Thursday, May 31, 2012

My First Stenciled Wall

I am so excited about my first stenciled wall. I was really thrilled to win this stencil and this will not be the last stenciling I will do. I love it! To give you a little background..I decorated my last home in a Victorian style..I had reproduction wall papers in every room. I am used to a lot of pattern. Then I fell in love with Shabby Chic and went from all kinds of pattern to almost no pattern, as I was trying to figure out my take on Shabby chic style. I have been slowly trying to bring pattern in. After having to remove wall paper at the other house I no longer think that wall paper is my friend. This seemed perfect to me, and when I won the contest..I knew it was meant to be!

The stencil I used is Anna Damask and the company is called The Cutting Edge . I have nothing but wonderful things to say about this company. The items I received from them are of the best quality and their customer service is exceptional.


This little wall in my sun room/creative space was the perfect place to do a practice wall and get the hang of it.  What do you think? So far everyone who has seen it has said they like it a lot. My husband even likes it! When Janae saw it she immediately asked if she could borrow the stencil.

It was really quite easy to do but I thought I would share some things since I am now experienced at this (LOL). Remember, I haven't been trained..I am just saying my own opinion on what makes this turn out beautiful.

This photo is the most true to the color of the walls. It is my "soul paint" from Ace Hardware called Harbor Lane. It is an aqua color, like a Tiffany's blue.
First of all, I highly recommend buying the tool kit. That little level that attaches to the stencil is genius. My husband was very impressed. Unless you have 4 arms you really need this level. The kit also comes with a roller, and a brush. Everything you need.

Educate yourself. I watched all the videos and read the articles that were on The Cutting Edge website. Also, reading posts like this one is a good idea:).

Embrace imperfections. I am really bad about being a perfectionist and I even like my distressing to be perfect. But I wanted this to be Shabby Chic--I wanted it to look like old wallpaper. So I didn't have to make it perfect. Wyatt told me it looks like it has worn spots..and I was quite happy with that. If I was going for a modern look I would have done a second coat and made sure the paint was more evenly distributed.


Have a helper for corners and hard spots. I didn't have a helper but next time I am going to plan to do those pieces at a time when someone can help me hold the stencil in place.

Clean the stencil when it gets heavy with paint. The stencil is easier to work with when it has a few coats of paint on it. But when it gets so it actually is heavy with paint it is harder to keep it taped to the wall. I guess with some patterns it effects the detail too. I used Folkart Wicker white acrylic craft paint.


Use a good tape. I am a lover of blue tape..but in this case I was having some issues with the stencil staying up. Part of it is I let my stencil get too heavy with paint. Next time I am going to buy frog tape because I think it is a little stronger.


My final tip is slow but steady wins the race. I actually waited until the previous paint had dried before I did the next stencil. I figured it saved me a lot of stress of messing up wet paint. It worked fine for me because I always have so many things going on...taking care of kids and kittens, pulling weeds, making dinner. I just did a little through out the day. I kept the roller in a zip lock bag so I didn't have to clean it each time.

LuLu likes my wall.


This wall was so much fun!



I hope you like my wall as much as I do. I can't wait to do my bedroom wall behind our bed. I think I want to do it in like a white metallic paint. Now I would really like to do a 2-layer stencil. I really like the birds of paradise one here. I want to do that one in my livingroom on my fireplace wall. If I had the money I would order it right now! I am really liking this wall stenciling technique.

Well, I have babysitting for the kittens and so I think this would be a great time for a nap!


Please show me if you do any stenciling projects. Thanks for visiting!

38 comments:

Shannon Fox said...

The wall looks LOVELY =) The colors are so pretty and you did an amazing job. Congrats on such a wonderful project under your belt!

Shannon Fox said...

PS- I pinned this and shared on my fb page ;)

Connie said...

I also love stenciling and have done it a lot in other homes. I'm just too old to do it anymore, sugar, but I absolutely love what you did. Looks elegant!

You might want to read what I wrote about SAHMs in today's post. Bless you for staying home and taking care of that sweet boy.

xoxo,
Connie

Ooooh, also, nice to meet you. :-)

Donna said...

This came out soooo beautiful! I favorited about 5 of their stencils a few weeks ago so I was delighted to come across your post/tutorial! I also love your choice of colors! And those kitties are too cute for words!... Donna

The Polka Dot Closet said...

That is so fabulous and the colors are great! Great job, you talked me into it!

Carol

Julie said...

Your stenciling is GORGEOUS!! I love it so much. I think you may have just inspired me. I haven't done any stenciling for over 10 years but at one time, everything I touched got stenciled. I may just have to break out my paintbox again! Thanks, J

deborah@confessions of a craigslist junkie said...

It looks beautiful!

Unknown said...

So pretty...Love it...I want to ask about the blue color of the wall what brand is it? is it blue or green?

Kimberly at ArtJoyStuff said...

Hi Sandy,
The wall is gorgeous, love the background color and stenciling both!
Well done!
enJOY a sweet evening,
Kimberly

Judy at GoldCountryCottage said...

Sandy: Your stencil is a beautiful pattern and you did a great job. I love the aqua color of the background..Happy Friday..Judy

Julie said...

WOW, Sandy, Amazing, Wonderful, Beautiful, Gorgeous, Great, fantastic, what else.. (smile)
Love the color and the design.

Great Job !

Julie x

Heirloom treasures said...

Sandy you did such a good job,especially for the first time. I love it. Lots easier than stripping wallpaper. lu Lu is so cute,where do you get your energy?
Thank you so much for visiting. Yes the Royals are loved so much by the people from all over the world,not just England. Glad you enjoyed my post. Hope you have a nice weekend xx

sunnyskiesandsweettea said...

Sandy,

Your wall looks gorgeous!I am definitely going to check out their web site!

Blessings,
Amy Jo

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

It looks gorgeous, Sandy! I love it on that wall. You did a great job. I was worried about the previous area being dry before moving on, too, because I had no back-up paint of my base color {the previous owner left us no paint whatsoever}. That level is a nifty tool isn't it? It was my best friend when I was setting mine up. Had to laugh when you say Janae wants to borrow it. I knew she would. I bet it would look great in the bedroom she shared with us not too long ago.

Melanie said...

Your wall is just lovely!!! So very pretty!!!
I too have discovered that wall paper is not my friend!!!!

farmhouse-story said...

so very gorgeous, sandy! i've stenciled a lot, but, never covered a whole wall-really great work!

Amy Chalmers said...

This is OUTSTANDING!! I love how your wall came out, I love the colors you chose. I have this same stencil and have yet to use it....now seeing what you did, I think I will be inspired to get going!! I have purchased the repostionable adhesive spray for stencils so I think I will use that and tape.

Grandma Carolee said...

Sandy, your wall is beautiful! You did a great job giving instruction on how to do it. It will look perfect in your bedroom.

Cynthia said...

You did agreat job and it looks beautiful! Love the solors.

Cynthia

lashawnmontoya said...

It looks professional and way way better than wallpaper, I agree. Ive removed my fair share of wallpaper in this current house and I am so thankful there is not 1 stitch of wallpaper in the new one. But now I think I might try stencilling in our new house for some pattern, too! Thanks for your tips- think this might be a great thing to try in a bathroom for starters!

Bunny Jean said...

Hi Sandy!

That stencil makes for a beautiful accent wall. I love that dresser and all the items on it... especially that little aqua mercury glass votive holder, lol. I am so glad you had a special place for it.

You are always sharing such great projects, I just don't know how you find the time.

Also, your DD and the kitty (with the rose) pictures are so pretty!

Thanks for sharing at my party this week :)

xoxo Bunny Jean
Wednesdays Bunny Hop Party!

Vicki said...

Hi, Sandy,
I love how your stenciled wall turned out. You picked the perfect colors, too. I have enjoyed seeing your fur babies. They are adorable in every way. The bottle you embellished was lovely. I hope you have a terrific weekend~Vicki

Peggy said...

Sandy - what a great job - it turned out beautiful!
Peggy

Connie said...

What a beautiful job! The wall looks great behind your buffet. I can't wait to see what Janae does with it too.
Hugs,
Connie,IN/FL

Karen said...

It looks beautiful Sandy!

Unknown said...

You are one brave lady! You are always up for trying new things. You are an inspiration for sure..keep it up..it looks lovely!
Enjoy the weekend..

Donna, The Decorated House said...

Your wall turned out beautiful! The color is so pretty and you did a great job with stenciling. Happy Weekend~

Anonymous said...

Sandy, this is beautiful! I love it! The stencil looks so pretty with the aqua! Thanks for all the helpful hints too. I may have to try this in my powder room. It really needs updating! You did a great job!

Erin~Just*Grand said...

That wall is so gorgeous! I love the color and the pattern of the stencil and you did a beautiful job.

An Oasis in the Desert said...

Wow, Sandy, for a novice at this stenciling you seem much more like a pro! It looks beautiful, & I love the white over the pretty blue.

I adore your sweet kittens, & your daughter did a great job of photographing & capturing their cuteness!

Thanks so much for visiting my blog & leaving a nice comment about my skirted table. I'm lovin' the ruffles!
CAS

Stacy's Shabby Shoppe said...

Oh my goodness! Your wall looks completely amazing!!! You did such a great job and thanks so much for the tips. I might have to try this behind our bed too. Just beautiful! xo

Melissa Anderson said...

I love this! I am definitely trying this out since my husband and I just bought a home and I think this would be great for a guest bedroom:)I love the colors you chose too! And those kitties, they are too cute!

Art and Sand said...

Wow, you are brave! I once did a frieze all around a room, but never an entire wall. You did a beautiful job.

Shanon at Vintage Sparkle Chic said...

The wall turned out amazing! I love it with the shabby dresser, too. Perfect!

~Shanon

Sandi~A Cottage Muse said...

Oh Sandy I love it...you did a beautiful job!!

The Cottage Market {Andrea} ♥ said...

absolutely gorgeous!!!!! oh and the built in shelves...bestill my heart!!!!! hugs...

Melissa said...

Sandy, your stenciled wall looks AMAZING!!!!! I love damask and that blue color is stunning!!! Nicely done!

Anne said...

Sandy,
Your stencil turned out lovely! What a beautiful wall.So pretty !!!! What a sweet photo of your daughter with those kittens.
(((Hugs)))
Anne