About Me

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antrim, antrim, Ireland
Hello and welcome to my blog. If you like flowers and gardens, housey stuff, food and banter, then this is the place for you. I am a decorative artist, florist and maker of things. I sell painted furniture, plants and crafts, through a local retail shop, in my native Ireland, and wedding flowers from home. I am married to a lovely patient man and have a smashing little girl. I blog for the fun of it. Thank you for listening.

Monday 19 March 2012

Stencilling.....yes or no?

A lot of people are a little bit 'sniffy' about stencilling! If you have lived through the 80's and 90's, when everything that moved (or didn't) got stencilled, then I can understand you feeling a little reticent. Also a lot of the stencilling that was done was rather badly done, with leaks and dribbles and smudges.

I started painting furniture in the late eighties and didn't have the confidence to hand paint things then, so I used stencils, first bought ones, then as I gained confidence,I cut my own. Eventually I learned how to paint directly on to the wall, but that took time. I have to say though, that I still have a soft spot for stencilling. Recently, I thought that I would check 'The Stencil Library's' website, as I hadn't been on it in quite a number of years. I knew that they were still going strong because of the magazine coverage. I was thrilled by what I found, as they have really moved the whole thing on with both modern and vintage designs, and wonderful layered stencils which give a photographic type image. You can of course buy all your necessary equipment there too, as well as books and courses. If you would like to check it out for yourself, here is the link http://www.stencil-library.co.uk. I have picked out some of my particular favourites.


I love these large scale stylised flowers, or how about these alphabet stencils to create your own wording...



I just love the way they have taken this quite traditional all over pattern, and given us the idea of incorporating a little decoupage image, such as 'the girl with the pearl earring' ...how novel!


Some patterns have quite a modern vibe.



I really love these layered stencils.



Wouldn't this look so cool in a music room, or home cinema, or even in a little jazzy understairs cloakroom?

Wouldn't this last one look fabulous in a decadent dressing room, or bathroom. Or how about some of these fun ones to line a wardrobe or drawers with.




This one would be fun to paint on a desk top, and how about the liquorice allsorts in a pantry?

This all over tree design would be wonderful using metallic paints or glitter, to look like snow.

I hope that if you did not like stencils before, you may have a different perspective now. Wallpaper is wonderful , but sometimes so very expensive. Or you may have an awkward space that would be difficult to paper, or you just can't find the colours you want , stencilling might be the better option?

Thank you to all who kindly left comments on my last post. I do apologise for not replying individually, which I really prefer to do, but I have been a little busy with work. I hope to get around to visiting you all soon. Thank you too to my new followers, you are all very welcome! Wishing you all a wonderful 'spring equinox', things are definitely starting to spring forth here in Ireland, which is most welcome! Love Linda x

This simple little Japanese design looks hand painted.

23 comments:

  1. Very interesting, Linda. Thanks.

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  2. Oh I remember the stencilling days of the '90s.
    I had ivy everywhere! It was all around the walls in my bedroom and then I had sea shells in the bathroom - on the skirting boards, up the cupboards....I'm shuddering just thinking back.
    Yes, I agree things have moved on and these that you show are a far cry from my very amature attempts of the past.
    x

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  3. Dear Linda: I love stencils and with your post you have made me an even greater fan of it! Have a joyous day! Christa

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  4. What an amazing variety of stencils!
    Liz @ Shortbread & Ginger

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  5. Hello Linda:
    What fabulous ideas you treat us to here!Our minds are already working overtime now at where we might incorporate a stencilled design or two, such fun!

    As you say, the whimsical borders of stencilled motifs of the 1980s were really rather tedious, but these have an altogether more contemporary and'grown-up' feel to them. Like you, we are beguiled by those which give a three dimensional appearance and are very tempted to try at least one out. A Diamond Jubilee bathroom complete with HM The Queen stencilling would surely mark the occasion in style!!

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  6. thanks for sharing these beautiful patterns with us. I really loved your blog :) I2ll be happy if you visit mine.

    http://rainbowgatherer.blogspot.com

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  7. Wow, they have come a long way since I last stencilled flowers onto terracotta pots! Robx
    p.s. have a look at my last post, I linked it back to you.

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  8. Marvellous! I'd never have guessed those were stencils. Things certainly have moved on from the ubiquitous ivy trailing around a kitchen wall. They look like the very modern fabrics that are available these days. Lovely stuff.

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  9. Yes Linda, I am guilty of stenciling borders round rooms in the 80's too. Mine were American inspired pineapples!
    Must call in at The Stencil Library again as it is just down the road from me.
    Love the Stag's head stencil...it would look great with the deer linen cloth I have just bought.
    Julie x
    PS I think Jo should buy the Pug stencil!

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  10. Hi Linda. Lovely to hear from you again. I used to do quite a lot of stencilling when it was popular, but, as you say, stencils have certainly come on, haven't they?! I love all the ones that you have shown us today, especially that one for a decadent bedroom or bathroom! Hope you are keeping well x

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  11. Wonderful post, Linda! I used to love stencilling in the 80's and 90's! The new ones look amazing don't they...the new decorative possibilities are rather exciting. I would like to get some of the alphabet and number ones, I think I would use them a lot on different things. I do love the very rich decorative effects your pictures show too. I'm glad you're busy with work, that's good to hear.
    Have a happy week.
    Helen x

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  12. I know absolutely nothing about stencilling Linda, but you certainly seem to have found some fascinating stencils. I am sure you will have fun doing some.

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  13. Hi Linda! I actually like stencils and I used to have lots of them in my house (Including powder blue roses in my bedroom, which were very nice!)

    I would just say that it's up to the individual, really! For example: if I sencilled the Queen's head all over my living room, I would be chucked out of the house within 48 hours!

    Jokes apart, stencila are ok. I'm contemplating wall paper for my kitchen. It's so big and we don't want to paint it, especially as at the moment it's Benetton red and green!

    CIAO!

    ANNA
    xx

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  14. When you first mentioned stencils, I was reminded of the geese stencils from the 80s. :)
    These are great, Linda!

    Happy Spring!
    ~ Zuzu

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  15. Oh my goodness - how stencils have changed. I remember completing some very intricate stencils back in the 90's.
    It'a great to see a company changing with the times. I love the stag stencil xx

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  16. Those are amazing designs! Stencilling has certainly moved on from all the ivy designs of the 80's! Cx

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  17. Hi Linda,
    Gosh things have certainly moved on in the stencilling world, these examples are fantastic. A really interesting post, thank you - I will certainly check out the website.
    Hope you are having a good week,
    Essie x

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  18. Hi Linda

    I love these stencils. They are a good alternative to wallpaper and I particularly like them in smaller rooms where they can surprise.
    I love the first one of the Queen

    My best
    Helen x

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  19. Hello Linda, I'm converted! I was never very keen on stencils but some of these are intricate and delicate. Like Helen, I really like the idea of them in a smaller room-a quirky loo is such fun! Jane xx

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  20. How completely different form the stencils of the 80s and 90s!
    They are so sophisticated and more like wallpaper or prints than stencils - they look amazing.
    Particularly love the delicate dandelion clocks
    Glad things are busy for you Linda, enjoy the spring weather, and thanks for a lovely post!

    Gill xx

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  21. Hi Linda,
    Great post! I live in a rental and we are not allowed to put up wallpaper. Now I am considering doing a stencil! Inspiring.
    take care,
    Denise

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  22. Hi Linda
    Very good work, especially like the one of the Queen.

    Driveway paving Romford

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