• Create mermaids with a simple stencil.thai design image by Gina Smith from Fotolia.com
  
  Stencils make decorating a breeze. Whether you're working on a wall or jazzing up your notebook, a stenciled design can add color and depth in just a few simple steps. Even if you don't have the time or skill to paint freehand, you can achieve stunning and unique creations by starting off with a basic stencil.
  
  

Photos

• Turn a simple photo into a personalized stencil.rugby player sideview try silhoutte blue image by patrimonio designs from Fotolia.com
  
  Many photos lend themselves to use as stencils. Easily turn portraits into stencils by cutting around each figure. You can also turn digital pictures into stencils using free editing software, such as GIMP. Print your edits on a plastic transparency or trace the pattern onto cardstock for a template that will stand up to many uses. Consider stenciling a tote bag or T-shirt using fabric paint.
  
  

Colors and Techniques

• Create multi-color patterns.various flowers image by Aleksej Kostin from Fotolia.com
  
  Even if you are stenciling only basic shapes, using multiple colors makes your design stand out. You can do this by taping off areas of the stencil and coloring each area individually, shading from one side of the stencil to another or painting in layers. These techniques work very well with floral patterns.
  
  

Tessellations

• Tessellations lend themselves well to stencils.seamless wallpaper/tile/business graphic image by Andrew Brown from Fotolia.com
  
  Tessellations are patterns with repeating, interlocking pieces. Since each part must be formed precisely to ensure that there are no overlaps or blank spaces, stencils make a perfect template. Reproduce your tessellations with color variations.
  
  

Negative Stencils

• Try using your hand as a negative stencil.trace image by Gautier Willaume from Fotolia.com
  
  When you use stencils, you're painting the positive space of an image. Create a negative stencil by tracing a pattern and cutting out the shape. Use masking tape to hold each piece in place while you paint. Your hand, small toys and other objects can be used as negative stencils.
  
  

Embellished Stencils

• Adding a detailed outline by hand saves time trimming stencils.dog silhouette image by Slobodan Djajic from Fotolia.com
  
  Stencils provide a clear and consistent template for designs. However, you can paint over stenciled designs to define shapes and customize each individual print. This works well with painting finely detailed images and sharpening muddy silhouettes.