Victoria Larsen Stencils and Ornamental Plaster

With “Raised Stencils” becoming more and more popular in decorating our walls, few have thought to apply these grand designs to smaller items, yet they turn a once simplistic item in to a highly ornate, one of a kind piece with simple joint compound and a coat of paint.

Everyday items such as frames, keepsake boxes, toy boxes, hope chests, even lamps and framed mirrors become extraordinarily beautiful with the addition of raised designs.

Raised designs not only add pattern to plain surfaces, but also texture, creating a design that can be “felt” when touched, that casts a shadow as the light changes in the room, and that can be embellished with any form of paint or faux finish you choose.

In most cases, standard craft stencils are not thick enough to create a noticeable 3 dimensional pattern on a surface. You can find stencils that are cut of much thicker material and especially made for raised plaster stenciling on numerous websites on the internet for use with dimensional mediums such as common joint compound, stencil paste and other products now carried your local paint and craft stores.

If you can frost a cake, you can do it!

Step 1: Simply tape your stencil to your wall or intended project.

Step 2: Using a flat edged scraper, apply a thin coat of common joint compound (also known as “wall mud”) over the stencil openings. Be certain that all openings have been completely covered.

Step 3: Once all of the openings have been sufficiently covered, you may now apply a bit more compound to create a higher raise. It is not advisable however, to exceed a depth of ¼” since the action of removing the stencil could distort the finished design.

Step 4: While holding the stencil down, remove the tape and gently peel the stencil away from the item you are decorating.

Step 4: Allow the joint compound to dry 48 hours before painting.

Joint compound dries pure white which is fabulous on some items. Simply seal it with clear, non-yellowing polyurethane to protect the raw compound and prevent chip damage.

If you prefer, you can pre-tint the joint compound to your desired color by using pure pigment tints. Some home stores carry various brands but we also found great sources for them on-line as well. Simply do a search for "pigment tints". Remember when adding tints that your final color will be slightly lighter.

The dried design can also be painted with any wall or craft paint when you want your design to be the same overall color as the piece you are working on.

Adding a paint finish to the design only can be achieved by simply replacing the stencil over the dried compound before painting. This protects the underlying surface.

To make a design unusually glamorous, try inserting rhinestones or decorative beads in to the wet compound or medium before it dries. Gold leafing is another option for creating an opulent design. Inexpensive kits are available in your local craft store.

The types of unique gifts you can create with this decorative method are endless:

Consider finishing a group of inexpensive frames in your favorite design and then paint them antique gold or silver. Insert recent family photos to give to parents or grandparents.

Add an elaborate raised design to a simple wooden box, paint it black, replace the stencil over the design and paint the design only in gold. Line the inside with red velvet for an elegant jewel or keepsake box.

Plaster stencil a central design on to a set of inexpensive canisters as a gift for a friend who loves to cook. Do the same with ceramic pots, paint them bright colors for the garden lover.

By adding white glue to the joint compound, you can now add a plaster design to a glass vase then prime and paint to create a one of a kind vase for the flower lover in your family.

Plaster stencil a frame around a solid piece of wood, paint to a lovely cream color then add then paint the word “Welcome” in the center. Seal it from the elements then give as a loving gift to a friend or neighbor.

You will find that raised plaster stencil designs come in designs ranging from simplistic to highly ornate. Border designs are available for framing larger items or smaller friezes can be used as central designs.

Remember that portions of a design can be used by simply applying masking tape over unwanted parts of the design.

Thrift stores are filled to the brim with items dying to be given new life for a fraction of the cost of buying them new. Consider recycling these items in to family treasures and cherished gifts for others. You won’t believe the difference a little paint and a raised plaster design makes.

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Victoria Larsen is a wall stencil designer from Everett, Washington who’s products have been featured in publications such as the “Wall Street Journal”, “Better Homes and Gardens”, “Rubber Stamping Retailer”, “Craftrends”, "Creating Keepsakes", “Memory Makers” and “Woman’s Day Window and Wall” magazines.

Website: http://www.victorialarsen.com

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All Stencil Product designs Copyright © 1990-2007 by Victoria Larsen. All Rights Reserved. Website designed, created, and maintained by Larsen Productions. All images, graphics, and intellectual content are © Copyright Victoria Larsen 1990 - 2007. All rights reserved. Content may not be reproduced for any commercial intent or purposes without expressed written consent. This website is dedicated to the loving memory of Joyce Bakken, Brandon Layton and Dorothy Kirkwood.
Last modified: 05/10/08