by Tracia Ledford Williams

Visit a Colonial home and you'll notice the use of decorative painting. Wallpaper was very scarce and even paint was not readily available. In fact, the use of certain pigments indicated wealth. Stenciling adorned many surfaces but especially walls and ceilings. This project introduces stenciling on a fun decorative coaster in the traditional Pennsylvania Dutch style.

You will need:

• Pennsylvania Dutch stencil, or 4" Stencil of your choice
• 1" Stencil brushes for each color
• Glass and Tile Paint (Apple Candy Green, Mediterranean Blue, Chocolate, Red Red)
• Glass and Tile Clear Gloss Glaze
• Glass and Tile Surface Cleaner
• 41/4" x 41/4" White ceramic tile
• 3/4" Flat paintbrush
• Tacky glue
• Scissors
• 5" x 5" Piece of felt
• Masking tape
• Black pen for glass

• 1. Clean tiles with surface cleaner then paint an even coat of gloss glaze over the tile.
  
  
• 2. Glue felt to the back of the tile. When dry, trim felt even with edge of tile.
  
  
• 3. Position stencil on the tile and secure with masking tape. Dip stencil brush into paint then rub excess paint onto a paper towel. Using a circular motion, paint over the open areas of the stencil. Use a different brush for each color of paint. The following colors are given for the Pennsylvania Dutch design:
  
  

  Wreath and Leaves - Apple Candy Red
  Flowers - Mediterranean Blue
  Dots - Red Red

• 4. Allow paint to dry. Seal tile with clear gloss glaze and let dry. Add writing or outlines with the Black pen.

Optional: Make your own stencil by tracing a design onto clear contact paper. Cut out the areas to be stenciled then stick the contact paper onto the tile. Stencil with the colors of your choice. Carefully remove contact paper when paint has dried.