-
-
Halloween stencils are a great way to adding Halloween images to pumpkins, but they can also be used to make a variety of different crafts. If you would need a stencil to help decorate for Halloween, then this page will help you make one out of almost any image.
-
-
Halloween Stencil Tips
- Almost any image can be made into a stencil.
- Pumpkin stencils are not just for pumpkins.
- Use a sharp knife to cut your stencil.
- Make the longest, straightest cut first.
- If you make a mistake, you can always use tape to fix it.
-
Featured Video
The video shows us how to make a stencil. The first step is to find a pattern that you want to use. Some people can draw the pattern by hand. Use a clear or transparent piece of flexible plastic to trace the pattern. The key to tracing a good pattern is to take your time. You many have to use more than one piece of plastic if the pattern is large. When you are ready to cut the stencil out, use a sharp razor blade for accurate cuts. Take your time during this process to avoid any mistakes.
-
Step 1: Choose an Image
- The first thing you need to do is find an image that you want to use. The easiest method is to surf the Internet for a black and white image. Many sites offer free Halloween Stencils. You should also look for Halloween coloring pages, which are easy to convert into a stencil, and creepy looking fonts. A few of the better sites include:
- About.com: Free Halloween Stencils to Print and Cut Out
- DLTK: Halloween Coloring Pages
- FamilyFun.com: Halloween Coloring Pages
- Fontenstein: Halloween Fonts
- KidsRCrafty: Coloring Pages
- Pumpkin stencils are also a popular spin on the traditional jack-o'-lantern. These stencils include the traditional pumpkin face as well as more complex Halloween images (and even non-Halloween images). A few of the best sites where free pumpkin stencils can be found include:
- For more information and free resources, make sure to visit Mahalo's pages on Free Pumpkin Carving Stencils, Patterns and Designs, Printable Halloween Stencils, Halloween Stencils and Halloween Coloring Pages.
Step 2: Enlarge or Shrink the Image
- If you find an image online and need to enlarge or shrink the image you can either use a copy machine or your web browser. Both Mozilla Firefox and Internet Explorer allow you to resize an image before you print it. Here is how it is done:
- Select the image so it is the only one on the screen. This can be done either by clicking or right clicking on the picture.
- Under File, choose "Print Preview."
- At the top of the screen, you will see a drop-down button that says "Scale" or "Shrink to Fit." Adjust this however you need to.
- If you enlarge too far, the edges may get blurry, which may make cutting out the stencil more difficult.
Using Your Own Photo
- If you want to use your own photo to make a stencil, it is a little trickier. The simplest method is to open the picture in a paint program and then switch the photo from color to black and white. However, this does not always leave you with a very distinct image. An alternative is to print out the image, use tracing paper to trace the most dominant lines, and use the outline to cut your stencil.
- You could also use a program such as Photoshop or Paint Shop Pro to convert your image into a black and white image that would make a good stencil. Here are a few guides on how to create these images:
- Instructables: Photo to Stencil Without Photoshop
- Jack-O-Lantern.com: Portraits
- Photoshop Tips: Halloween Pumpkin Stencils
- Vinterstille: Stencil Art 101 : Design - Tutorials
- Melissa Clifton: Creating Stencils - Online Tutorial
- Stencil Tutorials: Spray Paint Stencil Tutorials
Step 3: Print or Transfer the Image
- Once you have the image you want at the size you want, you need to print or transfer it on to a more durable material. Some examples of material that you can use to make your stencil include:
- Depending on your printer and the material you are using, you may be able to print the image directly onto the paper. Otherwise, print out the image on a white sheet of paper and lay your image over (or under if using clear acetate) the material.Instructables: Make Your Own Stencil Use a few pieces of tape to secure the image and the material together.About.com: How to Cut a Stencil You are now ready to cut.
- Expert Village: Types of Materials for Stencils
Step 4: Cut Out the Stencil
- To cut out your stencil you will need a sharp Exacto or craft knife and a cutting board.
- Cut your longest, straightest lines first.About.com: How to Cut a Stencil
- Press firmly and smoothly.
- Use your free hand to hold the stencil onto the cutting board.About.com: How to Cut a Stencil
- Rotate the stencil as you cut to make it easier.About.com: How to Cut a Stencil
- Tidy any rough edges after you've finished cutting out your design.About.com: How to Cut a Stencil
- If you accidentally cut through one of the stencil bridges, repair it with scotch tape and cut away any excess tape.The Stencil Library: Helpful Stenciling Hints
- Expert Village: How to Make a Beginner Airbrush Stencil
Ways to Use Your Stencils
- Now that you have made your stencil, all you need to do is use it. There are a variety of different projects that you can do with your stencils, including decorating seasonal cupcakes. Some other examples include:
- MarthaStewart.com: Stenciled Halloween Cakes
- MarthaStewart.com: Black Magic Decorations
- Marthastewart.com: Paper Mice
- MarthaStewart.com: Scary Message Lanterns
- MarthaStewart.com: Harrowing Handicrafts
- Stoneykins.com: How to Make a Windowkin
- FamilyFun: Bat Mobile
- FamilyFun: Spirit Jugs
- 365 Halloween: Spooky Foam Bats (or Cats or Spiders)
About this page
-
Page Views1,589
This page currently has no vertical manager.
Featured Pages
