From Booklist
How often can any author, even an expert, authoritatively assert that his or her book is the source of all knowledge on a topic? Rare as that may be, Buckingham's fourth book is, indeed, the ultimate reference for stenciling. Although she claims that mastery of this craft is fairly simple, under her tutelage, stenciling itself becomes a broad-based art, covering not only flat 2-D templates but also application to fabrics, floors, glass, and paper as well as special effects. Every chapter includes a plethora of how-to color photographs and examples, from cutting a stencil to working devore--or "burnt"--on luxurious fabrics. No patterns are included, but the samples can easily be emulated. A useful source for any level of stenciler. Barbara Jacobs
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved


Judy Walker, New Orleans Times-Picayune 10/04/2002
This is a "wow" craft book. Buckingham gives beginners clear directions for basics and proceeds to subtle tricks.


Library Journal 02/15/2003
Excellent color illustrations throughout make this a basic source for the craft. Highly recommended for all types of crafts collections.


Barbara De Witt, Los Angeles Daily News 01/11/2003
If you're up for it, the celebrated stenciler will teach you every faux fashion trick in the decorating world.


Indianapolis Star 11/16/2002
Abounds with designs, color photos and instructions.


Jeani Read, Vancouver Province 11/08/2002
A great gift ... Buckingham is known for her common-sense instructions as well as her extraordinary designs.


Cottage Times 07/18/2003
Buckingham's considerable knowledge on stenciling combined with the numerous color photographs makes... an informative, easy-to-use guide.


Pam Firmin, Gulport Sun Herald 08/14/2004
Color photos throughout the book on every topic enable the reader to visualize each process.


Meda Kessler, Forth Worth Star-Telegram 08/07/2004
If you are creative... Buckingham's big book of stenciling is for you. Her techniques are nothing short of amazing.


Miami Herald 08/15/2004
Explains pretty much everything about the craft.


Joanne Hatherly, CanWestNews Service 08/28/2004
Detailed instructions... packed full of inspiring photos.


Book Description
Praise for the hardcover edition: "The ultimate reference for stenciling." -Booklist With the simple stencil -- a template that lets you easily create a painted shape on a surface and allows you to repeat the exact pattern wherever and as often as you wish -- you can transform and beautify just about any surface from boxes to walls to floors. The Complete Stenciling Handbook is a compendium of the latest techniques, tools, equipment and materials. The book presents innovative methods and products that have taken stenciling from a rustic craft to a breathtaking art form. The book features a wide range of step-by-step projects illustrated with color photographs. Buckingham comprehensively covers the materials needed for successful stenciling projects and explains the qualities of a variety of media such as the differences between latex and oil paints. Clear, easy-to-read text simplifies the often confusing world of materials such as additives, matting agents, glazes, stains, thinners, finish coats and more. The book also includes instructions about when and how to use applicators such as brushes, rollers, sponges and airbrushes. Creative topics with step-by-step instructions cover: - Shading and paint effects - Traditional borders and all-over patterns - Freeform stenciling and projection stenciling - Imitation textiles - Architectural elements, fake marquetry - Floor treatments, glass and ceramic tiles - Lettering and stenciling on fabric and paper. The Complete Stenciling Handbook is the best and most comprehensive guide for crafters from beginner to advanced.


From the Author
I wanted to write a book that would become every stenciler’s best friend. The result is The Complete Stenciling Handbook. Over the many years that I have been working with this craft -- writing, teaching, experimenting and designing -- I’ve been asked just about every imaginable stencil-related question. The answers to all of them are in this book. No other stencil book contains as much information as this one on so many aspects of stencilling, from mediums, to surfaces to techniques. At the same time, it caters to every level of practitioner -- from the complete beginner looking for basic instructions to the accomplished stenciler wanting advanced techniques. It does not assume any previous knowledge that is not covered somewhere between the covers. I have tried to be clear and straightforward, so that whether you’re looking for a nugget of information on using gold leaf or a comprehensive approach to trompe l’oeil drapery, you’ll have no trouble understanding the explanations. This book gives you everything you need to just have fun with stencilling or to make the transition from hobbyist to professional.


About the Author
Sandra Buckingham is the author of the bestselling Stencilling on a Grand Scale and Creative Cards and Wrappings as well as Stencil It!: Kids Projects and Stencilling: A Harrowsmith Guide, all published by Firefly Books.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Beginning with the simple stencil -- a template that lets you easily create a painted shape on a surface and allows you to repeat the exact pattern wherever and as often as you wish -- renowned stenciler Sandra Buckingham literally transforms the world around her. In The Complete Stenciling Handbook, she teaches us to do the same.

A compendium of the latest techniques, tools, equipment and materials, Buckingham's book presents innovative methods and products that have taken stenciling from a rustic craft to a breathtaking art form. To get us started, she deftly explains the differences between latex and oil paints and simplifies the murky world of additives, matting agents, glazes, spray paints, wood stains, binders, solvents and thinners and finish coats. Suggestions on how and when to use applicators such as brushes, rollers, sponges and airbrushes as well as a list of easy-to-find miscellaneous equipment and an insider's discussion of color selection and color properties build a solid base upon which to proceed.

With infectious enthusiasm for her subject, she explores the full range of stenciling styles and techniques that have emerged over the past 15 years. Chapters on shading, paint effects, traditional borders, all-over patterns, freeform stenciling, projection stenciling, imitation textiles, architectural elements, fake marquetry, glass and ceramic tiles, floor treatments, and lettering and stenciling on fabric and paper complete an impressive tour of this magical world.

A self-taught stenciler, Buckingham possesses a natural curiosity and confidence that will persuade readers, whether beginning or expert stencilers, of the simple joy of learning and creating.

SYNOPSIS

A complete and comprehensive guide to stenciling, including information on tools, styles and techniques that have emerged over the last 15 years.

FROM THE CRITICS

Judy Walker - New Orleans Times-Picayune

This is a "wow" craft book. Buckingham gives beginners clear directions for basics and proceeds to subtle tricks.

Library Journal