I enjoy using stencils in both my business and the workshops I teach.  They are so varied nowadays — from traditional to large graphic prints to thoroughly modern patterns.  The designs are just an additional beautiful “layer” to use on a technique.  Here’s what Debbie from Clermont, FL wrote to us:

Hey, Regina!  How’s everything?  Just a quick question for you, where’s the best place to get stencils?  My sister and I would like to use some for fabrics.  We are going to the UK next week.  Anything there?  

From Regina: Why, yes, Debbie — I can totally help with that!  In fact, it’s one of the questions I get asked the most.  Many people think of Michaels as the only place one can get stencils but there are other options as well.  Stencil companies abound on the web but I am going to save you a lot of Google trouble and just give you a list of our perennial favorites.  I’ll also throw in some blogs for you to visit that focus on the art of stencilling. 

Well, if you are going to be in the UK (lucky girl!), you must stop by and see the very chic Helen Morris at The Stencil Library.  Although I’ve never met her, I feel as if I do because of her gorgeous blog.  I pretty much drool over any of her designs but it’s the latest, the Larger than Life collection, that has me really excited.  Her current catalog encompasses over 3,500 designs and can be shipped world-wide.

Royal Design Studio and Modello Designs - The former is a traditional stencil company and the latter focuses on one-time use decorative masking patterns.  Each company has gorgeous designs to choose from and each site features beautiful showcases for their patterns.  Ms. Royals, an established author, also has a blog focusing on all things pattern.

Artistic Painting Studio has beautiful new designs called the Black & White collection.  The company is owned by Ms. Jennifer Ferguson who is frequently featured on HGTV.  She just recently started her own blog.

Dimensional stenciling is something that has been around for a bit but some are doing really innovating finishes with the style.  My friend, Donna, at the Sarasota School of Faux & Architectural Finishing, exclusively sells a 14mil line by Victoria Larsen that allows you to get a crisper and fuller design.  Nice!

Stencil Planet has some unusual and super cool stencils available online.  Their site is easy to navigate and has an Ideas & Tips section. 

Looking for an allover design to mimic wallpaper?  Wallovers has them!  These types of designs are available by most stencil companies but Wallovers focuses on them exclusively.  They also offer “toppers”, a smaller stencil to fill in gaps.  Trust me, you want one of those!  Mm, loving their new Roundabout design…

I just had the Mad Stencilist print me up a few of their “Say What?” stencils.  They can custom cut and font any script or quote you’d like to add to your home — even over archways.  Just send them your measurements and voila! Plus, they have such a cool name. 

Finally, their is also a search site for stencils — appropriately enough called Stencil Search.  They also have a full listing of the stencil companies they cover. 

I hope this has helped!  I’m glad you’re trying out stencilling on fabric — and if you’re washing the fabric, please remember to use specially-designed fabric paint!  Let me know how it all turns out!   - Regina

I luff mail like that because it just serves to remind me not only the amazing variety of stencils available today but also the the myriad of versatile surfaces that stencils can be incorporated into.  Now that you have this info…why wait?  Create!