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. If you are creative and are looking for a spark to jump-start some projects, Sandra Buckingham's big book of stenciling is for you. Her techniques are nothing short of amazing. (Meda Kessler Forth Worth Star-Telegram 2004-08-07) The book lives up to its title... but goes beyond that by offering ideas on masking, shadowing, and achieving a variety of special effects... take a look at this book. It no doubt will inspire you. (Nancy A. Herrick Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 2004-09-19) Detailed instructions... packed full of inspiring photos. (Joanne Hatherly CanWestNews Service 2004-08-28) Color photos throughout the book on every topic enable the reader to visualize each process. (Pam Firmin Gulport Sun Herald 2004-08-14) Explains pretty much everything about the craft. ( Miami Herald 2004-08-15) Abounds with designs, color photos and instructions. ( Indianapolis Star 2002-11-16) This is a "wow" craft book. Buckingham gives beginners clear directions for basics and proceeds to subtle tricks. (Judy Walker New Orleans Times-Picayune 2002-10-04) Rare as that may be, Buckingham's fourth book is, indeed, the ultimate reference for stenciling ... A useful source for any level of stenciler. (Barbara Jacobs Booklist 2002-11-15) Buckingham demystifies stencil applications so that even a beginner can capture the creative magic of stenciling. ( San Diego Home/Garden Lifestyles ) Takes readers step by step through the process of creating dozens of designs. The possibilities are wide ranging. (Mary Beth Breckenridge Knight Ridder Newspapers 2004-09-26) A great gift for stencil fanatics of any level, as Buckingham is known for her common-sense instructions as well as her extraordinary designs. (Jeani Read Vancouver Province 2002-11-08) The excellent color illustrations throughout make this a basic source for the craft. Highly recommended for all types of crafts collections. ( Library Journal 2003-02-15) If you're up for it, the celebrated stenciler will teach you every faux fashion trick in the decorating world. (Barbara De Witt Los Angeles Daily News 2003-01-11) Buckingham's considerable knowledge on stenciling combined with the numerous color photographs makes... an informative, easy-to-use guide. ( Cottage Times 2003-07-18) Well-written and filled with marvelous illustrations, the concepts and instructions are easy to understand... I haven't seen a stenciling book quite this good; it encompasses everything that would normally have to be found in several books. Buckingham did a beautiful job, making projects accessible to novices and professionals alike. (June Mills San Gabriel Valley Tribune 2005-01-08) Proves one of the oldest decorative crafts can still create amazing design effects in the modern-day home. (Jennifer Lee Calgary Sun 2004-10-16) 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 beg