I did it!
(Remember my Word of the Year? It’s working!)
My normal way of operating is this…..
…..get a great idea and get all excited about it.
….gather all the materials needed to accomplish said great idea even if it means taking an entire day and a tank of gas to do so.
….get busy catching up the next day with the things I didn’t get done when I was off shopping.
….put materials away because I don’t have time to do the project right today.
…or today.
…or today.
….weeks later, come across the materials while digging for something else and wonder why the project seemed like such a great idea in the first place.
Can I get an Amen?
The color is green but it looks more yellow in these pics…..
Please tell me I am not the only one. Please.
Yesterday, I broke the cycle!
Because of the snow, I ended up with a day of canceled plans. Throwing caution to the wind, I used that time to stencil the feature wall in our basement.
I didn’t over-analyze it or come up with a list of reasons why I shouldn’t just begin.
I just DID it!
It is hard to tell from the pictures, but this wall is “bow-y”. This made it a little challenging.
It took me about 3 hours, but I think it was worth it.
Did I do the job perfectly? No.
Am I going to paint over it and start again? No.
This mirror is going to cover up the plugs on this wall.
I’m counting on our short attention spans and eagerness to look at the next “shiny” thing to help all the imperfections disappear.
A few days ago, I read this blog post, written by someone who sounds a lot like me.
And I watched this video to get some stenciling tips.
Then I proceeded to wing-it.
Here are some things that worked for me, and some things I will do differently next time.
1. Use a little roller like the one I bought from Sherwin Williams.
2. Pour a small amount of paint at a time onto a paper plate.
3. Roll most of the paint off onto paper towels before ever touching the wall.
4. Relax when you get to a corner because the stencil is flexible and forgiving…mostly.
5. Next time I will start at the ceiling instead of the floor and use a level rather than try to eyeball if the stencil is straight.
This is my inspiration fabric. I’m using it on a chair and pillows.
Four hands would have made this job easier. It was kind of hard at times trying to position the stencil, with the roller handle between my teeth, while standing on a chair.
My hubby would have helped me, but probably not on my schedule, and he is such a type A that we would probably still be measuring things trying to get it exactly straight!
It would have been done perfectly, but in this case “good enough” is good enough.
I’m ready now for the fun part of putting on all the finishing touches!
What about you, girls? Any stencilers out there?
I LOVE your fabric choice and don't think you showed us that one!
I love how it plays with the design you stenciled too! Well done 🙂
I will be anxious to see the finished space (you are so lucky!)
Susan- GREAT job! No one will ever know it's not perfect unless you tell them. I think we do just have to take the bull by the horns sometimes and go for it. You did and if that only took you three hours I say Hooray for you!!! xo Diana
Whoa wallpaper the hard way. What a job…you did very well with that stencil too. Great match with the fabric. xoxo,Susie
That looks amazing!! There is no way I would have the patience! Way to go on getting the job done!
That looks fantastic! I've stencilled one wall in my old house, but it took me an entire day. I did shadowing with different colours – it was a lot of work. And then I got married and moved 😉
– Lauren
Hello! I loved it…. Way to go.
I also have at least three ideas waiting to get done, that I can think of. I think the color was bold and a very classy design, very vintage 🙂
Happy Easter
Blessings, Roxy
Wow! This turned out wonderful! It goes so well with the fabric and the mirrir is going to look great. Great job 🙂
I am sending you an AMEN sister! It is out of this world awesome! OMG! I am over the moon for it! Ya know you have completely inspired me with this! Great work friend and thanks for the tips….I have never done a whole wall before (just small stuff) but I think it's time!
Amen! I am just like that!
Let me tell you, this turned out great! I love it – love the stencil, love the color, love how it turned out! So happy that you had a snow day to get this done:)
WoW! I think it looks FANTASTIC! I love the color and the pattern…this is making me want to stencil even more than I already did 🙂 …but first we need some drywall up in the basement, and some primer! Then paint and stencils!
You really did a great job and I love it. I don't think I could ever take on a project this big, I don't have that kind of confidence. Good for you! I once hand stenciled a bunny border along my daughter's bedroom ceiling when she was a young girl. It wasn't perfect but I loved it and it reminds me of how ambitious I used to be. Maybe I need a kick in the butt!
I can't wait to see the whole wall when you have all your things hung on it!
XO,
Jane
It is lovely. You did a very nice job.
Wow! You did a GREAT job! I'm so impressed! Your hubby sounds like mine…no fun doing a project with him cuz he's such a perfectionist and I'm NOT!
Way to go, Susan!
Wow – it's beautiful! I am SO impressed!! I like the idea of using a roller rather than a stenciling brush. Sounds like it would go more quickly … which will give you clue #1 why I don't stencil an accent wall. ha!
Wow – it's beautiful! I am SO impressed!! I like the idea of using a roller rather than a stenciling brush. Sounds like it would go more quickly … which will give you clue #1 why I don't stencil an accent wall. ha!
Not only did you do it, but you exhibited loads of patience
This must have taken you forever to do
I am thoroughly impressed
Brett
WOW! It looks amazing! Susan, you did an incredibly beautiful job – way to stick with it 🙂
Have a blessed day!
Hugs,
Stephanie
Your intro totally made me smile. I thought I was the only one who did that. So, yes, you get an "Amen" from me!
You can get an Amen from me! I'm the same way…I have tons of projects lined up that I thought I would get to right away! Oh my gosh! You did a fabulous job! I totally stink at stenciling and I think I usually overthink it. You are right…I just need to do it! Awesome job!
oh my gosh, wow!!! thats a lot of stencilling and it looks like wallpaper! I have never seen such a large space stencilled so well before! Its really inspiring me to giv it a go!!!
thankyou also for visitng my blog (via diana!) following you now too! best wishes! laura x
So cute I love your stuff 🙂
http://www.vindiebaby.com
Vintage Inspired Girls
Your stenciled room is just beautiful! And the coordinating fabric is going to look lovely. Well done!