This giveaway is now closed! Thanks!
For a long time now I’ve complained about how boring my bedroom is! Just the decorating people…
And how it’s the place that collects everything from all the piles of laundry that need putting away, to all the craft stuff that has no home, to all the toys and dirty clothes the kids (and husband) leave around.
Why is it that my room has this effect? Gah.
But, one of my Home Goals for this year is to tackle my room.
Make it beautiful.
Make it ours.
Make it a retreat.
One of the main projects I wanted to complete, was to create a feature wall of some kind behind our bed.
I had tossed around the idea of doing wainscotting, or a gallery wall or wallpaper.
I had also seen images scattered around the internet of walls covered in birch trees, and I was smitten with them!
I’m an earthy elements kind of gal so I was immediately drawn to their gorgeousness!
I’m an earthy elements kind of gal so I was immediately drawn to their gorgeousness!
Maybe it has something to do with the fact that I grew up surrounded by birch trees. Love.
But I never thought much of them again because I thought it would be too hard…so I just forgot about the idea…
…until Cutting Edge Stencils contacted me about using one of their stencils.
I had a look at all of their fabulous stencils, and lo and behold there was a birch stencil!
‘Cue angel music… ahhhhhhhhhhh’
So I absolutely agreed to try it out and give a tutorial on how we applied it, as well as our honest opinion of the stencil.
I’ll just say off the bat that we LOVE our feature wall. LOVE LOVE LOVE.
It is gorgeous and well worth the effort!
So here goes…a little glimpse into our stenciling efforts.
I have to fully disclose here that I did not put forth any effort of my own.
Yes the hubby did it all. I sat and watched. Made him some lunch. Kept the kids out of the room.
I am not ashamed. 😉
But in all honesty, for us, it really is a one-person job. Don’t need 2 cooks in the kitchen, know what I’m saying?
First order of business…I chose the Birch Forest All Over Stencil.
Check.
Then we made sure we had a clean, smooth, dust free work space.
Got our supplies together:
1 mini dense foam roller & paint tray.
1 foam brush for touch ups.
1 can of white, semi-gloss paint.
Painters cutting tape.
Cutting Edge Stencils supplies you with a level that attaches to the stencil.
This is genius!
It makes lining up the stencil as you go, so easy!
Once the stencil was level, we applied the painters tape to secure the stencil to the wall and got down to business!
Apply husband (or whomever should you choose).
Apply paint.
We found that the roller should not be drippy with paint at all. At all.
Even strokes with a non drippy roller is the way to go.
Gentle roll. Gentle roll. Until you have even paint coverage.
Remove the stencil, then start on the next section.
Making sure to line up the stencil using the markers assigned to keep things even.
You will see these markers on the stencil.
Just keep rolling, swimming, swimming…
Encourage. Clap. Whatever it takes to get this thing done before dinner time.
Just sayin’.
What we learned:
– This is a doable project. I would even say it is easy!
– Don’t have too much paint on your roller.
– Don’t rush.
– Have good lighting so all the paint is applied evenly.
– The end result is AMAZING!
Would we do it again? Heck ya.
If you would like a more in depth tutorial on how to apply stencils, check out their video…
So let’s have a look at the BEFORE shall we…
And now the AFTERS…
I’m in love. Truly.
I love this feature wall SO much.
It has completely changed the look and feel of our room!
Every time I walk in our room I smile at it.
Now I’m on a mad hunt for the perfect bedding and lamps…
____________________________________________________________________________
Now for the best part? It’s time for a giveaway don’t you think?!
Cutting Edge Stencils is graciously offering one stencil up to $50 for one winner! Whoot!
Ok, ready?!
~ Here’s How to Enter! ~
Mandatory Entry:
Go visit Cutting Edge Stencils
then come back and leave a comment in this post on my blog, letting me know
what stencil you would love to use in your home!
(And please make sure to leave an e-mail address (don’t be a no reply blogger!)
I need to be able to get in contact with you if you win!)
Go visit Cutting Edge Stencils
then come back and leave a comment in this post on my blog, letting me know
what stencil you would love to use in your home!
(And please make sure to leave an e-mail address (don’t be a no reply blogger!)
I need to be able to get in contact with you if you win!)
~ Bonus Entry! ~
Like Cutting Edge Stencils on their Facebook page.
Then come back here and leave a comment letting me know that you did.
Then come back here and leave a comment letting me know that you did.
~ Good Luck! ~
This giveaway closes on Tuesday, January 24 at 9:00PM (MST) is now closed.
This giveaway is open to the United States and Canada.
I linked up this tutorial to I Heart Naptime
116 Comments
my honest answer
January 17, 2012 at 3:43 PMOh wow, I wasn’t sure at first, but the finished job looks great! I actually thought it was wallpaper to begin with.
North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard
January 17, 2012 at 3:46 PMJo-Anna, lovely job your husband did with the stenciling … so clean with lots of flair. Yes I did like the Cutting Edge Stencils, as it is something I think a couple people I know might like to also know about. You should be able to sleep soundly amongest the soft whispher of branches gently blowing in the wind …
CherryMakeUp
January 17, 2012 at 3:47 PMThat looks amazing!!
I would love to enter your competition but I´m in Germany! 🙁
Kendra
January 17, 2012 at 4:03 PMThat is STUNNING! I love it!
Jenn
January 17, 2012 at 4:26 PMThat turned out awesome!! It is hard to choose but one of my favorites it Out of the box!
showers
January 17, 2012 at 4:29 PMJapanese Maple Branch! I liked you on FB!
showers
January 17, 2012 at 4:30 PMI liked cutting edge stencils on FB too!
Amber - Binkertation
January 17, 2012 at 4:35 PMOoooh I’m swooning over all of them, but love the Connection and Marrakesh allover stencils best.
I also ‘liked’ Cutting Edge stencils on FB and follow you already 🙂
Donna
January 17, 2012 at 4:39 PMI love the bamboo all over stencil.
Donna
January 17, 2012 at 4:40 PMI like them on FB.
Heather
January 17, 2012 at 4:40 PMYour wall turned out beautifully! I love the damask stencils…would love to do one in my daughter’s room.
Heather
January 17, 2012 at 4:40 PMI am a fan of Cutting Edge Stencils on FB 🙂
athome Meg
January 17, 2012 at 5:06 PMWOW – so hard to pick, but I love the idea of doing the wall behind our bed so the first one that caught my eye was the Hand Forged Allover Stencil. I will definitely go back and look more thoroughly at their entire site.
Anna
January 17, 2012 at 5:35 PMI love the birch! We moved about 6months ago and have a huge blank wall in our bedroom…that might be just what we need!
Thanks for the chance to win!
Anna
January 17, 2012 at 5:35 PMI just “liked” Cutting Edge Stencils on Facebook!
Thanks!
Kacey
January 17, 2012 at 5:45 PMYour trees look lovely!
I have a little wall I’d like to jazz up…maybe with the Anna Damask stencil? There are so many great patterns.
Donna @ Snowbound
January 17, 2012 at 5:48 PMI’ve been thinking about that birch lately as well after seeing it somewhere. Thanks. I also like the Lily Scroll.
Donna @ Snowbound
January 17, 2012 at 5:48 PMI liked them on Facebook as well.
GariAnn
January 17, 2012 at 5:48 PMWow this is amazing… I have a home goal to reinvent our master bedroom (which infact is just a blank slate because we worked on our 3boys rooms first) this year & these stencils are the key to creating our personal sanctuary!! I’m over the moon with the Spring Songbirds but the large Tree & Birds is running a close second… Thanks for offering such a great giveaway!! Also I have them liked on my FB!!
Simba's Mom a.k.a. Sonali
January 17, 2012 at 5:56 PMThank you for hosting the giveaway. I would LOVE their Kerri damask stencil.
Simba's Mom a.k.a. Sonali
January 17, 2012 at 5:57 PMI like cutting edge stencils on fb!
natashadevries@quadro.net
January 17, 2012 at 6:44 PMI like you on Facebook!
natashadevries@quadro.net
January 17, 2012 at 6:46 PMI like the “paisley allover” stencil!!!!!
Elizabeth
January 17, 2012 at 7:35 PMI love the Zagora all-over stencil, so pretty!
Elizabeth
January 17, 2012 at 7:35 PMLiked on FB!
ekparisi at yahoo dot com
mrsalf97
January 17, 2012 at 7:37 PMThat wall is stunning! I’m following you on facebook.
Emily Schreur
January 17, 2012 at 7:37 PMThat is so beautiful!! I love the hand forged allover stencil.
Emily Schreur
January 17, 2012 at 7:38 PMI already like Cutting Edge Stencils on FB.
mrsalf97
January 17, 2012 at 7:45 PMIt’s impossible to choose just one, but I really like the Zagora.
mrsalf97
January 17, 2012 at 7:46 PMI already like Cutting Edge Stencils fb page.
tawna
January 17, 2012 at 7:57 PMSo, I would totally go for the birch stencil- I think it would make the perfect backdrop for our bed, too! LOVE it. (turbotuba@yahoo.com)
Marley
January 17, 2012 at 7:58 PMI love Cutting Edge stencils! I’ve been wanting to try the stencils for months now! I would like the Birch Tree stencil as well; I have a small bathroom I’d like to do this in.
Tawna
January 17, 2012 at 7:58 PMI also already like Cutting Edge Stencils fb page!
Tawna
January 17, 2012 at 7:58 PMturbotuba@yahoo.com
Marley
January 17, 2012 at 7:58 PMI also liked Cutting Edge on Facebook!
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper
January 17, 2012 at 8:12 PMi have also been eyeing the birch trees for our hallway! love them!
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper
January 17, 2012 at 8:13 PMi like them on fb!
ColleenR
January 17, 2012 at 8:24 PMI like you on FB!
ColleenR
January 17, 2012 at 8:24 PMI like Cutting Edge Stencils on FB, too!
Jenna
January 17, 2012 at 8:25 PMI like the Entwined Allover stencil – it would look great in our foyer!
Jenna
January 17, 2012 at 8:26 PMI liked them on Facebook as well.
ColleenR
January 17, 2012 at 8:37 PMI would love the Vintage Paisley for my tween daughter’s room and some geometrics for other rooms – probably Rabat, Zagora or Vision.
Camille
January 17, 2012 at 8:47 PMI would absolutely love the Zamira Allover Stencil!
Camille
January 17, 2012 at 8:47 PMAnd I am a follower of Cutting Edge Stencils on facebook
Nina
January 17, 2012 at 9:02 PMThis looks fabulous! My sister wants to use the same stencil in her laundry room. I will make sure to direct her to your site for a chance to look at your job and possibly win one!
Eva - Ideal Accents Designs
January 17, 2012 at 9:03 PMI LOVE both the Zagora Allover Stencil and Nagoya can’t decide which I love more
Linh C.
January 17, 2012 at 9:05 PMI like cutting edge stencils on fb.
Eva - Ideal Accents Designs
January 17, 2012 at 9:06 PMI’m following Cutting Edge Stencils on FB
Linh C.
January 17, 2012 at 9:07 PMI like the casablanca design.
Julia Miller
January 17, 2012 at 9:10 PMYour wall looks amazing.
Julie
January 17, 2012 at 9:36 PMomg that’s so awesome! i plan to paint at some point, but i am going to find a spot for this!! wow!!!
Donna
January 17, 2012 at 9:36 PMAmazing! I have the same wall color in my bedroom and I was thinking about about one of their geometric patterns but I am in love with those birch trees now! Thank you so much for sharing the helpful tips! Hubby did a great job!
Carrie
January 17, 2012 at 10:17 PMLiked! Found you from Cutting Edge on FB. I have been eyeing the birch trees for a while, but I can’t decide if I want to paint a small wall or large wall.
Kenna
January 17, 2012 at 10:51 PMI love, love, love the wall! My favorite stencil is the dandelion, but I do like nearly all of the them!!
Kenna
January 17, 2012 at 10:51 PMI like Cutting Edge on Facebook (and follow them on Twitter)… 🙂
Kenna
January 17, 2012 at 10:52 PMI love, love, love the wall! My favorite stencil is the dandelion, but I do like nearly all of the them!!
pagina21
January 17, 2012 at 10:58 PMI have been wanting stencil my guest bedroom for quite sometime now! I love all the stencils over at Cutting Edge, but my favorite is definitely the LG Allover Rabat stencil.
I liked Cutting Edge on Facebook and would like to enter the contest. My email is mrspmock@gmail.com.
Ali Richardson
January 17, 2012 at 11:22 PMYep!! It let me leave a comment 🙂
Ali Richardson
January 17, 2012 at 11:24 PMI would pick the Zamira all over stencil 🙂
Andrea
January 17, 2012 at 11:48 PMBeautiful. Used their trellis stencil for a guest bath and love it. I want another one though! Any of the geometric ones are great!
Destiny
January 18, 2012 at 12:06 AMI love the Zagora Allover Stencil and Lily Scroll Allover Stencil.
Destiny
January 18, 2012 at 12:06 AMI like Cutting Edge on Facebook.
Melissa Ann
January 18, 2012 at 1:14 AMI’d have a hard time deciding between the Acanthus and Julia stencils. I’ve been eying a stencil to disguise my pocked bedroom wall for a long time!
Melissa Ann
January 18, 2012 at 1:14 AMI like Cutting Edge on Facebook 🙂
VickyE
January 18, 2012 at 2:10 AMI like Cutting Edge on Facebook. I love the Duchess Damask Stencil! my email is vedwards19@aol.com
This Crazy Life as I Know it
January 18, 2012 at 2:42 AMI am really excited about this giveaway. If I won I would like the Outside of the Box, Paisley Allover, Zannia Grande, or the Daisy Crazy Flower kit. I like too many to choose right now.
emertins10@gmail.com
This Crazy Life as I Know it
January 18, 2012 at 2:49 AMI also follow Cutting Edge Stencils on FB.
emertins10@gmail.com
Trish
January 18, 2012 at 3:28 AMI like the connections stencil, would look great in my diningroom!
oceanluv@shaw.ca
elaine
January 18, 2012 at 7:12 AMlooks fantastic. Great job!
I really like CHRYSANTHEMUM GRANDE FLOWER STENCIL. so pretty.
Elaine
January 18, 2012 at 7:14 AMI already ‘like’ Cutting Edge’s FB page 🙂
Play adventure games online
January 18, 2012 at 8:59 AMThat’s fantastic! I like it
Zizkamaus
January 18, 2012 at 10:53 AMI love the Japanese Maple and the Sakura trees. 🙂 Also liked you on FB 😀
Zizkamaus
January 18, 2012 at 10:53 AMAlso liked Cutting Edge on FB!
Zizkamaus
January 18, 2012 at 10:54 AMFollowing on Twitter too!
Jo @ Let's Face the Music
January 18, 2012 at 11:45 AMLove the paisley but have projects waiting for spring branches. Jo @ Let’s Face the Music
Jo @ Let's Face the Music
January 18, 2012 at 11:47 AMI liked Cutting Edge on Facebook. Still digging spring branches. Jo @ Let’s Face the Music
Jo @ Let's Face the Music
January 18, 2012 at 11:59 AMI liked “A Pretty Life” on FB. I think your husband may have a new career. Such a good job! Jo @ Let’s Face the Music
Meghan
January 18, 2012 at 4:36 PMI would love to use the same stencil you used the Birch Forest…I’ve been looking at it for months but just hadn’t bought it yet.
m.orga@me.com
Meghan
January 18, 2012 at 4:37 PMI like Cutting Edge Stencil on Facebook 🙂
m.orga@me.com
Alibear
January 18, 2012 at 5:48 PMI would like to try the Casablanca stencil.
Alibear
January 18, 2012 at 5:50 PMI’m curious how you got the stencil all the way to the ceiling. In the photos, it looks like the border of the stencil leaves a border of non-stenciled wall showing, but your finished photos show the stencil pattern going all the way to the ceiling. How did you match that up so perfectly?
sjr
January 18, 2012 at 6:02 PMGreat idea with the paint, tray, tools in the box .. saves on a messy floor and provides a place to clean the roller. Your husband is brilliant as well as handsome!
Melanie Brown
January 18, 2012 at 6:25 PMI would choose Houndstooth all over stencil. I love it!!
Your room looks great!
The Single Nester
January 18, 2012 at 8:41 PMWhat a great product and video. I love the Allium stencil but honestly, they are all amazing.
The Gardners
January 18, 2012 at 8:45 PMLove the birch trees! Thanks for the tutorial. I had a difficult time picking just one…probably the bambo for my bedroom…or polka dot for my daughter’s room…or paisley allover for my bathroom…
The Gardners
January 18, 2012 at 8:46 PMI liked them on FB,too. 🙂
Andrea
January 19, 2012 at 1:09 AMGosh, such a tough decision. I’ve been unable to make up my mind for the last 2 yrs over what stencil I would choose……I like the Casablanca, Athena, all of the ikats, and the paisley! I also follow you via FB!
Andrea_s_russell@yahoo.com
Andrea
January 19, 2012 at 1:10 AMI also follow cutting edge on FB!
Andrea_s_russell@yahoo.com
A Pretty Life in the Suburbs
January 19, 2012 at 1:28 AM@Alibear Good Question! The stencil kit comes with a small stencil to be used to fill in the gap at the ceiling. It’s a bit tedious, but finishes it up nicely!
Jo-Anna
Just Us Girls
January 19, 2012 at 3:28 PMSo many beautiful stencils to choose from, but I think I’d love the Spring Songbirds, that would look beautiful in our bedroom as well.
justusgirlsblog@gmail.com
Just Us Girls
January 19, 2012 at 3:29 PMAlso liked them on Facebook as well.
Name used: LaQuita B.
justusgirlsblog@gmail.com
Jackie Stockford
January 19, 2012 at 4:35 PMOoo, I love how your bedroom wall turned out. I’d love to try the Birch Forest Allover Stencil too. OR the Casablanca Allover Stencil… both are so great!
I follow you here already and I like cutting edge on FB.
Sweetsunday@hotmail.ca
Mommy2five
January 19, 2012 at 10:44 PMI LOVE the Sakura and Birds Wall Stencil but we are also redoing our 10yr olds room and would love to add a geometric feature wall with the ‘missing link’ stencil…fun!!!
Mommy2five
January 19, 2012 at 10:46 PMI also ‘liked’ Cutting Edge’s FB page!!! 😉
Kelly @ JAX does design
January 20, 2012 at 4:01 AMThey have so many great stencils, but I have to choose Birch Forest as my favourite. I love birch trees 🙂
Kelly @ JAX does design
January 20, 2012 at 4:03 AMI “Like” Cutting Edge Stencils on FB
Adrienne
January 20, 2012 at 4:13 PMHey, we have the same duvet cover – love it! Great job T on the stencil.
Amber E.
January 20, 2012 at 7:26 PMI like you on FB
Amber E.
January 20, 2012 at 7:26 PMI follow you on Twitter
Amber E.
January 20, 2012 at 7:27 PMI’d love to use the Vision Allover stencil on my living room wall!
Amber E.
January 20, 2012 at 7:28 PMI like Cutting Edge Stencils on FB
Megan
January 20, 2012 at 9:35 PMI love the birch tree stencil! I am from a rural area and am now living in the suburbs. This reminds me of home!
Megan
January 20, 2012 at 9:37 PMI “liked” cutting edge stencils on fb.
Jennifer Croft
January 21, 2012 at 12:46 AMI like the Casablanca Allover Stencil.
Shauna@Satori Design for Living
January 21, 2012 at 1:49 PMLove the damask stencils! Some of these pics look like wallpaper- they’re amazing and it’s great to know they’re pretty easy.
barbara@hodge:podge
January 22, 2012 at 2:35 AMOooh, I would love a stencil. I love the Zamira allover stencil!
barbara@hodge:podge
January 22, 2012 at 2:35 AMI have liked them on Facebook for a while now!
Katie
January 22, 2012 at 3:16 AMI would use the Paisley All Over stencil in my bathroom. I go in there every morning to get ready for work and wish that there was some pop to it. Something to make me feel great about myself. That stencil sure would!
Mb
January 22, 2012 at 3:42 PMi’d use the bon appetit large wall stencil!
blueblanket@hotmail.com
Anonymous
January 23, 2012 at 9:56 PMI absolutelly love the Birch Forest Allover Stencil and have to have it in my bedroom in Iceland!!
I agree, it looks just like wallpaper.
svavaz@hraunvallaskoli.is
Natalie Jane
January 24, 2012 at 5:21 AMThe ANNA DAMASK STENCIL is amazing. We just bought a house and this is just what we need!!!
Natalie Jane
January 24, 2012 at 5:23 AMI like them on Facebook
Do you think this works on textured walls?
Anonymous
January 25, 2012 at 2:25 AMthis is amazing … love love love it … want want want it in my house 🙂 this very same thing LOVE birch trees
emailiza at hotmail.com
Anonymous
January 25, 2012 at 2:26 AMalready follow you on FB
emaliza00 at hotmail.com
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February 12, 2014 at 7:46 AM[…] me the opportunity to repaint my master bedroom! Woohoo! Stay tuned for the reveal…the stencilled trees are a’ comin’ […]
My Master Bedroom Paint Makeover! - A Pretty Life In The Suburbs
March 31, 2014 at 7:01 AM[…] I always froze when it came to this room. For the longest time it remained builder taupe, then I painted birch trees on a feature wall that I loved, but over time I just knew the trees weren’t what I wanted in […]