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1. 

   

   Begin by either designing a suitable stencil for your project in a graphics design program, or by finding a suitable clip art. Keep in mind that this is a stencil, so any details on the inside must either be connected to the outside edges with a bridge, or must be ironed down separately after the main piece is attached. The second method tends to be my favorite when using a simple design such as these stars. You'll see what I mean later.
   
   

2. 

   

   Next, lay your freezer paper plastic-side-down onto your computer monitor and trace the outside edges of your design. If your design is already on paper, put both pieces of paper against a window to use the daylight as a light box and trace the design from there.
   
   




3. 

   

   Using a sharp craft knife with a fine tip, carefully cut out the design elements of your stencil. Any open areas will be painted, while the paper will act as a resist for the rest of the fabric. If you're using a star pattern like I am, save a few of the medium-sized star cut outs.
   
   

4. 

   

   Place your fabric flat over an ironing board, and pre-iron the area to which you are planning to attach your stencil on medium heat.
   
   




5. 

   

   Place your stencil where you desire your pattern, plastic side of the paper down. I am positioning my largest star over my bleached spot on my jeans.
   
   Lightly place the iron straight down onto the stencil. The plastic will slightly fuse to the fabric, attaching the stencil down. Be cautious to not wrinkle or tear any edges of the stencil, but make sure the entire paper is ironed down.

6. 

   

   Place cardboard sheet between layers of fabric, below stencil. Remove from ironing board and wrap tightly around cardboard, exposing area to be painted.
   
   You can also see in this photo how I've added a few of the smaller star cut outs to the medium sized stars to create a hollow star shape. This is totally optional, but I think it looks great, especially with geometric shapes and simple designs, like these stars.

7. 

   

   Using a paint brush and either a fabric paint or an acrylic paint mixed with fabric medium, paint one even coat on stenciled area. Allow paint to dry completely between coats, then apply 1 to 3 more, depending on your desired level of coverage.
   
   

8. 

   

   Carefully peel the paper away from the fabric, exposing a nice crisply painted design. Any small fused papers can be removed with either a fingernail or a pair of tweezers.
   
   

9. 

   

   Here's the finished product! Stencils are a great way to rescue ruined clothing, dress up boring t shirts, or express your personal style. What a great way to create one of a kind items!
   
   

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Popular tags: Painting & Decorating, Revamping, Dressmaking / Tailoring, Clothing & Fabric, Gothic, Christmas, Decorating, and Halloween

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