Stenciling With Metallics

Steps:

1. Position the single overlay stencil on top of the box.

2. Scoop out some molding paste onto a paper plate. Use the spreader to pick up some of the paste and gently spread it across the stencil. Don't push too hard, just spread the paste gently, like you are frosting a cake. Cover the entire stencil.

3. Gently remove the stencil and wash it off under running water. Replace the clean, dry stencil back on the box and continue, covering the entire box except for the bottom

4. Use a hair dryer or set the box near a directional heater to speed the drying time of the modeling paste.

5. When it is dry, empty the bottle of metallic paint into a plastic bowl, and paint the entire box, working to get the paint into all the cracks and crevices. Allow the paint to dry.

6. In another bowl, mix the contrasting paint with the glazing liquid, 50-50. Use the chip brush to apply the glaze (figure D) and wipe most of it off with paper towels. Go over it as much as you like to deepen the glaze. Allow to dry.

7. Finish the inside of the box by lining it with fabric or wrapping paper.

Cylindrical Gift Box

Materials and Tools:

cylindrical paper box
Decoart metallic bronze, black plum acrylic paint
Dressler small Florentine Damask stencil #564
two 1" diameter stencil brushes
2" foam brush
corded tassels
blue painter's tape
paper towels
paper plate

Note: If your box comes with a cord, remove it before painting.

Steps:

1. Using the foam brush, paint the base of the box with the black plum acrylic paint.

2. While that dries, rinse out the brush and paint the top of the box with the metallic bronze paint. Allow to dry.

3. Position the stencil on the box, with one end of the design at the side (where the hole for the cord is), wrapping it around the cylinder. Tape the stencil in place.

4. Dip the stencil brush into the bronze paint and unload it well on a paper towel. Metallic paint is often a bit thinner than ordinary acrylic paint, and it can run under the stencil easily. Be sure that the paint is worked into the bristles really well. Stipple or pounce the paint through the stencil, covering the entire design.

5. Stipple a little paint into the registration holes at the corners of the design. Remove the stencil and reposition it so that the registration holes line up with the painted marks. If the pattern overlaps at the far end of the stencil where it meets up with the first print, just start where it begins to overlap and work backwards to the other end. You won't complete the entire design, but it will blend together quite naturally.

6. For the next row, flip the stencil upside down forming a mirror image of the first design. Line up the registration holes with the marks from the first print and stencil again. Continue in this manner until the entire box is stenciled.

7. Repeat the process with the lid using the black plum paint as the stenciling color.

8. When done, force the cord from the decorative tassel into the hole of the box so that the tassel is outside and a loop of cording is inside. Tie a knot with the cord inside the box. Using the other end of the cord, do the same on the other side.