My family lives across the country from grandparents. While my husband and I are Washingtonians, our kids are little Iowans. We love living in the Midwest, but we never forget that we came from the beautiful Pacific Northwest. It’s important to stay connected from a distance and that’s why I created this DIY Grandparent’s gift using the Stencil Revolution United States Map Outline Stencil. With just a few affordable craft items, I created a unique, thoughtful Love Across the Miles DIY Grandparent’s Gift called for Christmas, birthdays, Mother’s Day or Father’s Day. Plus, my older children could help!
Love Across the Miles DIY Grandparent’s Gift Using Stencil Revolution
Supplies
United States Map Outline 8.5 x 11 Stencil from Stencil Revolution
OR United States Map Stencil 8.5 x 11 from Stencil Revolution
Hearts, Clubs, Diamonds, Spades 5 x 6 Stencil from Stencil Revolution
Yellow Paint (or primary color of choice)
Red Paint
Newspaper to protect surface
Plate for paints
Favorite Quote. I used “I imagine a line, a white line, painted on the sand and on the ocean, from me to you.” ― Jonathan Safran Foer, Everything Is Illuminated
I have supplies listed with affiliate links from Amazon. If you order from these links, proceeds go to support my blog. Of course, you can find these items at any craft, big box, or even dollar store. I found my canvases in a pack at the local Ross Dress for Less. I also found that purchasing the paints in a set saved me money over time and that is why I have them linked to a bundle.
Set Up
- Find a flat, dry space to paint.
- Lay out newspaper to protect your surface.
- Place canvas on top of newspaper.
- Center your US Outline Stencil on your canvas.
- Use painters tape to keep stencil in place.
Tip: Practice on a flat piece of paper before using your canvas. This will help you get the hang of your tools and try out the stencil before committing to a canvas.
Love Across the Miles DIY Grandparent’s Gift Step By Step
Step 1:
Roll your roller in white paint. Holding your stencil flat as you go, roll the white paint across the canvas until all of the spaces are sufficiently filled with paint. Let paint fully dry.
This step is important because it creates a layer between your final paint color and your canvas that helps to keep the paint from bleeding. No matter what I tried, I never quite tackled paint bleed-over completely, but I still loved the finished product. If you are a perfectionist, this US map stencil with it’s tiny lines that do not want to lay flat may offer a challenge for you (and your kids). Consider using this US Map Stencil instead if this is the case. You may also want to use flat paper instead of a textured canvas for different results. I would love to try this stencil for next project to see if I can create cleaner lines!
Step 2:
While you wait for the white paint to dry, immediately wash your stencil and then dry it completely. Once the stencil dries, it becomes more difficult to remove without harming the delicate lines of the stencil.
Step 3:
With stencil still in place, use clean roller to roll main color across the canvas a second time. I also like to go over this with a paint sponge to intensify the color and fill in any gaps. Let paint fully dry.
Step 4:
Remove the US State Stencil and place one of the hearts on the second stencil over the state you want to highlight. Fill in the heart using red paint and a sponge brush. Repeat for any remaining states using the other hearts on the stencil. Let paint fully dry.
Step 5:
Immediately clean stencils to make for easier clean up.
Step 6:
Write quote along canvas using permanent marker. You could also try to stencil this on, but I think writing it adds a personal touch. If you have a child old enough to write, consider having them write a short quote or even just have your family members write their names on the canvas with “We Love You.”
Stencil Revolution
Thanks to Stencil Revolution for reaching out to me and inviting me to get creative with their high quality stencils! Their awesome team shipped out the stencils quickly and offered fast, friendly advice and tips when I needed support. You can also see some of my Mandala stencil experiments on my Instagram Account.
Disclosure: I received product in exchange for a product focus. All opinions are my own. Affiliate links are also included in this post. Proceeds go to support my blog.
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