Use colored pencils, stencil patterns to create artistic effect
Q. I am rethinking my guest room, making it a combination work-and-relax space. I want the decor to be calm, peaceful, artistic and something that I can do myself.
A. It’s interesting that you add “artistic” to your description. It’s an adjective that isn’t often seen when talking about decorating a room — and yet it is very much a part of the process.
I have always professed that we all have an artist within us, but most of us feel that we don’t have that special talent. Designing and decorating a room involves color and placement choices with an eye to how textures and patterns blend and contrast. The end result is a personal work of art; the difference is the size of the canvas.
It is true that not all of us can make clever drawings and repeat patterns freehand. That’s where stenciling comes in.
Stenciling allows us all to be fine artists. It’s very satisfying, and very exciting. Once you have tried stenciling — practice on a sheet of cardboard or paper — you will have the courage and know-how to “go big.”
I devised a stenciled backdrop, tinted using colored pencils, for a quiet corner in a guest bedroom. The design looks complicated, but you can trace designs found on the internet or in design books. Combine tracing and freehand until you are satisfied.
Trace or draw the design onto a piece of drafting paper. To increase the picture to the right size for your wall, draw a large grid on craft paper, and transfer the design to scale.
Use an X-Acto knife to cut tiny slits along the lines of the design. Tape the craft paper into position on the wall. Draw light pencil marks along the slits you made with the knife around the design. Remove the paper, and connect the pencil marks to complete the design on the wall.
Colored pencils are easy to use, there is no cleanup, and you can work at your own pace. For this design I chose nonsoluble colored pencils (brown, black, bronze, dark red and gray). Hold the pencil as you would normally for writing. Using the pencil tip, scribble back and forth lightly so you don’t get obvious pencil lines. For shading and darker areas, don’t press any harder; simply go over with more scribbles. Sharpen the pencil tip periodically, and remove any mistakes with an eraser.
Brushing varnish over the penciled design could cause it to blur, so use spray varnish in the same sheen as the wall’s base coat to seal your work. Always wear a mask, and work in a well-ventilated area when spraying.
This monochrome palette of earthy browns with rolling swirls makes a soothing landscape for tired eyes. Plump cushions, tactile velvet cushion covers and a softly patterned throw invite you to relax and enjoy your handiwork.
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