We are all familiar with the elegant Fleur de Lis symbol, which not only has many strong ties in France, but has also been found on countless of European coats of arms and flags and is common place in French-settled North American cities. If you love French design and are just itching to incorporate it into your home, the Fleur de Lis would be a perfect touch. It is simple and elegant design provides just the right amount of subtlety you need to incorporate the French culture into your own design tastes.

Now the question you need to answer is how you can incorporate this everlasting symbol into your home? Should you buy a rug with small fleur de lis’ all over it? Perhaps a lamp shade? What about a table runner?

Wait wait wait. While those are all great ideas, what I think would really stand out and give you a way to really let your creativity shine through is stenciling. No, I’m not talking about the cute little ABC stencils you used as a child. I’m talking about creating your own stencils into the fleur de lis symbol, using any color you want, and making your walls look amazing! (Yes, you also can purchase this stencil, but what’s the fun in that?!)

So if you’re up to the task and want to create your own fleur de lis stencil to design your walls with, here is a simple way to do so:

Supplies
• Acetate (or another clear plastic)
• Craft knife
• Cutting mat
• Felt tipped marker

Draw out the fleur de lis design. You will want to make sure that you have left bridges in your design (don’t connect individual elements). Bridges are what hold the stencil together and create the form. First-timer tip: look at some stencil examples to figure out the best way to create your bridges.

Once you have your design perfected, tape it to a sheet of acetate and trace it on with a thin, felt tipped marker.

After removing the original drawing, tape the acetate to a cutting mat and begin cutting out the pattern. Do not lift the cutting knife until you are done cutting out a whole area.

Continue until you are finished, removing the cut out areas, and use a file to smooth any rough areas. Use acrylic or dry-brush oil paint (in any color your heart desires) to apply the stencil pattern to your wall.

Have you ever stenciled your walls? What about created your own? Do you prefer a stencil design as a border or all over? Share your experience and thoughts here!