Upcycle Thrift Store Finds with Spray Paint and Stencils

One of my favorite places to hunt for art supplies isn't an art store at all—it's the thrift store. Old wooden frames, forgotten by their previous owners, are often tucked onto the shelves just waiting for a second chance. They may look a little worn or outdated, but with a little paint and a great stencil, they can become the perfect finishing touch for your artwork.

The July 2026 exclusive StencilClub collection, designed by Carolyn Dube, couldn't have arrived at a better time. Carolyn's collection is filled with organic circles and dots in a variety of sizes. The shapes immediately reminded me of river rocks, pebbles, and gravel—those wonderfully imperfect patterns that nature creates without ever repeating itself. I've always been drawn to circles and dots, so I couldn't wait to incorporate these stencils into a project.

With an art show coming up, my studio has been filled with the smell of varnish and stacks of frames waiting for artwork. Instead of purchasing a new frame, I rescued a plain wooden one from a local thrift store and transformed it into a custom frame that perfectly complements one of my pink collages.

The entire makeover took very little time, cost only a few dollars, and completely changed the personality of the frame.

Supplies

• July 2026 StencilClub Stencils by Carolyn Dube
• Plain wooden picture frame
• Rust-Oleum® Matte Spray Paint in Gray
• Rust-Oleum® Paint + Primer Spray Paint in Pink
• Clear spray varnish
• Disposable gloves
• Wallpaper, cardboard, or a drop cloth to protect your work surface
• Finished collage or artwork
• Optional: Painter's tape (for larger frames)

Step 1: Prepare the Frame

Before painting, wipe the frame thoroughly to remove dust, dirt, or any residue. A clean surface helps the paint adhere evenly and creates a smoother finish.

Since spray paint fumes can be harmful, always work outdoors or in a very well-ventilated space. I took my frame outside and laid down a large piece of old wallpaper to protect my deck from overspray. Gloves are also a good idea to keep your hands clean.

Step 2: Apply the Base Coat

I wanted a soft neutral background that would allow the stencil pattern to stand out, so I coated the entire frame—including the sides—with Rust-Oleum Matte Gray Spray Paint.

One of the reasons I reach for Rust-Oleum is that it's easy to find at stores like Walmart and Target, it's affordable, and it provides excellent coverage. I especially like the Paint + Primer formulas because they bond well to a variety of surfaces without requiring additional preparation.

Allow the gray paint to dry for at least an hour before moving on.

Step 3: Add the Stenciled Design

Once the gray paint was dry, I positioned Carolyn's stencil directly onto the frame.

Because my frame was fairly small, I simply held the stencil in place by hand. If you're working on a larger frame, painter's tape can help prevent the stencil from shifting.

Using Rust-Oleum Matte Pink Spray Paint, I sprayed directly over the stencil, making two light passes to build up the color without creating drips.

Carefully lift the stencil away and let the design dry for several hours.

The random arrangement of dots creates movement across the frame while still allowing the simplicity of the design to shine.

Step 4: Protect the Finish

After the paint had completely dried, I sprayed the entire frame with a clear varnish. This extra protective layer helps guard against scratches and scuffs while making the finish easier to wipe clean.

The following day, once everything had thoroughly cured, I cut my collage to fit and assembled the frame.

The finished piece looked like it had been custom-made specifically for the artwork inside.

Why Spray Paint is Perfect for Upcycling

Spray paint has become one of my favorite tools for giving secondhand items a fresh start.

Not only does it provide excellent coverage with very little effort, but it also reaches carved details, grooves, and corners that would be tedious to paint with a brush. The finish is smooth and even, helping inexpensive or worn objects look surprisingly professional.

Another advantage is speed. Large surfaces can be completely transformed in just a few minutes, making spray paint ideal for quick creative projects. It also adheres beautifully to a wide variety of materials—including wood, metal, wicker, plastic, and even some laminates—making it incredibly versatile for artists and makers.

More Ideas for Upcycling with Spray Paint

Once you begin looking around your home or local thrift store, you'll find endless possibilities.

Try giving new life to:

• Picture frames
• Wooden trays
• Small side tables
• Plant pots
• Metal baskets
• Candle holders
• Lamps
• Magazine holders
• Decorative boxes
• Shelves
• Wooden crates
• Mirror frames
• Serving trays
• Coat hooks
• Vintage tins

Many of these items can become beautiful studio storage or decorative accents that coordinate perfectly with your artwork.

A Custom Finish for Your Artwork

One of the things I love most about making my own frames is that they become part of the artwork itself. Rather than settling for a store-bought frame that almost matches, I can create one that echoes the colors, patterns, and personality of the collage inside. It's a simple project that makes finished artwork feel even more personal—and it's a wonderful reminder that creativity doesn't have to stop at the edge of the paper.

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Join StencilClub!

If you've been curious about StencilClub, now is the perfect time to join. Members who sign up before the 15th of the month will receive that month's exclusive stencil collection, including Carolyn Dube's beautiful July 2026 designs.

In addition to receiving an exclusive stencil set each month, members also enjoy:

• An exclusive stencil collection that is never sold individually
• A downloadable project tutorial and PDF from the featured artist
• An additional members-only project created by me
• 25% off regularly priced stencils from StencilGirl Products throughout your membership

Whether you're a mixed media artist, journal maker, collage enthusiast, or simply enjoy experimenting with new techniques, StencilClub is a wonderful way to add fresh inspiration to your creative practice each month.

I hope this project inspires you to take a second look at those overlooked thrift store frames. With a little spray paint, a great stencil, and a favorite piece of artwork, you can transform something ordinary into a custom frame that's every bit as creative as the art it holds.  I hope you will share your projects with me on my Instagram page @gluepaperscissors_ and Stencil Girl @stencilgirl_products

Create a Furniture Polish Resist with Stencils!

Hello fellow artists, it's Julie Peterson @nuthouse73, mixed media artist and creative maker here with some inspiration.   Are you ready to make some beautiful papers together? Get your supplies and let's get started.   

Supplies Needed:

Bees wax furniture polish

Lint free cloth or stencil brush

Assortment of papers

Sprayer

Heat tool or iron

Acrylic inks

Stencils:  S915 Reeves

                SC-01-2019 Apter and Shaw

Place your stencil down on your paper and hold it firm, get a little bees wax polish on your cloth or brush and working in a circular motion rub the polish into the paper.  Depending on how much polish you get on your paper can affect your results but you don't want too much or too little, play around with the amounts.  

After you are done polishing your paper its time for some color.  I usually water down my acrylic inks and sometimes put a couple colors together.   Move the acrylic ink all over your paper, the polish will resist the ink.  Let it dry.   After it’s done drying rub polish on the front and the back, then heat it with a heat tool or a craft iron. Depending on the paper some are more translucent than others but the results are a lot of fun.    Happy stenciling!

Stencils & Craftivism: Art and Craft as Tools for Activism

Today let's take a look at how art has brought about awareness and change through history. Recently we have seen an increase in what is sometimes referred to as craftivism, using art and craft express one's beliefs.  Many people may feel art has no place in the political realm, but nonetheless  throughout history, art and craft have been used as powerful tools for protest, resistance, and social change. Creative expression allows people to share ideas, challenge injustice, and unite communities around a cause. Whether through music, textiles, posters, or public art, artists and makers have helped raise awareness and inspire action when traditional voices were ignored or silenced.

Michelle Schenker created this piece using 

Carolyn Dube's We Carry Each Other and Heroic Words stencils.

During the era of slavery in the United States, art and craft played an important role in preserving culture and communicating hope. Oral traditions, spiritual songs, and storytelling were used by enslaved people to express resilience and a desire for freedom. Some historians believe that certain quilt patterns may have been used to share information along the Underground Railroad. Regardless, quilting became an important cultural craft that reflected identity, community, and survival.

In this piece, from the Revolutionary Stitches art show, 

Mary Beth used her We the People stencil. 

The women's suffrage movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries made extensive use of art and design. Activists created embroidered banners, hand-sewn flags, posters, buttons, and postcards to spread their message and gain public support. These visual materials helped make the movement more visible and gave women a creative way to participate in political action. Purple, white, and green became recognizable colors associated with the fight for voting rights in many countries.

Martha Christopher used Cat Kerr's Starman/Starwoman stencil, Carolyn Dube's Strong Women stencil, and  Trish McKinney's Flowing Ribbon Swirls stencil to create this piece inspired by "the women who always found a way to persevere and who paved the way for other women."

In the 20th century, protest art became closely linked to civil rights and social justice movements. During the Civil Rights Movement, songs such as "We Shall Overcome" became symbols of unity and resistance. Photographers documented marches and demonstrations, creating powerful images that helped draw attention to racial inequality. Posters, murals, and graphic designs were also used to communicate messages of equality and justice to a wider audience.

Kristin Peterson created this message of unity in her art journal

 using Carolyn Dube's Finding Your Tribe stencil. 

Craft-based activism continued to grow in the late 20th century. One notable example is the AIDS Memorial Quilt, created in 1987 to honor those who died from AIDS and to raise awareness about the epidemic. Each panel was handmade and represented an individual life, turning a traditional craft into a large-scale public statement. Similar community-based textile projects have since been used to address issues such as violence, human rights, and environmental concerns.

Tina Walker's art book celebrates love in all its forms. This project uses her More stencil as well as Valerie Sjodin's Small Figures People stencil, Jennifer Evans's April 2018 StencilClub Set and Cat Kerr's September 2021 StencilClub Set. 

Today, artists and activists use many different forms of creative expression, including street art, performance art, digital illustration, photography, and community murals. Public artworks often respond to current events, from climate activism to movements for racial and gender equality. Social media has also expanded the reach of protest art, allowing images and messages to be shared instantly around the world.

DeeDee's zine uses her Eye Charted stencil, Carolyn Dube's Mixed Media Mail stencil,  

June Pfaff Daley's Fireworks Words stencil, and Laurie Mika's Alchemy stencil.

From spiritual songs and suffrage banners to memorial quilts and street murals, art and craft have consistently helped people speak out against injustice. These creative forms of protest not only document important moments in history but also encourage dialogue, empathy, and collective action. Their lasting impact shows how creativity can be a powerful force for social change.

We would like to thank our artists who participated in making the examples of craftivism seen here.   You can find them each on instagram at the following links:

Michelle Schenker 

Mary Beth Shaw

Martha Christopher

Kristin Peterson

Tina Walker

DeeDee Catron

And of course, you can find all of the stencils used at stencilgirlproducts.com

Stencil Club June 2026: Prairie Harmony by Cynthia Silveri -- A Stenciled Fabric Journal/Notepad Cover

Hello again from Kim Hamburg, mixed media collage artist, collage enthusiast, and collector of more notebooks than I'll probably ever use.

One of my favorite things about mixed media is finding ways to bring art into everyday life. This month, I used Prairie Harmony, a beautiful stencil set designed by Cynthia Silveri for StencilClub, to transform a simple notebook into a custom fabric-covered journal.

Inspired by Prairie School architecture, stained-glass design, geometry, and pattern, the Prairie Harmony stencil set reflects Cynthia's love of structured design while still leaving plenty of room for creative interpretation. The repeating motifs and clean lines immediately reminded me of the architectural details and decorative elements often associated with Prairie School design. These geometric patterns translate beautifully to fabric, creating a journal cover that feels both artistic and functional.

This is Cynthia's third time designing stencils for StencilGirl®, and her passion for color, pattern, and design shines through in every stencil opening. The architectural elements create an all-over pattern that feels sophisticated and timeless, making this set especially well suited for fabric projects.

I've made several fabric-covered journals over the years, and they never fail to elevate an inexpensive notebook. Whether you use one for journaling, sketching, note-taking, or gift-giving, a custom cover turns an ordinary object into something unique and personal.

Supplies

        Prairie Harmony Stencil Club Stencils June 2026

• White cotton fabric (canvas or duck cloth works best)

• Mod Podge for Fabric

• Acrylic paint

• Paintbrush or blender brush

• Paper tape or painter's tape

• Chipboard or cereal box cardboard

• Scissors

• Glue, Fabri-tac or PVA or use Mod Podge

• Notebook, journal, or notepad

• Decorative paper for lining the inside cover

• Clothespins or clips

Prepare the Fabric

Start by ironing your fabric if needed. A smooth surface will help ensure cleaner stencil prints.

Cut the fabric slightly larger than the stencil design area. Position the stencil on top and secure it with painter's tape or paper tape along the edges. Taping the stencil down helps keep it from shifting while you work.

The Mod Podge for fabric will stiffen the fabric and there will be no loose threads so it becomes easy to work with much like paper.

Stencil the Fabric

In a small container, mix your chosen acrylic paint color with approximately one tablespoon of Mod Podge for Fabric. Stir until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.

Using either a paintbrush or a blender brush, apply the paint mixture through the stencil. Work gently and build the color gradually to avoid forcing paint underneath the stencil.

The architectural and stained-glass-inspired patterns in the Prairie Harmony stencil set work especially well for this project because they create an all-over design that feels intentional and sophisticated once wrapped around the journal cover.

Allow the paint to set for about five minutes before gently lifting the stencil. Be sure to clean your stencil immediately after use. Because the paint contains Mod Podge for Fabric, it will harden as it dries and can become difficult to remove later. I like to take mine straight to the sink and wash it with warm water and a soft brush before the mixture has a chance to cure.

Once the stencil is clean, allow the fabric to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Create the Cover Structure

While the fabric dries, prepare the new journal cover.

Remove the front and back covers from the notebook, journal, or notepad you wish to customize. Use those pieces as templates to cut matching covers from chipboard or a cereal box.

You'll also need a narrow strip for the spine or top edge, depending on the type of notebook you're covering. Arrange all of the pieces in their proper position and tape them together, leaving a small gap between sections so the cover can fold properly when finished.

Cover the Chipboard

Once the fabric is dry, place the assembled cover structure on the unpainted side of the fabric.

Cut around the cover, leaving approximately ¼ inch of extra fabric around all sides. This extra fabric will wrap around the edges and create a neat, finished appearance.

To adhere the fabric, thin the Mod Podge slightly with a small amount of water. Brush it onto the back side of the fabric and carefully position the chipboard cover onto the adhesive.

Fold the excess fabric over the edges and glue it into place. You may need to make small cuts at the corners to reduce bulk and help the fabric lie flat. Usually a small snip at each corner is all that's needed.

Allow everything to dry thoroughly.

Finish the Inside

To give the cover a polished look, glue a piece of decorative paper to the inside. This covers the raw fabric edges and chipboard while adding another opportunity for color and pattern.

Use clothespins or clips to hold everything securely while the adhesive dries.

Once dry, reattach your notebook pages or notepad, and your custom journal is ready to use.

Turning the Everyday into Something Special

One of the things I love most about this project is how easily it transforms an inexpensive notebook into something that feels thoughtful and high-end. The stenciled fabric adds texture, pattern, and personality while remaining durable enough for everyday use.

These journals also make wonderful handmade gifts. Teachers, writers, journal keepers, and list-makers all appreciate having a beautiful notebook close at hand. Choose colors that reflect the recipient's personality, add a favorite stencil pattern, and you'll have a practical gift that is both useful and unique.

The architectural inspiration behind Cynthia Silveri's Prairie Harmony stencil set brings a sense of structure and elegance to this project. Much like stained-glass windows and geometric architectural details, the patterns create rhythm, movement, and visual interest. It's a simple project with a surprisingly professional finish—and a wonderful way to carry a little handmade art with you every day.

If you've been curious about StencilClub, members who join by June 15, 2026, will receive the exclusive Prairie Harmony stencil set designed by Cynthia Silveri. Membership includes artist-designed stencils, a project and PDF from the featured artist, an additional members-only project from me, creative inspiration from fellow makers, and a 25% discount on all regular collection stencils.

You can learn more about Cynthia Silveri and her colorful creative work on Instagram at @thepassionatecolorist.

I'd love to see what you create with Prairie Harmony. Be sure to tag me on Instagram at @gluepaperscissors_ so I can see your projects and share in your creativity.

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About the Artist

Kim Hamburg is a mixed media collage artist living and creating in Springfield, Missouri. A self-taught artist, she began making collages during the COVID lockdown and has created art daily ever since. Working primarily with vintage papers, paint, stencils, and found materials, she enjoys finding unexpected ways to combine storytelling, texture, pattern, and composition in her artwork. Follow her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/gluepaperscissors_/