One of the best parts of creating your own stencil art is that you can choose whatever colors you want.
You can use colors from the current décor or you can just reach right into your imagination and pull out whatever pleases you (and then maybe you'll end up changing everything else in the room).
Decorating with stencils is a great way to truly add personalized art to your room.
The definition of a stencil is "a template used to produce identical shapes every time it is used.
" How boring is that? But by creatively adding different colors we add excitement.
And we add a little of our own personalities.
Remember when we were kids, one of the first questions we asked one another was, "what is your favorite color?" Well, that's just it.
We all have our favorites and by putting the colors that appeal most to us in our art, we make it personal.
Look around you right now.
You are surrounded by things that you brought into your space.
And you did that for some good reasons.
One may have been that you liked the color.
Notice not only the color but the tone or shade.
Maybe your favorite color is green, but there's a big difference between Forest Green and Sage Green.
Make a few mental notes about the colors, shades and tones that appeal to you and transfer that knowledge to the stencil art you are going to create.
Many stencil designs that you purchase have a list of color suggestions.
Remember, they are just suggestions.
You can do whatever you want with your color choices.
I know, I know.
If you have a stencil of a horse, you might be a little reluctant to use colors other than brown or black.
But, why not use pink or purple or blue.
Remember the horse of a different color.
Well, it's just an example and I hope you see where I am going with this.
Use your imagination and if you are inspired to stretch your color comfort zone then just do it! Most often we see stencils painted with the muted, sort of pastel tones which make us think country.
Well, using bold colors can give our art a whole new dimension.
Everyone has a different style of art that they can create and quite often color choices are a defining factor.
If you tend to favor the bold, dark or bright colors then stencil art is still for you.
There are many designs available that lend themselves well for a variety of color choices.
OK! So you are still a little worried about experimenting with a different color palette.
No problem.
Before you put paint to your surface (furniture or wall), do a few sample runs on paper.
Get comfortable with the colors you have chosen and if it isn't exactly what you envisioned, adjust until you find a pleasing image.
We've discussed using different colors due to choice.
However, many times you just can't find the exact colors suggested.
In this case you do need to experiment on paper like I mentioned above using your own color choices.
As a last resort, mix your own colors.
I say last resort because if you ever need to match that color for a touch up or to produce another exact image it is close to impossible.
But if you have to then you have to right! It's really quite simple.
Stencils give us a nudge in the sense that they help us put an image on any desired surface but they still allow us to be creative.
They allow us to add whatever colors we want.
You are creative and you have a good eye for what's pleasing.
That's all you need.
So, go forth and create some great stencil art!