Decorating with stencils

Press, 21 November 1987, Page 25

Decorating with stencils

Stencilling: A Design and Source Book. Edited by Bridget Fraser. Foreword by Min Hogg. Elm Tree Books/Hamish Hamilton, 1987.189 pp. Illustrations, index. $4O (approx). (Reviewed by Catherine Bell) "Stencilling” takes the time to train readers fully in virtually every facet of an almost forgotten art that is undergoing a revival of interest. The two authors have been stencilling for more than 10 years. Over that time they have seen great changes in the availability of supplies. They have improvised and tried many prints and tools; and now they have written a truly comprehensive and up-to-date book. The direction tends more towards decorating a home in a

creative and skillful manner, rather than being a hobbyist’s quick guide to the art. The first two chapters cover in detail the topics of materials and techniques, and colour and design. Step-by-step instruction is given. The book goes on to describe . eight different projects, each by a different artist. Each project covers a different subject area, such as wails, floors, or furniture. Each project also includes pages of stencils to copy. Colour plates are abundant, and of a very high standard, showing difficult instructions through sets of illustrations. In all, this book presents a comprehensive course in stencilling for all budding enthusiasts. It is an inspiration to get started.