Do you have to give a small gift but dont have anything to put them in. However you find a drag looking cardboard box from your attic. Well you can turn the box into something really cute and get your reciptors mind of the fact that its made of cardboard. So in this instrucatble, i'll show you basic techniques and tips on stenciling .You can also use this for clothes or bedsheets with fabric paint.

So the things you'll need are :
1) Boxes or anything you want to stencil
2) Acrylic paint or any thick paint ( not water colors)
3) A piece of sponge
4) A plastic stencil ( dont use paper)
5) Scarp paper or newspaper

Step 1: Cut Your Sponge

Ok so the title says it all, if you have a circle of sponge cut it into four pieces as long as you have one pointed end, the same with a square piece.

Step 2: Apply the Paint

Ok so now pour our more paint than you'd think you'd need, this is because most of it will be squeezed out and will dry out. Use a flat plate and dip the tip of your sponge in the paint and squeeze out as much as possible on the plate. Don't leave it soggy because you'll be squeezeing it all out. Do a test dab on the scrap paper to make sure it has the right amount of paint.

Step 3: Painting the Stencil

So this is the fun and tricky part, hold the stencil firmly over the box, or tape if the box is big enough, and start to dab the paint on the designated parts moving in small circles. Don't try to rub the sponge , it will just leave streaks. Use a different sponge for each color and never put water on your sponge, i know it's tempting. Continue with each color till the design id finished, and carefully remove the stencil. Use a paintbrush to fill in any spots you missed. Repeat the process all around the box.

And thats it, use it on anything you want , picture frames, clothes, bags or even your dogs collar.
If you like it, leave a comment and i'd love to see any pics.