Tuesday, October 6, 2015

Obsessive Stencil Research

I got obsessed with consolidating stencil research in a new page in the right column, called Reproduction Stencils. I've found some good sources of period stencils and I thought it would help inform others' stencil purchases if folks could associate a design with a particular period. I will continue to make updates as I find more catalogs and more modern stencil sources. If you guys know of any I missed, I'm grateful for the information.
Alabastine Stencil Catalog, 1899 and c.1920
This will also help me make decisions about what stencils I will make. It's way past time I get my stencil cutting technology up and running.

4 comments:

  1. Oh my gosh.....that stencil and the colors are just perfect. I swear that is the same purple/blue color as my dining room hanging light shade.

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    1. Yeah, I like that one too. I believe I may have to buy some more stencils now. :)

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  2. Hi Sharon! I am thrilled that I just found your blog and your pinterest folders when researching info for our 1910's craftsman style farmhouse in Ohio. (In true frugal farmhouse/country style it has a very modest rendition of full-blown crafstman detailing!) I, like you, am obsessed with period details and was formerly employed in a living history historical setting. Anyhow-have you come up with a good alabastine paint substitute? From what I gather from reading articles it mentioned "similar to painting with plaster of paris", I wonder if it could perhaps be similar to chalk paint recipes today calling for plaster of paris? At one point 25 + years ago during our first (and sadly misguided) remodel- which I will attribute to youth and ignorance, I came across original stenciling and what I perceive to be the alabastine paint. I did photograph it and copied the stencil-which I would love to have your opinion on what publication it may have originated in. (I will need to figure out how to upload photo to you if you are interested.) Also, I have in my possession 3 period linoleum "rugs" from area farm homes. My current obsession is to remake a canvas floorcloth (I made years ago that wasn't really correct for time period) with appropriate 1910's stencils and would love your opinion on what to select :)
    By the way, we are border collie (a working farm dog) owners, too! Maybe people like us can appreciate their obsessive nature-lol!
    A new follower,
    karen- Wise Acres Farm

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    1. Hi Karen, I just use oil paints for stencilling as demonstrated in "Stenciling the Arts & Crafts Home" by Amy Miller. The oils are easily blended and not difficult to work with. I'd be happy to take a look at your stencil and see if I recognize it.

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