The Complete Stenciling Handbook [Paperback]

Sandra Buckingham (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 3, 2004

Praise for the hardcover edition:
"The ultimate reference for stenciling."
- Booklist

With the simple stencil -- a template that lets you easily create a painted shape on a surface and allows you to repeat the exact pattern wherever and as often as you wish -- you can transform and beautify just about any surface from boxes to walls to floors.

The Complete Stenciling Handbook is a compendium of the latest techniques, tools, equipment and materials. The book presents innovative methods and products that have taken stenciling from a rustic craft to a breathtaking art form. The book features a wide range of step-by-step projects illustrated with color photographs.

Buckingham comprehensively covers the materials needed for successful stenciling projects and explains the qualities of a variety of media such as the differences between latex and oil paints. Clear, easy-to-read text simplifies the often confusing world of materials such as additives, matting agents, glazes, stains, thinners, finish coats and more. The book also includes instructions about when and how to use applicators such as brushes, rollers, sponges and airbrushes.

Creative topics with step-by-step instructions cover:

• Shading and paint effects
• Traditional borders and all-over patterns
• Freeform stenciling and projection stenciling
• Imitation textiles
• Architectural elements, fake marquetry
• Floor treatments, glass and ceramic tiles
• Lettering and stenciling on fabric and paper.

The Complete Stenciling Handbook is the best and most comprehensive guide for crafters from beginner to advanced.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

How often can any author, even an expert, authoritatively assert that his or her book is the source of all knowledge on a topic? Rare as that may be, Buckingham's fourth book is, indeed, the ultimate reference for stenciling. Although she claims that mastery of this craft is fairly simple, under her tutelage, stenciling itself becomes a broad-based art, covering not only flat 2-D templates but also application to fabrics, floors, glass, and paper as well as special effects. Every chapter includes a plethora of how-to color photographs and examples, from cutting a stencil to working devore--or "burnt"--on luxurious fabrics. No patterns are included, but the samples can easily be emulated. A useful source for any level of stenciler. Barbara Jacobs
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

If you are creative... Buckingham's big book of stenciling is for you. Her techniques are nothing short of amazing. (Meda Kessler Forth Worth Star-Telegram 20040807)

Detailed instructions... packed full of inspiring photos. (Joanne Hatherly CanWestNews Service 20040828)

Color photos throughout the book on every topic enable the reader to visualize each process. (Pam Firmin Gulport Sun Herald 20040814)

Explains pretty much everything about the craft. (Miami Herald 20040815)

The book lives up to its title... take a look at this book. It no doubt will inspire you. (Nancy A. Herrick Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 20040919)

Abounds with designs, color photos and instructions. (Indianapolis Star 20021116)

This is a 'wow' craft book. Buckingham gives beginners clear directions for basics and proceeds to subtle tricks. (Judy Walker New Orleans Times-Picayune 20021004)

Rare as that may be, Buckingham's fourth book is, indeed, the ultimate reference for stenciling. (Barbara Jacobs Booklist 20021115)

Buckingham demystifies stencil applications so that even a beginner can capture the creative magic of stenciling. (San Diego Home/Garden Lifestyles 200410)

Takes readers step by step through the process of creating dozens of designs. The possibilities are wide ranging. (Mary Beth Breckenridge Knight Ridder Newspapers 20040926)

A great gift for stencil fanatics ... Buckingham is known for her common-sense instructions as well as her extraordinary designs. (Jeani Read Vancouver Province 20021108)

Excellent color illustrations throughout make this a basic source for the craft. Highly recommended for all types of crafts collections. (Library Journal 20030111)

If you're up for it, the celebrated stenciler will teach you every faux fashion trick in the decorating world. (Barbara De Witt Los Angeles Daily News 20030718)

Buckingham's considerable knowledge on stenciling combined with the numerous color photographs makes... an informative, easy-to-use guide. (Cottage Times 20041016)

Proves one of the oldest decorative crafts can still create amazing design effects in the modern-day home. (Jennifer Lee Calgary Sun )

Well-written and filled with marvelous illustrations, the concepts and instructions are easy to understand. (June Mills San Gabriel Valley Tribune )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Firefly Books (July 3, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1552979814
• ISBN-13: 978-1552979815
• Product Dimensions: 11.4 x 9.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,264,640 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An absolute inspiration, December 4, 2002

By 

Carol Wallace "Gardenwriter" (Clarks Summit, PA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Complete Stenciling Handbook (Hardcover)

I ordered this because I was looking for a good text for an online course in Stenciling 101 that I was putting together. I already own several stenciling books, and ordered more for review - but this was the hands down choice. Not only was it the most detailed book I found, with more explanations than anything else I've seen, but it covered so many interesting variations on the art of stenciling that I will also be using it as my intermediate and advanced text. Easy enough for a beginner because the explanations are so good - but with plenty of great new ifnormation for the experienced stenciler.

In fact, since reading it I have taken up several new forms of stenciling. The book absolutely inspired me.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sandra is THE Stenciling godess!, November 4, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: The Complete Stenciling Handbook (Hardcover)

Sandra has done it again - written the ultimate bible of stenciling! Many new and wonderful techniques are shown with clear instructions and wonderful step-by-step full color photographs. The chapters on faux marquetry and imitation textiles was fasinating, showing that anyone can stencil beautiful finishes with the best part being, it doesn't look stencilled! The designs are very up to date, touching on all the hot decorating trends. She also includes classical designs that will be here forever. I have been teaching stenciling for 15 years and I'm going to recommend this book for both my beginners and for seasoned experts. Perfect for all you 'Trading Spaces' followers who want to easily and quickly add a new painted accent to your home. I am going to try a velvet scarf with the amazing devore technique, I think they might just be what everyone on my gift list will be getting this year. I can make lots for a fraction of what it would cost to buy them. Sandra finishes the book with lots of sources for materials and a detailed reading list. If I could give more than 5 stars I would! Can you tell I'm trilled with this book? It's the first and only review I have ever written!

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent comprehensive guide, May 15, 2003

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Complete Stenciling Handbook (Hardcover)

Stencilers who want a complete handbook to the art, from choosing between materials and tools to understanding paint differences, glazes, and equipment, will find The Complete Stenciling Handbook packed with essential details. The chapters on how to create different stencil effects, from producing raised art to using layered patterns, supplement techniques and discussions with plenty of color photos illustrating finished results. An excellent comprehensive guide.