Christmas Stencils

How these stencils work

The black areas are the parts you cut away. Thin white strips, called bridges, cross some shapes on purpose: they hold the inner pieces in place, like the center of a star or the ornaments on a tree, so the stencil stays in one piece.

Making a stencil

• Print at 100% on cardstock, or print on paper and glue it to a thin sheet of plastic or a file folder.
• Cut the black areas with a craft knife on a cutting mat. Start with small inner shapes, then the large outer ones.
• Leave every white bridge whole. If one tears, mend it with clear tape on both sides.

Where to use them

Stencil gift wrap and kraft paper bags, cards, wooden signs and fabric, or windows with spray snow. Use a dabbing motion with a sponge or a stiff brush and very little paint, so it does not creep under the edges. For larger window designs, see the window stencils page.