Introduction: Photograph to Stencil
Instructions on using photoshop to convert a digital photo/image to a multiple layered stencil.
Step 1: Open Your Image in Photoshop
Open up your image in photoshop.
Now is a good time to crop out the subject and adjust the 'levels' (Image>Adjustments>Levels) as well as the contrast. Get the subject's colors different from the background.
In this image I just have the original photograph before I cropped and adjusted the colors.
Step 2: Apply the Cutout Filter
Filter>Artistic>Cutout
This will bring up a preview window and some extra controls (image attached)
Your options will be:
Number of Levels - The number of colors that will be used to make up the image. The stencil was a 3 layer stencil, but if I set the levels to 3 it just became too difficult to make out.
Edge Simplicity - Higher the number the straighter the edges become but you lose detail.
Edge Fidelity - experiment with this one, I dont think it makes enough difference when you have the x-acto in your hand though
Step 3: Final Changes
This is what I finally came up with.
Using the 'magic wand' tool and lasso tool I got rid of the background.
Step 4: Print and Cut
For every color you plan on having in your stencil, print out a copy of your image. I have 3 colors, 3 prints.
After you are done printing grab an x-acto knife, box cutter, scissors or whatever else you want to use to cut out the stencil.
When planning a cut think in layers. For example I have a base layer, so I cut the entire outline of the pillbug out (bottom image) then the midrange color which covers alot of the base color, then the highlights on top, all sprayed in order of course.
Step 5: Spray!
You can use spray adhesive to prevent underspray (spray that gets under the details of the stencil) and cover around the stencil with other paper to prevent overspray (spray that goes over the edge of the stencil)
Be sure to wait and let the paint dry between layers.

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112 Comments
10 years ago on Step 5
looks like a cocoon when you turn it sideways.
p.s great 'ible!
10 years ago on Introduction
Giant Isopod = Waterbed Bug ^ - ^
13 years ago on Introduction
hi, it´s a piece of inspiring work, well done !!! by the way, it must be a terrrible experience to find this cute pill bug at your home :-)
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
omg? is that real!
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
They actually start out fuzzy, like a dog (at least I think they do :p ) , and well, look at the result :D! Nice instructable :D
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
SO ITS REAL?!
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
incredibly, it is :p lol....
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
really..?
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
They are called Giant isopods. Google it! :D
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
Theres no way i would ever want to find out more about that!
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
It is better to live with your head buried in the sand! Ask your neighbors, and if you could ask the people of the dark ages... humanity at its best. ;)
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
What lol?
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
Our stencil star Says "hello" to our friends here !!!
...don´t worry, you won´t be bitten by these cute creatures in your bed :-)
they´re living happily in the water as you can see here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xeOSXtBCY30
by the way, a very nice marine party ...
" let wish them Happy New Year 2009 ! "
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
OMG NASTY! :(
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
come on ! this is just an amazing prehistoric creature ! it´s unbelievable, that we can still see it alive.
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
No way, I don't wanna see it alive haha, its like a huge bug:(
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
how could u think its nasty?? its INCREDIBLE!!!
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
ITS NASTY!
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
You might think so, but they are certainly allowed to feel pretty.
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
i agree