MATERIALS

ready made stencils or stencil paper / mylar / acetate / cardboard / waxed book covers / hard plastic     from packaging of toys, makeup, etc.
cutter, craft knife
stencil brush / sponge
scrap paper and pencil
paints (craft, poster, fabric paints, depending on your project)
pre-cut project paper, cloth, wooden item or whatever your project is

HOW TO

1. Prepare materials and work surface.
2. If not using ready made stencils, make a stencil. Draw design on paper, decide on colors. For cardboard stencils draw design directly on cardboard or transfer using carbon paper. For plastic stencils, tape plastic unto the design and cut through with the cutter. For one-color designs, or if colors are far apart, you can make one stencil for the whole design. If colors are  too close to each other, make separate stencils for each color.
3. Mix paint colors. Paint should be fairly thick.
4. Practice stencilling on scrap paper before using on the project paper.
5. Hold stencil down firmly with one hand or tape down. Dab the paint on, inside the stencil, with the stencil brush or sponge.
6. Allow each color to dry before doing the next.