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Make a Stencil

There are many designs of pre-cut stencils on the market, but you may wish to make your own stencils.  Make sure the design you choose is relatively simple.

MATERIALS NEEDED:

  • Craft Pattern
  • Cutting board
  • Low tack masking tape
  • Mylar sheets (strong plastic sheets available in art supply or craft stores)
  • Exacto knife
  • Transparent tape for mending

INSTRUCTIONS:

  • Begin by selecting your craft pattern.  You can enlarge or reduce your pattern on a copy machine to get just the size you need for your project surface. 
  • Tape the craft pattern onto a cutting board.  Place a piece of Mylar over the top and tape down to secure. 
  • Now, with your craft knife, cut out the design.  You may wish to simplify the design by cutting out only the basic shapes, and ignoring the fine details.  If you cut out a very detailed design, the stencil may be flimsy.  In this case, you will have to leave small bridges between the holes to hold the stencil together.
  • If you make a mistake when cutting, you can mend the stencil by placing transparent tape on both sides of the torn area, then trim tape with your craft knife.