If you want to make custom gift wrap this year, or just add a touch of whimsy to your gift, stencils can be a big help in accomplishing your goal. And with blank stencil templates at your disposal anything is possible. Follow these steps for creating your own Candy Cane printed gift bags, or create your very own design using these same steps.

Supplies:
1. Painters Tape (you want it to stick but not tear your paper when you remove it)
2. Stencil Blank (an alternative to these is to use transparencies)
3. Image (make sure if it is not an image you created that it is available to use as you wish)
4. Sharpie
5. Exacto Knife
6. Extra Blades (you want to make sure your blade is the sharpest it can be)
7. Gift Bags
8. Paint
9. Stencil Sponges
10. Cutting Mat (not pictured)

Step 1:

Step One:
Center your image under the stencil template. Tape both to the mat to keep it from moving while you trace it.

Step 2:

Step Two:
Trace the image onto the stencil blank. Then remove the image and tape it onto your mat for the next step.

Step 3:

Step Three:
With your Exacto begin removing part of the stencil. This is where a little planning comes in. Make sure you remove enough for the image to still translate. Be mindful of your negative space and don’t cut out too much or the same as not cutting out enough will happen; your image will not translate correctly. The candy cane is simple cause you can just cut out every other stripe and not worry about cutting out too much.

Step 4:

Step Four:
Once you’ve finished cutting out all your pieces, center the stencil over the bag. Tape it down with the painter’s tape. This will hold it in place while you paint.

Step 5:

Step Five:
Now time for the fun part! Cover your stencil sponge in paint…

Step 6:

Step Six:
…and begin dabbing it onto the stencil. Cover the entire area with a single color or change it up by adding multiple colors. Once the paint dries a bit remove the stencil and let dry the rest of the way. Make sure you clean your stencil! Now you have a unique, handmade bag that brings warmth and mirth under a brightly colored tree.

For more DIY Projects check out thistlandleaves.com