Any ideas on how to make home made, DIY stencils ?

https://www.pinterest.com/explore/making-stencils/

This Hometalker had a a great idea, she printed the design that she wanted to use and cut it out on stencil paper: http://www.hometalk.com/diy/outdoor/porches/diy-floor-stencil-9228881?expand_all_questions=1

This Hometalker used paper: http://www.hometalk.com/diy/paint/diy-wall-stencil-2957294?expand_all_questions=1

I made stencils out of light weight Mylar that I got at the art store. At that time I 'cut' the image I wanted with a wood burning tool. I wanted the softer edges. I have also cut stencils with an exacto knife (spell check says I did not spell that right!!) It makes a sharper edge.

Stencil burners are inexpensive at your local craft store. Print out the design or lettering, on to paper and then place it under a piece of glass, place the mylar over the top of the glass so that you can see the design through the sheet of plastic.

Now, simply trace the outline of the design on to the mylar sheet with the stencil burner. It's easy and fast to do.

Depending on how many times you will use the stencil, you can also cut them from contact paper. We did this to make t-shirt painting stencils for a Girl Guide camp.

Thanks Julie Ann! Good idea. I can always trace the letters on the paper.

I've often used transparencies for smaller stencils. For bigger ones, you can use thin vinyl you buy by the yard at a fabric store. For a nice thick one, try the kitchen cutting mats from the dollar store. I always use reposition-able spray glue on the back to make sure it doesn't lift. You can move it several times before you have to respray.

The plastic piece under your store bought bacon is excellent to make your own stencils on.

Your very welcome.

When I needed some for doing my bathroom, I went to the dollar store and bought clear rollable cutting boards. They were I think 3 in a package for $1.25... I drew the design i wanted in a sketch pad from pictures I chose from the internet and then put the plastic over top and traced ont it with a fine tipped marker and then used an exacto knife. That way I got exactly what I wanted( bamboo...I copied from pictures of wallpaper)

I love all the suggestions here but I was in desperate need of something large and heavy to use for stenciling on concrete. I went out on a journey and started walking the isles of my local variety store Freds. I actually found 2 things I could use , cheap plastic table placemats, though they weren't quite big enough for me. What did work was those clear vinyl rug protection runners. They are sold by the section in a roll, and good and thick, so I was able to get what I needed. Just traced my pattern on there and used a box cutter to cut it out!

Another good idea! Thanks Lora