Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Cutting Edge Stencils: Allium Twins and a Giveaway!

I'm so excited to tell you more about the incredible products from Cutting Edge Stencils! If you saw my post on Monday, then you know how happy I was when I used one of their stencils to make an art piece for my dining room. But now I'm going to tell you about another project I had with them. Their tagline is "awesome stencils for walls," so I figured them best way to try them out would be on a wall, right?

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I have recently had the pleasure of moving out of the mini-room that used to be my craft room, and into the room that was formerly our office. It has been a few months coming and I was thrilled when my husband suggested it, but was looking for a way to spruce it up a little bit without a complete wall color overhaul, so I turned to Cutting Edge Stencils. Most of the walls are covered up with desks and shelves, but I had this one little neglected nook that really needed something, and that something was these Allium Twins.

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I was so thrilled to receive this huge and beautiful stencil in the mail! In addition to the stencil, I received one of the most all-inclusive set of instructions that I have ever received. Even if you have used stencils before, which I have, you will definitely learn something new! When I was reading over the instructions, I got the distinct feeling that the company really wanted me to succeed in achieving a beautiful product, and that their work was not done now that they had my money. I was walked step-by-step through my project, including a section on painting with a roller and on painting with brushes, how to stencil in room corners, what to do if you make a mistake or need to take a break in the middle of your project, pros and cons of spray adhesives, cleaning, storage and repairs of the stencils. There were also dozens of tips throughout. Truly, they thought of everything, and as a consumer I felt very taken care of! I couldn't wait to get started!!

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The instructions recommend working out your technique on a sample board first, and I'm so glad that I did, because this is how I realized that a rounded edge roller just wasn't going to work for me on this project. I made a few attempts, but I just couldn't get the hang of it. I think I may have just done too much wall painting recently, and I was having a difficult time restraining myself against pushing the roller down just a little too hard to try to squeeze out a bit of extra paint and it was getting under the stencil. So after a few tries, when I realized that I didn't have the patience to apply multiple very light coats, I turned to the old faithful, a stiff stencil brush and stencil paint.

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I sprayed the stencil lightly with a tacky adhesive spray, smoothed it over the wall, and attached the top and sides with blue painter's tape. I then started filling in the holes with my stencil brush and stencil paint. I was glad that I opted for the stencil brush, since this stencil had lots of teeny tiny holes that were only a millimeter wide or long and I was able to be really precise with my painting. The stencil was good and thin, and laid completely flat on the wall with no curling, which made it so easy to work on the design!

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I couldn't be happier with the allium twins! The little petals and spikes are sharp, clear and fun! They added a nice, bright floral element to the room and are exactly what I was looking for.

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So I added a few more.

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Aren't they great?!

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I was able to get really sharp lines on the edges, which I was extremely happy about. This is on a wall where people will be standing just inches from it, as opposed to behind a piece of furniture or on a feature wall, so sharpness was really important to me.

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That said, if you use the oil-based stencil paint that I used here, be prepared for it to take a long time to dry. It said on the label 24-48 hours and I don't know why I doubted them. Or why, when I excitedly showed it to my husband, he couldn't resist reaching his thumb over to touch one of the petals and smudging it. Or why I drug my hand halfway across the bloom the next morning (still not dry then). It just looks so cool, you can hardly resist touching it!

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Having used this stencil, and the Spring Songbirds which I showed you on Monday here, I think I might be quickly becoming addicted!

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Onto the great news, Cutting Edge Stencils has agreed to give away one of their incredible stencils to a Lemon Tree Creations reader! Simply head on over to their site here, look around, and then come back and leave me a comment telling me your 2 favorite designs for a chance to win. For a second entry, blog about this giveaway, and leave a comment linking back to your blog.

Here are a few of my other other favorites from their website.

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**THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO ENTERED!**


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79 comments:

Unknown July 21, 2010 at 8:04 AM  

I love the Spring Songbirds Wall Art Stencil and Sycamore Branches Wall Art Stencils 3pc set!

tzip July 21, 2010 at 8:06 AM  

It's so hard to pick just 2!!

I really like the English Ivy and the Lily Scroll stencils.

Thanks for the giveaway!

yerushalmi at yahoo dot com

Banking to Boot Camp July 21, 2010 at 8:07 AM  

I like the Zinnia Grande Flower Stencil and the Japanese Maple Branches Stencil!!

Sarah Jones July 21, 2010 at 8:27 AM  

my favorites are the budding clematis 3 pc stencil kit and the Large Tree and Birds Stencil. What a great product! Erin you could be in marketing for these guys full time!

JLAS July 21, 2010 at 8:37 AM  

Beautiful Birches and the Japanese maple branches - lovely!

Beth Covalt July 21, 2010 at 8:43 AM  

Oh, how to choose! I love "Birds on a Branch" and "Budding Clematis."

Kim July 21, 2010 at 8:48 AM  

Great product! I think my favorites are Spring Songbirds and Zinnia Grande Flower!

Fitz Clan July 21, 2010 at 8:56 AM  

I have never been a big fan of stencils, but you are changing my mind! I like the Birds on a branch and the Budding Clematis - Hard to choose though!

candicem July 21, 2010 at 9:29 AM  

I'm loving the Spring Songbirds and the Sycamore Spreading Branch!

CountryBelle July 21, 2010 at 9:31 AM  

I love love love the Japanese maple or the spring songbirds! I've been trying to figure out something for my room above the bed for years!!

aimee July 21, 2010 at 9:35 AM  

I love the birds on a branch and the birches, but after seeing your allium I think I want to do that in our family room! Thanks!

Sarah July 21, 2010 at 9:42 AM  

I love the "Allium Gladiator Flower Stencil" and the "Bon Appetit! Large Stencil" just kept catching my eye!

Becky July 21, 2010 at 9:46 AM  

I love the Brocade and the Japanese maple. I am huge sucker for stencils.

Becky July 21, 2010 at 9:49 AM  

http://goingthroughhimtofindme.blogspot.com/2010/07/i-heart-giveaways.html

Posted to my blog

Oh Mandie July 21, 2010 at 10:33 AM  

wow I really love the Acacia Allover Stencil and the Poppy stencil, all of their designs are so pretty!

-Amanda
ohmandie7@yahoo.com

Boy oh Boy oh Boy! July 21, 2010 at 10:55 AM  

I love the Birds on a Branch! Great giveaway!!

Katie July 21, 2010 at 10:56 AM  

love the Acacia and the trellis stencils and the Diamond Damask is pretty amazing too!

I love reading your blog!

Nick and Jayme July 21, 2010 at 11:15 AM  

My favorites are the Japanese Maple Branch and the Allium Gladiator Flower!

Robyn@Something Pretty July 21, 2010 at 11:16 AM  

They are all so awesome! I liked Garden Birds and Vine from the Designers collection.

Jennifer Darger July 21, 2010 at 11:32 AM  

I really love the garden anenome and the virginia creeper stencils, and might even do it on a pillow like in the picture!

Kelly July 21, 2010 at 11:39 AM  

Hard to choose! i think i really like the large birds and tree stencil and the one that you did too! Beautiful!

Morgan//Nuts and Bows July 21, 2010 at 12:53 PM  

I LOVE the iron gate or the diamond damask, but seriously I just want them all! Thanks for the great giveaway!

~Morgan

Check out Meet Virginia's Wonderfully Wordy Vinyl Giveaway HERE!!

Meet Virginia!

~jan July 21, 2010 at 1:02 PM  

I love the zinnia grande and the allium gladiator. So beautiful. They make the wheels turn in my head.

~jan @ thepaisleycupcake.blogspot.com

Brittney July 21, 2010 at 1:14 PM  

I LOVE the birch trees or the fruit tree stencils. I was looking for something like this for my hallway.

MoxleyH July 21, 2010 at 1:27 PM  

Oh Heavens! I just spent a hour looking at Wall art stencils!! I have to say Virginia Creeper is fantastic! And the Birch Forest all over?!?! WOW!

Katy, Bill and Easton July 21, 2010 at 1:56 PM  

This is a toughy but I like the Budding Clematis and the Sycamore Branches.

twolittleseeds July 21, 2010 at 1:59 PM  

These are gorgeous!!!
I love the allium gladiator and fruit tree. Thanks for this...am now going off to dream about my blank hallway walls. x

Katy, Bill and Easton July 21, 2010 at 2:05 PM  

For a second entry, I posted on my blog billandkaty.blogspot.com. Thanks!

Nadia @ La Vida Aloha July 21, 2010 at 2:06 PM  

I love the Aspen Designer Stencil and I've always wanted the large fruit tree stencil ever since seeing it in the Pottery Barn Kids catalogs!

Sarah Scott July 21, 2010 at 2:21 PM  

Oh man, I can't pick just 2!! I love the Allium twins and the Poppy Field! And the Aspen stencil is so beautiful.

Colour Yourself Design July 21, 2010 at 2:26 PM  

I really love the Birch Forest allover stencil and the Birds on a Branch wall art stencil! I have a ton of ideas for them!!!

Allison {A Glimpse Inside} July 21, 2010 at 2:31 PM  

LOVE how your stencil came out! SO cute!!

I also love the Zinnia Grande Flower Stencil and the Large Fern Leaves 2pc Stencil kit.

Thanks for hosting!

sherri July 21, 2010 at 3:07 PM  

I'm a fan of "birds on a branch" and "sycamore branches" which would be completely lovely in my powder room. Thanks for the opportunity to win.

Kendra Goodrich July 21, 2010 at 3:26 PM  

I LOVE the tall tree stencil, but anything leafy, tree-e would be great!

www.onmysideoftheroom.blogspot.com

Krissy July 21, 2010 at 3:47 PM  

Holy cow...BEAUTIFUL stencils!! And you did a SUPER job in your new craft room! Those flowers are just perfect!! If I had to pick two (which, as others have said, is HARD), I love the Zinnia Grande and Brocade No. 1. Sooooo pretty!!

BajaJim July 21, 2010 at 4:58 PM  

I LOVE what you guys have done with these stencils! Ohhhh, if I had to choose, Birds on a Branch and Songbirds are SO beautiful! So many ways to use them, what a great idea!

Mallory July 21, 2010 at 4:59 PM  

Opps, I used my husbands account =) Which is the one above-BajaJim.

Misty Makes July 21, 2010 at 4:59 PM  

my favorite is the Spring Songbirds stencil, but I also really like the Large Tree and Birds stencil.

jasmine July 21, 2010 at 5:58 PM  

i love the zinnia and brocade #1 stencils :)

Boom Boom July 21, 2010 at 5:59 PM  

Your wall looks wonderful! My favorite two are the Beautiful Birches and the Garden Anemone Wall Art Stencils.

Katy {and Kahler} July 21, 2010 at 6:02 PM  

love love the allium flowers and the aspen rectangle!

your wall looks great! :)

Mandi July 21, 2010 at 6:16 PM  

So many to choose from! My favorites:

Budding Clematis 5pc Stencil kit
Spring Songbirds Wall Art Stencil

Thanks so much!
~Mandi

Kate Wall July 21, 2010 at 7:35 PM  

I love the stencil you did on the wood! Birds on a branch and the japanese maple are my favs.

Kristen July 21, 2010 at 7:36 PM  

If I had to choose just 2....
-Poppy field flower stencil
-Budding clematis wall art stencil
Keep up the fabulous work!

Anonymous July 21, 2010 at 7:40 PM  

Only two, there are so many! Sari Paisley Stencil and Missing Link Allover Stencil would top my list.

JenPen July 21, 2010 at 8:00 PM  

I really love the Spring Songbird and the Large Tree

Unknown July 21, 2010 at 8:24 PM  

I've been wanting a Cutting Edge Stencil for so long - I hope I win! My fave's are the Missing Link Allover Stencil and the Funky Wheel Wall Art Stencil.
- Danielle
other-option AT hotmail DOT com

Anna July 21, 2010 at 8:38 PM  

I love the Iris Swirl and the Sycamore Reaching Branch wall art stencils! They're all just beautiful, though.

Anna July 21, 2010 at 8:38 PM  

I love the Iris Swirl and the Sycamore Reaching Branch wall art stencils! They're all just beautiful, though.

Nick and Jessi July 21, 2010 at 8:47 PM  

I love all the tree ones- the large tree and the Sycamore reaching branch are great.

Erin Oppy July 21, 2010 at 9:14 PM  

Definitely love the Versailles Side Panel and the Budding Clematis.

Kristin July 21, 2010 at 9:31 PM  

I really like the Spring Songbird stencil you used. And I really like the large tree - it would be perfect for my Fruit of the Spirit summer I am doing with my kids!

Nikki July 21, 2010 at 9:44 PM  

I LOVE the Large tree & birds stencil, but the damask anna stencil comes in a VERY close second!! Hope I win!!!!! :)

Jodi July 21, 2010 at 10:05 PM  

My favorites are the Japanese Maple branch & the Iris swirl.

Christy July 21, 2010 at 10:23 PM  

Zinnia Grande Flower & Virginia Creeper (the large wheel & ALL of the tree stencils are FAB too!!!)

emilyK July 21, 2010 at 10:26 PM  

My two faves are "Sycamore reaching" and "Birds on a Branch" but I also love the idea of the fossil stencils!! I have some youngish cousins that love fossils, so I will be telling their moms about this!!!

Roeckers July 21, 2010 at 10:53 PM  

I almost bought the allium twins yesterday!! I absolutely love them!! My next favorite would be the song birds. Just love them!!
Recently created a computer nook and thought the allium twins would look fabulous peering out from behind and over top my computer desk!

Kauer Family July 21, 2010 at 11:23 PM  

What a great product! Love them all! Especially the Japanese maple Branch and the Beautiful birches.

Kauer Family July 21, 2010 at 11:23 PM  

What a great product! Love them all! Especially the Japanese maple Branch and the Beautiful birches.

Shannon Morgan July 22, 2010 at 1:01 AM  

I love so many of them! I think my favorites are the Japanese Maple Branch and the Funky Wheel Art Stencils. Thanks for sharing this on your blog

Maryann @ Domestically-Speaking July 22, 2010 at 1:02 AM  

What a FUN giveaway!!! Love the Bon Appetit & the Poppy Stripe Stencil!

Jessica July 22, 2010 at 2:00 AM  

Wow, SO hard to choose just two favorites! But I favor the Virgina Creeper and the Allium Gladiator flower.

April July 22, 2010 at 8:14 AM  

Awesome stencils, how can you choose. I love the japanese Maple branch and the English Ivy. I love the use of this english ivy on the blue mottled wall. Cool effect. Thanks for sharing this site with us all.

April July 22, 2010 at 8:28 AM  

I decided to add a post to my blog about this awesome creation by Erin.
http://aprilscreativecorner.blogspot.com/2010/07/lemon-tree-creations-and-cutting-edge.html

Felicita July 22, 2010 at 9:31 AM  

I love the "Birds on a Branch" and "Budding Clematis". They woudl look wonderful in my soon to close house!

Jaedyn July 22, 2010 at 10:17 AM  

Love the Beautiful Birches and and Poppy Field Flower stencils! Your projects are just beautiful and so inspiring!

Lindsey
ladyufshalott at yahoo dot com

Katie R July 22, 2010 at 12:09 PM  

i would use one of the designer stencils to make a headboard :) http://www.cuttingedgestencils.com/designer_stencils.html
i think i love the aspens the most.. but they're all great!

Danielle July 22, 2010 at 2:49 PM  

I am SO inspired! I love the Garden Anemone Wall Art Stencil and the Bon Appetit! Large Stencil. How fun! daniellehenry (at) practicallyraw (dot) net

Lori July 22, 2010 at 3:07 PM  

Wow. This is amazing! I love the Aspen designer stencil and the Trellis allover stencil. Thank you for the great find!! And, of course, for the giveaway!

Jamie July 22, 2010 at 9:46 PM  

I love the large fruit tree and the Butterfly dance wall art stencil!! Thanks for the great giveaway!
purejoycreative at gmail

Savannah Smiles July 22, 2010 at 11:04 PM  

I love the Spring Songbirds and the Zinnia Grande! They are awesome!

Petals & Plumes July 23, 2010 at 12:12 AM  

I like the Spring Songbirds, Damask Anna and the Allium Twins stencils. I'm pretty much in love with all of them though! :)

BizzyMom July 23, 2010 at 9:05 AM  

I love the Japanese Maple and the Designer and the Designer Stencil "Vine".. I love them all! Stenciling is the best alternative to vinyl decals-best because they can be reused over and over again. :)

BizzyMom July 23, 2010 at 9:05 AM  

I love the Japanese Maple and the Designer and the Designer Stencil "Vine".. I love them all! Stenciling is the best alternative to vinyl decals-best because they can be reused over and over again. :)

Unknown July 23, 2010 at 12:44 PM  

spring song birds and budding clematis 3 pc stencil kit. These are soo cool.

girlfrugal July 23, 2010 at 12:53 PM  

Really love the Birds on a Branch one and the the Beautiful Birches stencil!

liniecat July 23, 2010 at 3:24 PM  

What incredible stencils! Love the pieces of wood and the delicate leaves you created.
For me its the Amonite Large Fossil or the Lily Roll Scroll - followed clsoely by several others!
:)

liniecat July 23, 2010 at 3:27 PM  

Oh bother!
Liniecat@Large.blogspot.com lol

Elin January 11, 2011 at 7:03 AM  

I LOVE it! I also love that shade of yellow that you have on your wall! Could you be a star and let me know what the name and brand of paint that is? It is gorgeous!

Elin

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