Get ready for a SWEET summer with a DIY S'mores Station Box!
New to making reusable stencils? Here's how to Get Started with Ikonart!
To make your own DIY S'mores Station Box, you will need these supplies:
- S'more Memories Design (for personal use only)
- Ikonart Custom Stencil Kit
- 10"x5" Unfinished Wood Box
- Sandpaper
- Chalk Paint or Acrylic Paint
- Paint Brush
- Squeegee
- Detail Brush (optional)
*Save 15% on Ikonart supplies when you shop with code AFM15
Printables and cut files from Artsy-Fartsy Mama are for personal use only. You may use these files for personal projects, but you may not sell them. If you'd like to share this project digitally, share a link to this post/website only. Do not share a direct link to the file.
To make a stencil, you need to start with a printed design. Download the S'more Memories Design (for personal use only) and print the design as dark as possible on either inkjet or laser Ikonart Printer Film.
The next step in the process is exposing the stencil film. Set up the exposure stand with UV LED Light by following the directions included in the kit. Ikonart Stencil Film is light sensitive, so be careful to keep it out of sunlight and bright lights before exposure. Cut a piece of the film the slightly larger than the design print.
Lay the piece of film down on the base of the stand with the textured side facing up. Place the printed design on top of the stencil film, making sure it's right-side up - meaning that you should be able to read the words printed on the design.
Lastly, place the clear exposure sheet (found in the stencil film pack) on top and press it down well to seal the design tight against the stencil film. Turn the exposure light on and expose the film for 35 seconds.
The final step in the stencil-making process is to "washout", or rinse the stencil. Clip the exposed stencil film to the Ikonart clipboard with the shiny side (carrier sheet) touching the clipboard. Use the kitchen sink sprayer to rinse the stencil film with warm water until the design shows through and becomes completely clear. The washout process shouldn't take more than 3 minutes.
Gently blot the excess water from the stencil, and hang or lay the stencil flat to dry for about 45 minutes. When the stencil is dry, you shouldn't see any water spots or discoloration. Once the stencil is completely dried, place the it back on the exposure stand and expose it again for at least 2 minutes without the clear cover sheet. This extra exposure time will increase the durability of the stencil so you can get as much use out of it as possible.
Sand the edges of the box, if necessary. Next, mix some brown acrylic paint with water in a disposable cup. When you paint this mixture on the wood box, the paint will look more like a stain. To darken the color, add another layer of watered-down paint once the first layer has dried completely.
IMPORTANT: Make sure that the wood is COMPLETELY dry before moving on to this step. If it's not, your stencil could stick to the wood permanently - ruining your project!
Remove the clear backing from the stencil and center the design on the front of the wood box. Once the stencil is in place, rub it down well.
Add a thin line of white chalk paint* on one side of the stencil, and use the squeegee to lightly pull the paint over the stencil. Make sure all of the open mesh spaces of the stencil are covered evenly, and be careful to not go off the edges of the stencil. Scrape away any excess paint and put it back into the paint bottle.
*If you don't have chalk paint, you can thicken acrylic paint with Chalk Paint Powder instead.
Immediately, but slowly, pull the stencil away to reveal the design. If you see any spots that you may have missed before completely removing the stencil, you can carefully lay the stencil back down and add a little more paint. Slowly peel the stencil up again, and repeat as necessary.
If notice that there was bleeding or mess-ups after removing the stencil, don't panic. If you notice a missed spot after removing the stencil, DO NOT put the stencil back on! Wash the stencil (see below) before fixing the project so that the paint doesn't dry over the stencil mesh. If the paint dries on the stencil, it can make it hard to clean and reuse it.
To fix any mistakes, grab a small detail paint brush. If it's a missed spot of the stencil design, use the detail brush to carefully go over the area with the same paint used on the stencil. If you have an area that has bled, you can use a craft knife to carefully scrape the excess paint away while it's still wet.
To wash your stencil so that it can be used again and again, first get the clipboard wet so your stencil doesn't stick to it. Place the stencil on the clipboard with the textured side up, and lightly rub the stencil under cold running water to remove all the paint.
Do not rub or scrub the adhesive side of the stencil, and NEVER use anything other than water to wash the stencils. To prevent the stencil from breaking down, don't ever leave the stencils to soak.
Remove the stencil from the clipboard and lay it down with the adhesive side up. While the stencil is still wet, place the carrier sheet onto the stencil so that the word “BACK” is readable. Hang or lay the stencil flat to dry completely.
Once the paint has dried, I would recommend adding a thin coat of clear sealant. This will help keep your s'mores station box looking good as new throughout years of use. Now you can fill the box with all of your favorite s'mores goodies; like graham crackers, chocolate bars, and of course, marshmallows!
Paired with a DIY mini fire pit, this DIY S'mores Station Box is a must-have for summer, and would also be a fantastic gift idea! I'd love to hear what you think about this project, or if you want to know more about reusable stencils. If you've made your own stenciled projects, I would love to see your creations! Share them on Instagram, Facebook, or leave a comment/photo on the project pin on Pinterest! #AFMCrafts
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