Stenciling has always been one of the most popular techniques used in crafting and home decorating. From stenciling walls to the hugely popular wooden signs that have trended in recent years, stencil art is everywhere. But walls and wood aren’t the only surfaces that work with stenciling. In fact, any number of unique surfaces can take on stenciled images surprisingly well, in case you’ve been looking for some creative inspiration…
Stencil Art on Woven Placemats
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
The popularity of botanical prints in home decor doesn’t seem to be waning, so here’s a fresh way to do it. Stenciling botanicals on woven placemats is a great way to create boho-chic wall decor that is unique AND on-trend, all at the same time.
Decorating Plain Ceramics
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Plain white dishes might not quite be a dime a dozen at thrift stores, but they’re awfully close. Thankfully, they’re easy to embellish with some simple stenciled stripes like these. In this case, an iconic Hudson’s Bay blanket was the inspiration, but any combination of colors would work.
Furniture Makeovers
Image credit: The Interior Frugalista.
While stenciling on wood isn’t all that unique, stenciling on furniture definitely ups the ante. And while lining up the designs can require more skill and patience than other crafty DIYs, the end result is worth the effort, don’t you think?
Stencil Art on Sandpaper
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Sandpaper is usually put to use on painted surfaces for a distressed effect. Or it’s used on bare pieces before they get painted. But in this case, the paint went ON the sandpaper– as if it were the canvas! Thanks to a beachy stencil, this sandpaper art is perfect for coastal summer decor.
Faking a Knockoff
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Vintage plaid coolers and vacuum flasks are regularly sought after by antique enthusiasts. But if you can’t find (or afford) the real deal, you can whip up some stencil art on a plain red cooler from the thrift store like this! Plus, this article includes a nifty trick for getting crisp lines on a shiny plastic surface.
Stencil Art on Screen
Image credit: Organized Clutter.
You might not think of window screen as a “stencilable” surface, but check out how good it can look! I’ve long been a fan of painting screen to give it a subtle pop of color, but stenciling adds an added layer of weathered texture.
Wood-Burned or Stenciled?
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Admittedly, I’ve never really tried wood-burning as a craft technique. But I love all the projects people are making with it, and I love how it looks. So much so that I “faked” the look of wood burning with this stenciled wreath/sign. Stenciling unevenly with brown paint goes a long way, eh?
Stencil Art with Chalk
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
While the surge in popularity of chalkboards has waned a bit in recent years, they’re still perfect additions to a lot of decorating projects. Perhaps especially seasonal ones, since they can be erased and reused. In this case, I stenciled a Halloween saying onto a thrifted chalkboard using some special liquid chalk.
But I can still use it all year long for other displays!
Stenciling on Cork
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Look, corkboards are great- super useful, perfect for home offices, and a great way to keep track of our busy lives. But they’re…boring to look at. Thankfully, cork is a GREAT surface for stencil art, even if the stencils you use are intricate and complicated like these mandalas.
Patterns on the Floor
Image credit: Lovely, Etc.
Here’s a great way to “zhuzh” up your floor: stenciling! It may seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be- and it will cost way less than alternatives, such as tile or large rugs.
Stenciling on Round Surfaces
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Stenciling on wood is old hat, but on a curved surface? Brand new ball game that can scare off potential crafters. But this tutorial shares a few tips and tricks to get those crisp lines on a rounded “canvas”.
Stencil Art on Retro Tech
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
This project is simply a great reminder that stenciling is a fun way to refresh outdated and obsolete items you find at thrift stores. Even outdated tech, like this floppy disk file box! Now it’s being used as a tabletop greenhouse for seedlings and a little stencil art on the sides just makes it all the more fun.
Organization Labels
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Here’s another fun upcycle of something that’s considered “outdated” these days. An old photo album (with vinyl/pleather covers) has been repurposed as an organizer for paper ephemera. And a fun stencil was used right on the faux leather to add a touch of whimsy.
Try It on Terracotta
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
If you’ve ever wondered about stenciling on terracotta, I’m here to tell you that it works like a charm. Like bare wood and cork, the clay is just porous enough to allow clean lines during the process. Not only does it look fabulous, but this tutorial talks about the best product to seal your stenciled terracotta, too.
Stenciled Suitcase
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Some vintage suitcases look fabulous just as they are, but others…not so much. In this case, the handle was missing AND the suitcase itself was kind of blah. But long strips of painter’s tape allowed faux straps to be stenciled on. SO easy and it completely revamped the look of the luggage.
Double Duty DIYs
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
There’s something special about painting an old bamboo tray. Not only does the paint cover up any stains or discoloration that may plague the tray, but a little stencil art on top of it really packs an elegant punch. Plus, this project can act as a decorative sign or a functional tray during the Fall holidays.
Stenciling on Fabric
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Lovers of French Country decor will recognize these stripes instantly, as grain sacks are a staple of that style. But vintage grain sacks aren’t really something to craft with, per se. So, when I decided to create some lavender sachets that looked like that material, I stenciled stripes on linen to get a similar look.
Bedazzled Baskets
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Stenciling on baskets seems intimidating at first, but the secret is choosing the right basket. In this case, I selected a peach basket that was woven from wide ribbons of wood and sported minimal gaps in the weave. And as you can see, stenciling on it worked like a charm!
Clever Clock
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Since I’ve already shown you a stenciled cooler already, I won’t actually focus on the plastic surface here. But this project is a reminder that stenciling on unexpected items is a fun and cheeky way to create unique pieces for your home and garden. Such as this stenciled clock, that is permanently set to 5:00 for happy hour!
Stencil Art on Unusual Surfaces
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Sandpaper? Check. Bamboo, cork, and terracotta? Check. As it turns out, you really can stencil on a huge variety of surfaces. And some of the most peculiar ideas work out better than you could have imagined. Sometimes, experimentation is the secret to success when it comes to stencil art. And I hope you’ve been inspired to step outside your crafting comfort zone with these ideas.
Craft on!
S
Want to be notified when I publish my next upcycling project tutorial?
Join me on Social Media:
PIN ME!
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
Have a question or like what you see? Please let me know!