Kids Craft Ideas

Summer Crafts

Make Your Own Fern Stencil and Painting
Learn how to create beautiful nature-inspired artwork

By Woman's Day Staff Posted

March 16, 2009 from Woman's Day; April 14, 2009
Photo: © Dan Duchars

Bring the outdoors in with artwork inspired by nature. Follow these easy how-to steps for creating fern leaf paintings.


Supplies
Newspaper
Stretched Canvas
Clear Acetate, large enough to cover the canvas
Several sheets of plain paper, large enough to cover the canvas
Pencil
Black Sharpie Marker
X-acto Knife with a new, sharp blade
3M Spray Mount Artist's Adhesive
Protective backing (Either a self-healing board or a piece of wood)
Stencil Paint
Stencil Brush
Paper Plate
Masking Tape

Instructions
1. Set up a work area on a flat surface and cover it with newspaper.
2. Using a pencil, practice drawing a fern on a piece of plain paper.
3. When satisfied with the drawing, tape the clear acetate on top. Then, trace the fern drawing on to the acetate with your Sharpie.
4. Tape this new drawing to your protective surface, and carefully cut the fern shape out using an X-acto knife.
5. In a well-ventilated room (or outside), spray the back of your stencil with spray adhesive. Make sure to hold the can 10-12 inches away from the surface, or else it will get too wet.
6. Allow the adhesive to dry for a few minutes, then, carefully place it on the blank canvas.
7. Pour some stencil paint on your paper plate.
8. Working from the inside out, use a tapping motion to paint on the first coat.
9. Let dry for a half hour, then, add a second coat.
10. Allow the paint to fully dry. Then, carefully remove the stencil to reveal your fern painting.

Work At Home Moms Choices Kids Crafts and Summer Crafts