Using a Stencil to Transfer a Design onto a Rock

One of my favorite methods for transferring a design onto a plain rock is through the use of stencils.

Many different craft stores carry a good selection of stencils, but there is probably a better selection available online and at different stenciling websites.

Stencil Kingdom has an enormous variety of stencils that come in all shapes and sizes...

This daffodil stencil is from Stencil Kingdom
(non-affiliate link highlighted in paragraph above)

Stencils are simply pieces of plastic with a design cut in it for outlining.

Using the above picture as a reference, the colors shown (yellow, green, and orange in this case) would be openings cut into the plastic.

You will fill them in using a stencil a form of painting which is called stenciling, which is basically just using a special brush with a tapping motion (more about that later).

The rock you would need for the daffodils pictured above would probably need to be quite wide as well as tall to fit these beautiful spring flowers onto it so keep that in mind when making your selection.

The hosta flowers pictured below would need a similarly shaped rock...

Hosta Flower Stencil
(Affiliate link)

In the Hosta flower example above the openings would be the violets and greens, respectively.  This picture is just showing the end result.

While there is a post on this blog about 'Gathering Supplies', it's more for rock painting in general than for specific ways on how to paint a rock through the different methods I will outline on other posts on this website.

If you choose the stencil method, here is the list of supplies you will need (all are affiliate links which only means I will make a small commission if you buy through this link):

Rocks (the link here is to small rocks) or slate*
Stencil
Stencil brushes
Acrylic paints
Painters tape
Acrylic sealer
*Remember to keep the size and shape of your flower in mind when selecting your piece


Learn how to stencil by watching the videos below:

Remember that one of the most important things to learn about getting a great result from stenciling is that the brush should be relatively dry and drip-free.

Here is my video from a few years back explaining how to stencil forget-me-nots:

A stencil is a great tool to use for many reasons.  Stencils come in so many different designs and sizes, the sky is the limit as to what you can paint or draw using a stencil.

Theorem stencils (non-affiliate link to Jean Hansen Publications) are basically just a stencils that come in multiple layers having different openings in each one.  This will give your design a realistic effect.

If you decide to purchase a theorem stencil, the instructions for how to use it will be included on the package.  You may want to purchase the exact colors the company recommends using with the theorem stencil you choose.

The reason I say this is because theorem stencils are based on multiple colors in each design giving a realistic shading effect that comes out just beautiful.

Jean Hansen Publications has a wide assortment of theorem stencils like the one pictured below...

Tulip Theorem Stencil