To make the stencil: print out any pattern that will work as stencil and trace it on an old x-ray. If you are confident in your drawing skills you can even draw anything directly onto the x-ray. Cut out the necessary parts and there you have a stencil that costs you nothing!

You’ll perhaps not see it on the photos but my stenciled pattern has a glossy effect, it certainly does look better than a normal matte effect because it seems almost embossed on the wall. The main problem is that it is an oil-based paint, which that makes it incredibly difficult to use. Firstly, if you ever want to paint over it you have to remove it with turpentine and only then will you be able to cover it up. Secondly, it is a “sticky” paint and thirdly you will struggle to clean your hands, so use gloves!

You can use a brush, which will make your paint seem darker but the problem is that it takes long, your arm will hurt and you will ruin the brush. I used an old piece of sponge, which was quite effective. Another good idea is to use a piece of material that you bundle up in a smooth ball or I have also heard it is best to use a small paint roller.

To create the whole Arabian effect, add it around windows and doors. It looks good to use one pattern and change the way you use it, as I made one on the corners and used only half of the pattern, but different patterns will also work, if you plan well! It is very important to first plan were you are going to stencil, how many repeats and the spacing.