For many people in Colonial America, wallpaper was consider an extravagance, an unaffordable luxury.  Stenciling provided an inexpensive and decorative way to brighten a home as well as express creativity and charm.  This type of finish can not only beautify a room but add a desired "period" feeling.  Stencils further underscore a home's good points and minimize certain flaws.   Today, stencils are easily available at craft shops and over the internet.  If you wish to create your own patterns; look to wallpaper, tile patterns, favorite flowers, and fabrics as inspiration.

Stencils may be applied to virtually every surface.  For best results, make sure that your paint is thicker than usual by allowing it to sit uncovered before your start the application.  This further improves control as you paint.  Use a stencil brush for best results and work from the edges of the cutout inward towards the center.  Keep the stencil flat against the surface and wipe the edges with a clean cloth.

Paint techniques on walls are another method of bringing personality to a room and work well with stencils.  Walls can be artifically aged with paint and furniture wax by rag-rolling, glazing, or sponging.  All create the illusion of faded walls enhanced by stencil art and giving an aged appearance that works wonderfully with many different types of design