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Put a bird on it! Layered Stencil Art Wall Decor

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Put a bird on it! An easy DIY to make a layered stencil art wall hanging!

This post is sponsored by Plaid Crafts via The Blueprint Social. I received materials for this project and compensation for my time, but as always: all opinions are most definitely my own!

I have a fun project to share with you today: layered stencil art! It is easier than it sounds and you can trust me on that! You see, I thought layering stencil designs was difficult until I tried Ed Roth’s Stencil1 line from Plaid Crafts. The Stencil1 line includes all-over background stencils, large element stencils, and stencil sets which include a background, a silhouette stencil as well as a matching detail stencil to go over the stenciled silhouette image.

Ed Roth Stencil1 Swallow Set stencils

I tried out one of the stencil sets, simply called the Swallow Set, although I kept thinking of the funny phrase “Put a bird on it!” and so that’s what I’m calling this project! The stencils are connected together in the packaging, but are easily cut apart for ease of use.

Ed Roth Stencil1 bird stencils include a background, silhouette, and detail stencil.

I decided to make a trio of 5 x 7 wall hangings using flat canvases from the craft store. Along with the stencil set, I used FolkArt Multi-Surface paints, which work on any surface including both indoor and outdoor projects. Multi-Surface paints also dry quickly, which really saves time!

Put a bird on it layered stencil art supplies: 5x7 canvases and FolkArt Multi-Surface paints.

Step One: Paint a background color on each canvas. First I painted the canvases green and let them dry. Then I began to brush on a dark blue paint here and there, immediately wiping the paint back off with a paper towel. I added back a bit more of the green paint here and there to make all three canvases look similar.

Green paint with blue paint brushed on then wiped off using a paper towel.

Step Two: Stencil the background design onto each canvas. I used a a light gray color for the background stencil. I lined up the stencil so that the design would continue beyond the edges of each canvas, then used painter’s tape to secure the stencil in place. Use a stencil brush and stencil away! Let dry. To learn how I stencil, you can read my blog post How to Stencil a Canvas Tote Bag as the technique is the same.

Ed Roth Stencil1 background stencil

Step Three: Sand each canvas to make the background look a bit worn and weathered. Wipe off with a paper towel.

Step Four: Stencil the silhouette image over the background design. I positioned where I wanted the swallow to be on each canvas and secured the stencil with painter’s tape. I used a light blue for the silhouette image. Let dry.

Ed Roth Stencil1 Swallow silhouette stencil
Ed Roth Stencil1 bird stencil layered over background stencil

Step Five: Stencil the detailed image over the matching silhouette design. Again, I positioned this detailed image over the swallow silhouette and secured the stencil with painter’s tape.

Ed Roth Stencil1 detailed stencil over matching silhouette stencil

I used the same darker blue that I used in Step One for the detailed stencil. Let dry.

Ed Roth Stencil1 detailed Swallow design

These mylar stencils are easy to clean with soap and water and can be used again and again. I clean my stencils immediately after using, while I wait for each layer to dry.

I love how the detailed stencil makes the swallow look as if it’s collaged onto the canvas, rather than a flat layered look. The darker blue paint also picks up the darker blue in the background.

Ed Roth Stencil1 Swallow Laser Stencils

Step Six: Paint the edges of each canvas in matching dark blue paint.

 Final Steps: Collage a vintage postage stamp image onto each canvas using Mod Podge. Stamp a canceled postage image over each stamp using black ink.

vintage postage stamp image with a canceled postage image stamped on top

Drill holes for hanging on the top left and right sides of each canvas. Measure out three equal lengths of twine and attach to the canvas using knots at each end. Attach silver brads through the holes in each canvas. Hang them up and enjoy!

Put a bird on it! Layered Stencil Art Wall Decor tutorial
Put a bird on it! Layered Stencil Art Wall Decor
Put a bird on it! Layered Stencil Art Wall Decor DIY

You can check out the entire Ed Roth Stencil1 line at Plaid Crafts online.

And for more inspiration from Plaid Crafts, connect with them via their social media channels:

Pinterest ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Instagram ~ YouTube

Happy stenciling!

~Laura

 

Reader Interactions

Comments

  5. Jeanie Hevener

    I am in love with these stencils! Anyone can be an artist using them. Your wall art is beautiful

  8. Pat C.

    How stunning, Laura! One of the canvases hung by itself would have been lovely, but your grouping of three really makes an impact!

    Once I move, I’m going to have to check out Multi-Surface paints… I love the ivory at the top and can’t believe how well it covered the canvas. I’ve never worked on a paint-related project before, so I’m still a long way from using stencils,: ( but I’d love to try my hand at painting small canvases and Mod Podging fabric cut-outs on them. Thank you for the introduction to the paints and, yes, even the stencils–I’ll get there eventually! xoxo

    • Laura Kuhlmann

      I do too, Randi! The layering is what I think makes “playing” with these stencils so much fun! (It definitely feels like playtime, especially with the awesome results!)

    • Laura Kuhlmann

      You just made my week, my friend! Thanks SO much for including them among such amazing features at your link party – which is one of my most favorite link parties on the planet! Thanks Carol!