneath it which is a big concern in stenciling.

Here are the people that I turn to for these items and all my arts and crafts supplies.

Dick Blick Art is the place to start when shopping for materials for making stencils. They have a great variety of acetates so you can choose the one that will work best for you. You'll find a variety of sizes in sheets or rolls, colored or clear and adhesive backed. But that's not all. They carry many other high quality tools like stencil brushes, paints and craft knives.

Mister Art.com has a dedicated department just for stenciling. Here you'll find stencil films, paints, books and tools.

If you are in the market for craft paints, then Joann.com is the right choice. They carry the top brands of good quality paints: Delta Ceramacoat, Folk Art, Americana, and DecoArt. Plus they have all the other tools you'll need for making stencils.

Always remember, good quality paints are essential to the success of your stenciling project. Watery paints will run and smudge. You do not want paint seeping under your stencil and a glossy finish will encourage that to happen.

If it's a bargain that you are looking for, go to CreateForLess . You'll find Delta Ceramacoat and DecoArt Acrylics and a large variety of paint applicators. However, they do not have any quality acetate for making stencils.

Well, I hope you have found some knowledge and inspiration on this page. But if you are still looking for more information, Amazon.com has a couple of suggestions for you to learn more about making stencils. Also, Google Search has been added below for you to enter a topic of your choice.

Thank you for visiting and I hope you look over our many other pages and articles to learn more about stencil art!

Stencils used as examples on this web site are courtesy of Designs From Penny.

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