Outdoor Garden Decor – Stencil Art

Outdoor garden decor is the focus of our very first stencil project using Cutting Edge Stencils! Typically the kind of stencil we’re using would go on a wall. But we’re not typical.  I can’t wait for you to see our unique idea to turn a wall stencil into stencil art for the garden! But if you read to the very end, we have a giveaway so you can try it out stencilling too

By the way, before we get to the nitty gritty, don’t forget to subscribe :).

I originally had a different garbage find in mind for this project. But when we stumbled on this rustic frame during our morning walk, we changed direction.

We’re using one of Cutting Edge Stencils wall stencils, called Birds on a Vine. Kind of apropos for a blog called Birdz of a Feather, don’t you think? Can you believe this is our first bird-related project? Lots of firsts today!

The company sent along some stencil brushes (which I’ll use next time). In addition, they threw in a few bonus stencils which were perfect for trying out on this outdoor fabric, leftover from our garden trellis projects.

Before starting this project, we did a PPG BreakThrough paint test to test the durability of the paint on the fabric. Feel free to check out that post and video if you like to watch paint dry 😉.

After the paint samples were stencilled, we set them outside on a chair to further test the paint against the elements. We finally got some much need rain. Perfect!!

Before we get started, don’t forget to get your craft mojo on at Birdz of a Feather and subscribe! You can also follow us on Pinterest, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.

It’s always a good idea to work outdoors when you’re painting, so head outside. We’re working in the garage.

Materials to Make Your Own Outdoor Garden Decor

[If you’re looking for some of the things we used, we’ve got you covered (disclosure): Clicking on the affiliate links below, means we may receive a commission. But don’t worry, you don’t pay a cent more and it helps us make more unique crafts to share with you! Thanks for helping to support our blog!]

If you would rather watch than read, we have a video for you half way down that complements the written tutorial. To start, measure the dimensions of the back of the frame and cut out a piece of outdoor fabric to fit. Our fabric is 15 1/4″ wide x 30 1/2″ long.

Lay down a plastic sheet under the fabric on the surface where you are stencilling. Tape down the stencil at the top and bottom, and along the edge of the fabric.

Outdoor garden decor is the focus of this project using Cutting Edge Stencils! All of our garden DIYs are upcycled from junk finds; see the transformation! Birdz of a Feather | yard art | yard art crafts | yard art from junk | yard art diy | yard art from junk repurposing | outdoor garden decor ideas | outdoor garden decor ideas diy projects | garden decor diy | garden upcycle | garden upcycle ideas | garden upcycle ideas reuse recycle | garden upcycle ideas yard art | garden stencil ideas | garden stencils | stencil art | stencil wall | bird stencil | bird stencil wall | birds on a vine | cutting edge stencils

Pour the first colour into a plastic container.

Outdoor garden decor is the focus of this project using Cutting Edge Stencils! All of our garden DIYs are upcycled from junk finds; see the transformation! Birdz of a Feather | yard art | yard art crafts | yard art from junk | yard art diy | yard art from junk repurposing | outdoor garden decor ideas | outdoor garden decor ideas diy projects | garden decor diy | garden upcycle | garden upcycle ideas | garden upcycle ideas reuse recycle | garden upcycle ideas yard art | garden stencil ideas | garden stencils | stencil art | stencil wall | bird stencil | bird stencil wall | birds on a vine | cutting edge stencils

Pounce the applicator in an up and down motion.

Outdoor garden decor is the focus of this project using Cutting Edge Stencils! All of our garden DIYs are upcycled from junk finds; see the transformation! Birdz of a Feather | yard art | yard art crafts | yard art from junk | yard art diy | yard art from junk repurposing | outdoor garden decor ideas | outdoor garden decor ideas diy projects | garden decor diy | garden upcycle | garden upcycle ideas | garden upcycle ideas reuse recycle | garden upcycle ideas yard art | garden stencil ideas | garden stencils | stencil art | stencil wall | bird stencil | bird stencil wall | birds on a vine | cutting edge stencils

Apply several light coats to the areas you want green. PPG BreakThrough dries really fast so this is a quick process.

Outdoor garden decor is the focus of this project using Cutting Edge Stencils! All of our garden DIYs are upcycled from junk finds; see the transformation! Birdz of a Feather | yard art | yard art crafts | yard art from junk | yard art diy | yard art from junk repurposing | outdoor garden decor ideas | outdoor garden decor ideas diy projects | garden decor diy | garden upcycle | garden upcycle ideas | garden upcycle ideas reuse recycle | garden upcycle ideas yard art | garden stencil ideas | garden stencils | stencil art | stencil wall | bird stencil | bird stencil wall | birds on a vine | cutting edge stencils

Apply black to the birds and red to the berries, Because red tends to be a transparent colour, I just pounced right over the green so I didn’t have to do as many coats.

When you’re applying additional colours, it helps to apply green tape across the parts you don’t want to get paint on, as shown below around the birds.

Outdoor garden decor is the focus of this project using Cutting Edge Stencils! All of our garden DIYs are upcycled from junk finds; see the transformation! Birdz of a Feather | yard art | yard art crafts | yard art from junk | yard art diy | yard art from junk repurposing | outdoor garden decor ideas | outdoor garden decor ideas diy projects | garden decor diy | garden upcycle | garden upcycle ideas | garden upcycle ideas reuse recycle | garden upcycle ideas yard art | garden stencil ideas | garden stencils | stencil art | stencil wall | bird stencil | bird stencil wall | birds on a vine | cutting edge stencils

Carefully lift off the stencil and put is aside so you can complete the top and bottom edges.

Tip for Storing Stencils as You Work

Since this stencil is made for a wall, it’s fairly large. Outside in the garage there’s really no additional surface to put it down when it’s not in use. So connect two bungy cords and string them across a shelf, if you have one.

Then you can clip your stencils to the bungy with clothes pegs. That will keep them out of the way as you work.

Outdoor garden decor is the focus of this project using Cutting Edge Stencils! All of our garden DIYs are upcycled from junk finds; see the transformation! Birdz of a Feather | yard art | yard art crafts | yard art from junk | yard art diy | yard art from junk repurposing | outdoor garden decor ideas | outdoor garden decor ideas diy projects | garden decor diy | garden upcycle | garden upcycle ideas | garden upcycle ideas reuse recycle | garden upcycle ideas yard art | garden stencil ideas | garden stencils | stencil art | stencil wall | bird stencil | bird stencil wall | birds on a vine | cutting edge stencils

Stencil Touch Ups

If you do happen to smudge, or just want to add additional paint don’t worry. Where touch-ups are needed, just use a fine paint brush as shown below.

Outdoor garden decor is the focus of this project using Cutting Edge Stencils! All of our garden DIYs are upcycled from junk finds; see the transformation! Birdz of a Feather | yard art | yard art crafts | yard art from junk | yard art diy | yard art from junk repurposing | outdoor garden decor ideas | outdoor garden decor ideas diy projects | garden decor diy | garden upcycle | garden upcycle ideas | garden upcycle ideas reuse recycle | garden upcycle ideas yard art | garden stencil ideas | garden stencils | stencil art | stencil wall | bird stencil | bird stencil wall | birds on a vine | cutting edge stencils

With each wall stencil, Cutting Edge Stencils also includes an additional top portion. It’s a brilliant idea, because it’s so easy to handle – whether or not it’s being used on a wall! Since I’m working with a narrower width than the stencil, I couldn’t use the ‘real’ registration marks to line it up, but It was easy enough to figure out:

Outdoor garden decor is the focus of this project using Cutting Edge Stencils! All of our garden DIYs are upcycled from junk finds; see the transformation! Birdz of a Feather | yard art | yard art crafts | yard art from junk | yard art diy | yard art from junk repurposing | outdoor garden decor ideas | outdoor garden decor ideas diy projects | garden decor diy | garden upcycle | garden upcycle ideas | garden upcycle ideas reuse recycle | garden upcycle ideas yard art | garden stencil ideas | garden stencils | stencil art | stencil wall | bird stencil | bird stencil wall | birds on a vine | cutting edge stencils

Again, cover the edges with painters tape.

Once finished with the top section, bring the larger stencil back to complete the bottom portion. Outdoor garden decor is the focus of this project using Cutting Edge Stencils! All of our garden DIYs are upcycled from junk finds; see the transformation! Birdz of a Feather | yard art | yard art crafts | yard art from junk | yard art diy | yard art from junk repurposing | outdoor garden decor ideas | outdoor garden decor ideas diy projects | garden decor diy | garden upcycle | garden upcycle ideas | garden upcycle ideas reuse recycle | garden upcycle ideas yard art | garden stencil ideas | garden stencils | stencil art | stencil wall | bird stencil | bird stencil wall | birds on a vine | cutting edge stencils

My fabric ended up being half an inch bigger than the stencil along the top and bottom edges. 

Watch the video below and you’ll see how I handled that with a regular foam brush like the one shown above.

Set aside the fabric to dry on a flat surface.

Seal Outdoor Garden Decor Frame with Oil

To seal the frame and bring out the natural colour of the wood, use a natural oil finish such as this product from Varathane. You’ll notice that all the products we’re using are low VOC (volatile organic compound) formulations. They’re better for the environment and don’t give off strong fumes.

Apply the first coat with a natural fibre cloth (or in our case, an old sock). Let it soak in, then come back with a dry white cloth to wipe off any excess oil. Be sure to use a white rag or t-shirt for this step as colour can sometimes transfer.

Let the coats dry in between according to the manufacturer’s directions.

We applied three coats of oil. With each application, lay out all your cloths flat and allow to dry. Do NOT roll these into a ball as they are drying. That could cause them to ignite and catch fire (don’t ask me how I know). Dispose of them in a plastic container filled with a bit of water to be on the safe side when ready to toss into the garbage.

Putting the frame on wood blocks helps encourage air flow as it dries.

At this point, leave everything overnight.

Stencil Clean Up

Jump to our last post where you can read more about Cleaning Cutting Edge Stencils.

Staple on Outdoor Fabric

The next day, we assembled our air gun.

It’s a good idea to test out the air pressure on a piece of scrap wood with a piece of tester fabric. We’re using 1/4″ staples.

Put the fabric face down onto the back of the frame. Apply one staple along one edge in the middle. Pull the fabric directly across to the opposite side and put in another staple. Continue with a single staple in the adjacent edges of the frame.

Place the staples about 4″ apart, then cut off any excess fabric.

Measure 1/3 of the length of the frame and screw in these picture hangers. Then, twist on a piece of stainless steel wire. Leave 4 – 6″ of slack. Watch the video above to see a demonstration of exactly how this part is done.

We hammered a pair of picture hanger hooks onto a fence board (measure for level first). Two hooks will ensure that the picture hangs level.

Ready to hang:

Outdoor garden decor is the focus of this project using Cutting Edge Stencils! All of our garden DIYs are upcycled from junk finds; see the transformation! Birdz of a Feather | yard art | yard art crafts | yard art from junk | yard art diy | yard art from junk repurposing | outdoor garden decor ideas | outdoor garden decor ideas diy projects | garden decor diy | garden upcycle | garden upcycle ideas | garden upcycle ideas reuse recycle | garden upcycle ideas yard art | garden stencil ideas | garden stencils | stencil art | stencil wall | bird stencil | bird stencil wall | birds on a vine | cutting edge stencils

Outdoor Garden Decor Ideas

Here is our finished stencil artwork hanging at the entrance to our back garden. You may remember this garden mirror and bathroom light fixture planter we completed last year. Every single DIY in our garden is upcycled from junk finds and this project is no exception. We’re slowly building our collection of DIY upcycles throughout the garden.

Isn’t it nice of that day lilly to bloom for us right on cue?

Outdoor garden decor is the focus of this project using Cutting Edge Stencils! All of our garden DIYs are upcycled from junk finds; see the transformation! Birdz of a Feather | yard art | yard art crafts | yard art from junk | yard art diy | yard art from junk repurposing | outdoor garden decor ideas | outdoor garden decor ideas diy projects | garden decor diy | garden upcycle | garden upcycle ideas | garden upcycle ideas reuse recycle | garden upcycle ideas yard art | garden stencil ideas | garden stencils | stencil art | stencil wall | bird stencil | bird stencil wall | birds on a vine | cutting edge stencils

Here’s how the fence looked before our outdoor garden decor:

Outdoor Fence Decor

I just love how the mirror reflects our other upcycled outdoor garden decor pieces – and of course, the flowers:

Outdoor garden decor is the focus of this project using Cutting Edge Stencils! All of our garden DIYs are upcycled from junk finds; see the transformation! Birdz of a Feather | yard art | yard art crafts | yard art from junk | yard art diy | yard art from junk repurposing | outdoor garden decor ideas | outdoor garden decor ideas diy projects | garden decor diy | garden upcycle | garden upcycle ideas | garden upcycle ideas reuse recycle | garden upcycle ideas yard art | garden stencil ideas | garden stencils | stencil art | stencil wall | bird stencil | bird stencil wall | birds on a vine | cutting edge stencils

But I may have other plans for that real estate along the fence so Hubs obliged me and drilled this hanging hardware…..

… into this brick at the front of our house.

The freshly oiled frame looks lovely against the red brick and the colours really pop.

Outdoor garden decor is the focus of this project using Cutting Edge Stencils! All of our garden DIYs are upcycled from junk finds; see the transformation! Birdz of a Feather | yard art | yard art crafts | yard art from junk | yard art diy | yard art from junk repurposing | outdoor garden decor ideas | outdoor garden decor ideas diy projects | garden decor diy | garden upcycle | garden upcycle ideas | garden upcycle ideas reuse recycle | garden upcycle ideas yard art | garden stencil ideas | garden stencils | stencil art | stencil wall | bird stencil | bird stencil wall | birds on a vine | cutting edge stencils

But now I have a dilemma that maybe you can help us resolve. Should our new outdoor garden decor stay in the front or the back? I can’t decide so, if you have an opinion either way, let us know in the comments!

Outdoor garden decor is the focus of this project using Cutting Edge Stencils! All of our garden DIYs are upcycled from junk finds; see the transformation! Birdz of a Feather | yard art | yard art crafts | yard art from junk | yard art diy | yard art from junk repurposing | outdoor garden decor ideas | outdoor garden decor ideas diy projects | garden decor diy | garden upcycle | garden upcycle ideas | garden upcycle ideas reuse recycle | garden upcycle ideas yard art | garden stencil ideas | garden stencils | stencil art | stencil wall | bird stencil | bird stencil wall | birds on a vine | cutting edge stencils

There’s nothing like a little yard art by our front pond to add to the curb appeal!

Would I Use Cutting Edge Stencils Again?*

The selection at Cutting Edge Stencils can’t be beat! However, the most important thing to me is quality. I got crisp, clean lines with absolutely no bleed whatsoever. On a challenging fabric, like this plasticky outdoor one, that’s impressive. I’m so pleased with Cutting Edge Stencils and how this outdoor wall decor project turned out.

Stencil Giveaway – Now Closed

Would you like to add some zing to your home or project with a Cutting Edge Stencil? Head on over to Cutting Edge Stencils and choose a stencil for yourself too because it’s give-away time!

Here’s how to enter:

Prize: One stencil valued up to $50 from Cutting Edge Stencils, shipped free (U.S. and Canadian residents only, please)

  1. Subscribe to Birdz of a Feather
  2. Like this Instagram post
  3. Visit Cutting Edge Stencils and come back here to tell me which one is your favourite, and where you’d use it.

I’ll choose a random winner from the qualifying comments below. Contest ends at 5:00 pm EDT on Monday, August 31st, 2020. Good luck to all!

Pinning is always welcome and appreciated.

Outdoor garden decor is the focus of this project using Cutting Edge Stencils! All of our garden DIYs are upcycled from junk finds; see the transformation! Birdz of a Feather | yard art | yard art crafts | yard art from junk | yard art diy | yard art from junk repurposing | outdoor garden decor ideas | outdoor garden decor ideas diy projects | garden decor diy | garden upcycle | garden upcycle ideas | garden upcycle ideas reuse recycle | garden upcycle ideas yard art | garden stencil ideas | garden stencils | stencil art | stencil wall | bird stencil | bird stencil wall | birds on a vine | cutting edge stencils

Unique garden decor is becoming a specialty at Birdz of a Feather. So feel free to browse for more Garden Decor Ideas.

You’ll find more great gardening ideas for National Garden Month at DIY Idea Center and can even subscribe to a variety of newsletters.

* Cutting Edge Stencils generously provided the stencil for this outdoor garden decor DIY. Of course, all opinions are my own. Our posts may contain affiliate links, and if you purchase a product through those links, you don’t pay a cent more, but we may receive a small commission for referring.

 

52 thoughts on “Outdoor Garden Decor – Stencil Art

  1. Well that’s most definitely not ordinary in any way shape of form. What a novel idea. I love it Sara!!!! And so strange that you’ve never done a bird project before. Hopefully this one will be the first of many.

    • I know, right? Hard to believe I’ve been bird-less up until now. I think I have some catching up to do – lol!

    • Thank you Anita! It’s so nice to be able to reuse some of that outdoor fabric. My husband buys fabric like I buy shoes. We’ve got way too much :).

    • Thanks Janet; I love decorating for outdoors. Just wish our season was longer here in Canada!

  2. Thank you for sharing this ingenious and lovely idea! I love birds and botanical prints. This is a creative way of sharing them both.
    Cutting Edge Stencils are my favorite. Thanks for sharing the giveaway.

    • This is my first time using Cutting Edge Stencils, but I’m impressed by the quality and the selection really inspires my creativity. Now I just have to decide where this piece is going to stay 🙂

  3. I really like you stencil/frame on the Brick wall. The color of the frame and brick are great together. I think hanging it with the mirror on the fence (even though you have the color green) doesn’t look right. I don’t think the wood frame with the green framed mirror go well side by side.

    • Thanks Kathy – that’s exactly what I was thinking too, but it’s always nice to get a second opinion! I’m loving the curb appeal it adds in the front. I’m already kicking around some ideas for the back :).

  4. Sara, I love this outdoor art piece. It is simple, unique and beautiful. Thank you for sharing. I loved the video, too.

    • Deana – thanks so much for your comment and especially for watching the video. It’s so lovely to get feedback on that; I’ve been working on improving 🙂

  5. I love the stencil and the brick go well together pinned

    • I’ve never been fond of the brick but somehow the artwork has made me re-think that :).

  6. I love the idea of art in a garden! My favourite stencil is the Chinoiserie with berries wall stencil. I love Chinoiserie wall paper so this is a great alternative.

  7. This is beautiful! I love it against the brick although it looks great on the fence, too.
    The farmhouse/cottage stencils are my favorite. They have some beautiful stencils! Now I have tons of creative ideas floating around in my head.

  8. Oh my goodness, too hard to choose…but if I HAD to pick one, I could choose the Gather sign. I could see that on a pillow or a sign or a lazy Susan or a table…etc…Or those Christmas trees are pretty neat, too! Thanks for the chance and love your project!!

    • I know, right? It IS hard to chose. Good luck in the draw!

  9. What a brilliant idea. The art looks great against the brick!
    Pinning.
    Have a great day,
    Kippi

    • Thanks Kippi! I love how it looks against the brick too!

  10. It says the contest end in April. Plus even though I subscribe to birdzofafeather I don’t have an instagram account. Is the contest over? Thanks. Susan from Newmarket

    • Good grief Susan – I can’t believe you’re the only person that has pointed that out. Thanks so much; that’s definitely a typo. The contest ends August 31st – lots of time to enter!

    • So glad you entered Ellen; great choice! Good luck in the draw 🙂

  11. Patchwork Tiles is my favorite and I would use it to stencil my kitchen backsplash.

  12. Loving your garden art! If I could pick a stencil or would be the Grande Chrysanthimum…I think it would be striking on my deck.

    • Thanks Maria! I wasn’t sure if stencilling would even work on outdoor fabric but it turned out better than I imagined.

  13. I love framed art outside; yours is gorgeous! It’s hard to choose, but since I’m getting ready to start work on my master bedroom I think I’ll pick the birch all over stencil. I wanting a deep forest look. Thank you!

    • I love that stencil Bridget; I’ve been thinking about making over our master bedroom too! Good luck in the draw!

  14. I want to make a “canvas painting” for a friend with the Sugar Skull stencil. She has dogs, or I’d like the Gato Muerto one.
    Love your style.

    • Thanks so much! I’ve been eyeing the sugar skull stencil too for a project 🙂

  15. Such a fun project! I like the Rabat all over Moroccan stencil and would love to use it in my bathroom.

    • Thanks Adrienne! That would be awesome in a bathroom. We wanted to put moroccan tiles in my mom’s recent bathroom reno but they weren’t available when we went to buy them. This is so much better!

  16. I love all your stencil work! Beautiful for outdoors. I love the Christmas stencils. I would make Christmas gifts with them!

    • Thanks Pam! Great idea to plan now for Christmas. Good luck in the draw!

  17. Wow, I am blown away by the huge choice of stencils available. This is a project I have been eyeing for years but not sure if I could do it. Now I am ready to try. Thank you for introducing me to the world of stencils. Too many designs to choose from but I must say as soon as I saw the 3pc. Palm Fronds Kit done on the black wall I knew this was the one I had to try. I have planned a black wall for my bedroom behind the bed in my new house I am building in Mexico for our retirement and know it just has to have these palm fronds. But… I also see them in the front entrance foyer! Or maybe the guest 2 PC. Bathroom! Would it be to much to have Palm fronds all over the house? Not capable of making a decision, might have to try them all! Hmmm, maybe on the outside side wall between my house and neighbour. Or over the bar area in the outdoor patio!. No, maybe the end of the hallway on the little blank end wall! Or……

    • I would try it in one area first; might be too much of a good thing to have palm fronds all over the house because then it’s not as special – lol. I know you can do it; if I can, you can too!!! Good luck in the draw Sandra!

  18. Great job❗️👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
    We have a large piece of stained glass hanging on our front porch❗️We vote yes to artwork❗️

    • Thanks Christina! I always vote yes to artwork – lol. You front porch stained glass must look lovely. Do you make stained glass? I don’t have any stained glass outdoors yet, but I have made a few pieces for inside – here if you’re interested in checking it out: http://birdzofafeather.ca/tag/stained-glass-decor/

  19. Definitely front door. Looks fabulous. You are so very talented.

  20. Beautiful!!!! Thanks so much for sharing. Loved it in the backyard but when I saw it against the brick, I loved it even more. I had picked up some old frames on a morning walk a couple of years back, I’ve used for different projects but the largest one has just been hanging out, time to create. Love, love, love this!!!

  21. I love the artwork.I new to your blog and been looking at your older projects and I’m hooked! I’ve never used cutting edge stencils and it’s extremely hard to pick just one it would be otomi or the mudcloth stencil

    • You really can’t go wrong with anything you pick; great choices Lori! Good luck in the draw.

Leave a Reply