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Do It Yourself Decor

Until the 1980's stencils were primarily seen in the Eastern U.S. in country style homes. Simple borders of hearts, pineapple and fruit designs, bows, and ivy, were standard fare.

If that's your view of stenciling, then it's time to take another look.

The passion for this craft has exploded in recent years and it's now easy to find stencils in every size, style, and pattern imaginable. Even designer Ralph Lauren has produced a line of elaborate stencil motifs.

Whether you want fruit, flowers, botanicals, a faux fireplace, border designs, all over wallpaper-style patterns, quotations, Southwest themes, Celtic scrolls, Mediterranean themes, or even faux ceramic tiles and mosaics, you'll most likely find the perfect stencil available for your project.

And if you prefer, and have the patience of a saint, you can even try using plain mylar sheets to cut your own stencil designs.

Stenciling is one of the easier home crafts to master. A little practice on paper or a test board, some thought about light sources and colors, and you'll be decorating in no time.

One big advantage to stenciling is that it is inexpensive compared to many other wall finishes. Other than the stencil itself you'll only need a couple of brushes, tiny bottles of paint, and some paper towels.

Another advantage is its wonderful versatility, both in design and choice of color, since paint can easily be matched to other elements of the room.

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All stencil designs courtesy of Goddess Creative Designs