How to Stencil WITHOUT Stencils

My biggest issue with DIYing signs is buying stencils to match every different font my little heart desires. But I came up with a solution and it was at my fingertips the entire time! Let me tell you how to stencil without spending money on stencils :)

You can start with any piece or joined pieces of scrap wood that you have on hand and paint or stain it to suit your fancy.
Then, take your laptop and open a word processing document! Type whatever words you want on your sign and find a font that makes you do a happy dance. Size it and DON’T print it yet. Listen, ink is expensive! Before you hit print go to your format menu, then to your font menu and select “Outline” (unlike I did if you look at the picture.)
Now, cut out your words and tape them to your sign and outline them with pen to slightly indent the wood underneath.





You will be left with a great outline that you can trace with a very thin, stiff paint brush.





Paint with some acrylic or other craft paint and you are done!






Original article and pictures take http://www.hometalk.com/10292812/how-to-stencil-without-stencils site