How to Build Stencils

Stencils are pretty easy to make. They can be fun for the kids or just funky art. Use them to have fun, be creative, and unique.

1. Get supplies needed. This is listed in the things you'll need section.
2. Glue each sheet of paper on top of each other. Even if it usually takes two minutes to dry, wait a full half-an-hour. If the pile isn't stiff-ish after the half hour, wait for twenty more minutes.
3. If you are using large pop-out stickers, instead of taking them off, cut them off the pack and trace them with light pencil on the paper. If you aren't using stickers, draw a light outline of a shape (anything you want it to be) in pencil. Draw five to eight outlines on the page.
4. Go over the outlines with a thin permanent marker. This makes it stand out more for the next step.
5. Fold the page and cut the shapes inside the outlines out. Decorate the paper around the shapes with anything, just no more stencil outlines. That's how you make stencils. These aren't market stencils, meaning (with kids) they would last maybe a week of use. If you're careful and don't bend it, it could last for up to a month or two.

• Every once and a while, press the top sheet of paper against the others to keep it stiff.
• Keep your lines simple and easy to trace for children.

• The process could take up to an hour.

• Three sheets of A4 paper (the thick kind)
• A glue stick
• A pencil
• An eraser
• A permanent marker
• Large pop-out 3D stickers (optional)