"My Best DIY Ever: Wall Stencil"

Today I'm so excited to reveal what could be my best DIY project EVER. 

 

  

As you know, my living room wallpaper has bugged me for while now, but it wasn't until recently that I decided that enough was enough.  It still baffles me why I was willing to live with something that I didn't really love.  Laziness? Busyness?  Maybe even fear of getting it wrong.  Yes, we decorators and designers can have those fears too.  Well, this is yet another example of how going for it can pay off in the end. 

When I decided to use a wall stencil to replace my living room wallpaper, I stumbled upon Cutting Edge Stencils.  After shopping around, it was clear that they had some of the best stencil options around.  So, I decided to pull the "blogger card" and see if they might be interested in me reviewing their product.  They graciously agreed.  I was asked to select my stencil from a list of options that had yet to be reviewed and I ended up with Heritage Grill -Allover Stencil.  I knew I had a long wall and wanted something with a simple pattern.

Not only did they send me the stencil of my choice, but they also threw in a few tools that were INVALUABLE in the process;  A small brush for the edge work, a roller (although I had to buy two more) and a level that attached to stencil to ensure the pattern remained straight.

 

Needless to say, at first I was totally amped for the project. After completing just a few stencil repeats, it was easy to see that this was going to change the entire space.

 

 

You can find great instructions on the Cutting Edge Stencils website. Simply click HERE.  They do a far better job explaining how to use their product than I could.   The only alteration I made to the process, was for the small sections at the top of the wall.  I actually ended up cutting my stencil off for a custom fit. They provide two small stencils in the pattern you select for edge work, but they weren't the proper size for the portion I had remaining at the very top of my wall.

 

 

A weekend later and I was totally over it and ready to throw in the towel, but it looked so great I had to press onward.  The process was really simple, but it was also time consuming.  This IS NOT, I repeat, this IS NOT a quick project.  Of course, part of the issue for me was that I somehow managed to select the longest wall in my entire home to stencil. Way to go Cheryl. Urgh!!!  I would highly recommend choosing a small wall for this project.

 

As it would turn out, I took an entire week to finish.  However, with work and school and client projects, I just didn't have time to work on it during the week.  (TIP) During that time, my paint rollers got very dry and wouldn't hold enough paint ,so I ended up buying a couple of new ones.

 

Anyway, enough talk.  I know you guys just want to see the final product, so here she is....

 

 

 

 



 

It looks so great, right?  I LOVE IT!  I can't stop starring at it.  Seriously addicted.  It's actually not perfect. If you stare at it long and hard enough, you can see where I got a little sloppy.  I tried to go back with my base color and touch up, but I likely missed a couple of spots. 

 

And of course a project like this give you an opportunity to do some styling too.  I picked up this metal fly this weekend (more on that later).  I think it's a little creepy, but I like it.  It even opens up!

It also gives you an opportunity to add new things.  I've got the perfect spot now for the bar cart I blogged about recently.

 

And, because who can resist a good before and after....

 

So, what do you think?  I'm dying to know.  Special thanks to Cutting Edge Stencils!  Be sure to check them out (Webpage, Blog, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest).

 

Source List:

Stencil:  Cutting Edge Stencils Heritage Grill

Base Coat:  Lowe's Pantone Seedpearl (on closeout)

Stencil Color: Valspar Ultra Paint & Primer in One (Custom mix from "oops" paint)