Carol painted the tree and branches freehand and then we made stencils for the leaves and the birds. It was very fun figuring out where to place the birds.
It’s not hard to make stencils at all especially using paper because paper cuts so easily. I print something I want a stencil for out of the computer about 3 times on 110 lb. cardstock paper. I put the cardstock that I printed out on a piece of glass and cut with the Xacto knife. On the first sheet, I’ll cut out certain shapes that are not near one another. On the second sheet, I’ll cut out other shapes I haven’t cut out yet. Likewise on the third sheet until all of the shapes are cut out. When you paint, you paint everything on one sheet of paper and then line up the second sheet of paper and paint everything on that sheet. I use big fat, flat brushes, use a small amount of paint, then wipe off most of the paint on the brush. With a circular motion, start painting on the outside edge of the stencil and work toward the middle. I like to put less paint in the middle to give a little variation of color.
If you’re wondering if the paper stencils last, yes, they do. They last long enough for a project. The stencils for the birds in the tree were used once and that is ideal because they won’t disintegrate with one use. There is special plastic to use for stencils and they would last a lot longer but for my uses, paper works fine, cardstock paper.
I took a class in theorem painting years ago and once you can cut plastic theorem stencils for an intricate picture, you can certainly cut out simple stencils on paper. I use an Xacto knife to cut the stencils. Here is a video showing how to cut a stencil with a woodburning tool. It certainly looks easier than the way I did it.
Cutting stencils the easy way.
In nature you would never see all these birds in one tree at the same time, but I wanted to put all of our favorite birds in here. My sister has a bluebird family that comes every spring so she wanted a bluebird. I love hummingbirds so there is a ruby throated hummingbird in there and lots of other popular birds, too. Hope everyone enjoyed this.
Best wishes, everyone.
Linda
Linking to THESE FABULOUS PARTIES!!
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Crafty Geordi sunday party
Oh my gosh! I love it. It two did a beautiful job!
ReplyDeleteIt's wonderful. You've made a beautiful wall of art.
ReplyDeleteAngela
Oh my gosh that looks so cool, you did a great job!!!!
ReplyDeleteThat is so pretty! A perfect retreat for reading your favorite books or magazines :)
ReplyDeleteHave a nice day!
Cathy
Wow! You 2 did an amazing job! Love it! I wouldn't know if I should look out or in for the best view in Carol's sunroom. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteNow THIS was an ambitious project! It turned out so pretty and is perfect for a sunroom. Visiting from Linda's. ~ Sue
ReplyDeleteAmazingly beautiful! Wish I could have you paint a mural for me :o)
ReplyDeleteWow, I haven't got a lick of ability in the drawing and painting arena but I surely do appreciate it when I see it!
ReplyDeleteThis is so lovely! Love all the colorful birds and the leaves are done just beautifully. Whimsical and joyful. Nicely done. Thanks for the tutorial I am inspired!
ReplyDeleteThat is absolutely adorable--makes me want a mural somewhere in my house like that!
ReplyDeleteWow! Looks great! Would be adorable in a nursery!
ReplyDeleteI am a bird decor addict and could'nt help but check this post out. Love the mural! It reminds me of the bird duvet I saw in potterybarn and want so badly!
ReplyDeleteGreat work!
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Beautiful...
ReplyDeleteHave a nice day!
http://toutlamour.blogspot.com
Now that's a project to be proud of! I love all the different birds. Love your blog banner too!! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment on my blog! This mural is BEAUTIFUL! I'd love for you to link it up at Sundae Scoop (sat night).
ReplyDeleteOhhh..I love this-the tree and birdie mural is a beauty and love how you 3-D'ed the birdhouse onto the tree-so creative-I'm your newest follower-come by for a visit!! Claire
ReplyDeleteSo pretty!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a delightful mural!! I love all things birds so this is a favorite of mine!
ReplyDeleteI am having a feature week and would love to feature this post. I would use one photo, add a short description and link back to you encouraging everyone to visit your post to see more. Please let me know if it is OK to use one of your photos in this way. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteSo pretty! Thanks for linking up to Mad Skills Monday!
ReplyDeleteI am a sucker for a good mural. I am trying to come up with one for my son's room- I just don't want to have a typical theme... I would love it if you would link to my Workshop Wednesday party @ goobyecityhellosuburbs This would be a great addition!
ReplyDeleteThis is GORGEOUS!! Wanna come over and do my house now? ;) Just kidding.
ReplyDeleteYou got a new follower--would appreciate a follow back! "see" ya soon!
www.cookinformycaptain.blogspot.com
That looks beautiful! And this post is just what I needed! I want to make a stencil for a project but haven't before - thank you SO much for linking this up!!
ReplyDeleteThis is sooooo beautiful!! You ladies did a great job!! I painted a mural on our dinning room wall years ago, then we had to move!! I was heart broken! After we moved my hubby bought me a GIGANTIC canvas and asked me not to paint on the walls of the new house! LOL!! ;-) I should learn to listen to him! I painted a butterfly bush and scene on my daughters' bedroom wall and now the wall needs ripped out to fix the plumbing behind it!!!! Sadly, after 4 years, the canvas is till empty!!! I think I learned!! God Bless!!
ReplyDeleteI love your mural. It brings the outside in, with enough whimsy to bring a smile to the face.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteBetter Homes and Gardens is likewise notable for their yearly distributions which cover specific points top to bottom.
ReplyDeletewww.simpleshapes.com/murals.html