Personalise your storage boxes

You will need:
stencil acetate
masking tape
sharp craft knife or scalpel
emulsion paint (use any leftover paint you may have or buy a sample pot)
old plate or saucer
stencil brush

Bird motif box
Depending on the size of your box, you may need to enlarge the below motif on a photocopier. Place the picture on a surface that is suitable for cutting, and cover with stencil acetate. Secure with masking tape so it doesn't slip when you're cutting it.

Ensuring your knife is sharp, start to cut out the black shapes. Try to cut away from you, not towards you, to avoid any accidents.

Place your stencil in position on your box and secure with tape.

Pour a little paint onto a plate, making sure it is not too thin -  emulsion paint is about the right consistency. Dab the brush into the paint, being careful not to overload it.

Starting at the top, dab the paint onto the clear areas. Don't remove the stencil until the paint is dry - that way, you won't smudge it.

Initial box
You may be able to buy ready-cut stencils for letters - if not, trace letters from a newspaper or magazines, enlarge and repeat the same method as for the Bird motif box. For the stripe, place masking tape either side of the box and stencil between. Wait until the paint is dry before removing the tape. 

Compiled by: Sue McNeil. Photo: Simon Bevan. Illustrations: Terry Evans