Developing a business idea around the art of stenciling can be a great creative outlet and lucrative money making idea for someone who loves home decorating and has some artistic skills.
Some people look at a blank wall and see just that-a blank wall. Others look at that same blank wall and see an artist's canvas.
Decorative stenciling changes an average room into a conversation piece - and they are the perfect touch for homeowners looking for ways to add a special, unique touch to their homes.
They are also great for children's rooms - whether their parents want a calming backdrop for their infants or a fun educational mural for their youngsters.
Stenciling isn't only for walls - you can also stencil on doors, windows and floors - even outside porch floors too!
You are only limited by your own creativity and imagination.
And stenciling has gone way beyond ivy leaves and flowers running along the top of a wall.
There are lots of do it yourself graphics and text phrases that people are applying to their walls today that give the look of a stencil, but with the ease of a finished ready to apply product.
You could offer customized versions of these types of wall graphics, and you could also offer application services too for homeowners who would love a beautiful phrase on their wall but are too uncertain of their skills to do it themselves.
So stenciling will allow you to flex your creative muscles while making money too. But, just how does it work?
If you're a very creative soul who loves to draw and design, you might consider creating your own stencils.
However, you can also purchase stencil designs from various online outlets.
Do a google search for some of these places: Stencil Search, Stencils Online, Stencil Warehouse and Better Homes and Garden's Free Stencils.
Tips for stenciling:
* You can use any type of paint for stenciling. However, the most popular type of paint used is acrylic (fast drying, easily clean with water and comes in hundreds of colors) and dry-brush oil (no smearing, no bleeding, works on any surface.)
* You should always ensure the surface you will be stenciling on is clean before starting to work.
* The best way to hang your stencil is by using any type of repositionable contact spray adhesive.
If you've never stenciled before, there are plenty of online resources to help you get started.
You can start your search by googling: Stenciling Instructions, Stenciling Tips and Techniques, Wall to Wall Stencils, and Stencil Source International.
Once you've done some reading on the finer points of stenciling, you'll want to do some practicing before you start offering your services to clients.
Practice on your walls, floors, or windows or ask friends and family if you can create designs on their walls. You can also practice on fabric.
After you practice and start to feel confident, you will be ready to start marketing to clients.
If your family or friends have allowed you to create designs on their walls, take photos of them to show your potential clients. (When you finish more projects, you can create a portfolio to show to potential clients and then post them on your website.)
When you're ready to start marketing, make sure you
build a website
with samples, prices and a form that allows potential clients to write to you requesting a project quote, or to ask a question, etc.
You can also market by attending local home shows - take photos of your work, set up a table, and introduce people to your stenciling business.
You might even have a fishbowl for people to drop their names and phone numbers into - you can then pick one at random and the winning person receives a free room stencil project.
Also be sure to leave your business card with any area decorating stores, decorators and interior designers.
Work on cultivating relationships with these people and they will help you build your business too.
Contact your local newspapers and television stations - this is a unique fun business and you should be able to get some great publicity with it.
Once you have a few clients under your belt, you will likely start getting clients by of word-of-mouth.
Decorative stenciling is an excellent way to use your artistic skills and creativity while also making money.
Even if you've never stenciled before, there is plenty of free guidance available.
Try it! You might have fun and make good money while you are at it!
