How to Make Stencils with Dollar Tree Cutting Mats

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How to Make Stencils with Dollar Tree Cutting Boards! Make the perfect paint stencils using cutting boards from Dollar Tree. I love making my own reusable stencils, but stencil material can get pricy--Dollar Tree crafts are the BEST! I love finding things at the dollar store that I can use for something entirely different than its intended purpose.

How to Make Stencils with Dollar Tree Cutting Mats!

Make the perfect paint stencils using chopping mats from Dollar Tree.

I love making my own reusable stencils, but stencil material can get pricy--Dollar Tree crafts are the BEST!

I love finding things at the dollar store that I can use for something entirely different than its intended purpose--plus, they are nearly free crafts!

Supplies Needed for DIY Stencils:

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Set of 2 Flexible Chopping Mats from Dollar Tree (you can buy these online if you buy 4 packages)
Cricut Maker
Deep Point Blade + Housing
Strong Grip Mat
Painters Tape
Plaid Craft Paint
Plaid Stencil Paint Brush

Supplies Needed for DIY Stencils: Set of 2 Flexible Chopping Mats from Dollar Tree (you can buy these online if you buy 4 packages) Cricut Maker Deep Point Blade + Housing Strong Grip Mat Painters Tape Plaid Craft Paint Plaid Stencil Paint Brush

Step 1: Set Up

First things first. Begin by selecting a stencil image in Cricut Design Space.

I just typed in "stencil" and picked one of the first few pictures I found, it's important that the images are designed for stencils so they translate better.

Stencils are made so that you can paint or draw in the space that is cut out and then the stencil is removed.

The part of the cutting mat that will be useful is the negative space.

Then set one chopping mat on the strong grip Cricut mat.

Step 1: Set Up Begin by selecting a stencil image in Cricut Design Space. I just typed in "stencil" and picked one of the first few pictures I found. Then set one chopping mat on the strong grip Cricut mat.

Then tape around the 3 edges with cheap blue painters tape to hold the edges down firmly to the mat.

The cutting mat hangs off the base of the mat a bit, so no need to tape that edge.

Then tape around the 3 edges with painters tape. The cutting board/chopping mat hangs off the base of the mat a bit, so no need to tape that edge.

Step 2: Deep Point Blade

Switch out the fine point blade from your Cricut Machine and replace it with the deep point blade.

It's in a black housing, so it's easy to tell apart.

You can see the angle of the blade is much sharper, so it's going to cut a bit deeper.

No need to use the knife blade though.

Step 2: Deep Point Blade Switch out the fine point blade from your Cricut Machine and replace it with the deep point blade. It's in a black housing, so it's easy to tell apart. You can see the angle of the blade is much sharper, so it's going to cut a bit deeper. No need to use the knife blade though.

The blade tools are so easy to change out of the machine.

Just pull the tab to open, slip in the deep point blade and then click the tab back in place.

Step 3: Cut Stencil

Select "stencil film 0.4mm" as the cutting surface. (you can do a small test cut first to make sure the depth is right for your cutting mat)

(settings will likely be different with mylar stencils)

Slide the image over on the mat a little bit, so it cuts on a larger surface rather than smooshing it into the top corner of the subject lines.

This will make the end result of using the stencil with paint easier.

Click "make it" and then click the start button on the machine.

Do not remove the mat when it is done cutting.

Step 3: Cut Stencil Select "stencil film 0.4mm" as the cutting surface. Slide the image over on the mat a little bit, so it cuts on a larger surface rather than smooshing it into the top corner. This will make using the stencil with paint easier. Click "make it" and then click the start button on the machine. Do not remove the mat when it is done cutting.

When it's done with one pass, it's not cut all the way through.

DO NOT REMOVE THE MAT!

Instead, just click the "start" or "go" button again to go over the cut again.

This will cut the same image in the exact same place.

If you remove the mat, there's a chance it won't line back up properly and the cut lines will be unaligned.

When it's done with one pass, it's not cut all the way through. DO NOT REMOVE THE MAT! Instead, just click the "start" or "go" button again. This will cut the same image in the exact same place. If you remove the mat, there's a chance it won't line back up properly.

Once it cuts a second pass, AGAIN, DO NOT REMOVE THE MAT!

But carefully use the hook tool try to pull out a piece of the stencil that has been cut, to see if the plastic chopping mat has cut all the way through.

In this case, after 2 passes, it has not. (check your cutting mat each time to see if the cut has gone all the way through the plastic)

So click the "go" button again and let it cut again...but don't stop there...it's going to need about 4 passes.

Once it cuts a second pass, DO NOT REMOVE THE MAT! But carefully use the hook tool and see if the plastic chopping mat has cut all the way through. In this case, after 2 passes, it has not. So click the "go" button again and let it cut again.

This chopping mat cutting board needed 4 passes to cut all the way through.

Just keep checking in between passes, so you don't cut through your Cricut Mat.

Then peel the newly cut stencil from the mat, no transfer tape or carrier sheet needed.

Unpeel the tape and discard it.

This chopping mat cutting board needed 4 passes to cut all the way through. Just keep checking in between passes, so you don't cut through your Cricut Mat. Then peel the newly cut stencil from the mat. Unpeel the tape and discard it.

Sometimes a piece or two will stay stuck in the stencil.

It's not necessary to run another pass with the machine, but just use a hobby knife and gently loosen the areas that are stuck by cutting through the same line that the machine cut.

It's typically just a corner or curve that didn't quite cut through, so it's a simple fix.

Sometimes a piece or two will stay stuck in the stencil. It's not necessary to run another pass with the machine, but just use a hobby knife and gently loosen the areas that are stuck. It's typically just a corner or curve that didn't quite cut through, so it's a simple fix.

Awesome, right!?

I love making my own reusable stencils--you can share them, use them at events so everyone gets beautiful results, stencil paint walls or furniture, etc. (Check out this furniture stencil and stain project)

I've used them on tote bags (Tropical Tote Bags Summer Camp Craft), shirts, front door mats and even cake!

Yes, check out this post on making a cake stencil.

Awesome, right!? I love making my own reusable stencils--you can share them, use them at events so everyone gets beautiful results, stencil paint walls or furniture, etc. (Check out this furniture stencil and stain project) I've used them on tote bags (Tropical Tote Bags Summer Camp Craft), shirts, front door mats and even cake! Yes, check out this post on making a cake stencil.

Step 4: Use the Stencil

Now let's use the chopping board stencil made with the Cricut.

Get out your favorite Plaid FolkArt paints and a stencil brush.

Stencil brushes are stiff and stick straight out, making it perfect for daubing on a stencil so the paint doesn't go under the stencil.

Many people have good luck using a spray adhesive on the back of the stencil to keep it in place while painting. I prefer not to have a sticky back, so I do not spray it with adhesive.

Step 4: Use the Stencil Now let's use the stencil. Get out your favorite Plaid FolkArt paints and a stencil brush. Stencil brushes are stiff and stick straight out, making it perfect for daubing on a stencil so the paint doesn't go under the stencil.

Just daub the paint on the stencil in an "up and down" movement, don't push or pull--as this can push paint under the plastic stencil.

Repeat for the green paint.

Work carefully where the pink and green are close together, so they don't mix together.

I'm just practicing this out on cardboard, but it turned out absolutely beautiful!

It's so fun to make your own stencils and you can get at least 2 big stencils or a bunch of smaller ones with one package of flexible chopping mats from Dollar Tree--super cost effective!

This handmade stencil is an easy way to add some fun elements to an open concept room, an open shelf, an open layout or transforming a space into a fancy fancy room.

I'm just practicing this out on cardboard, but it turned out absolutely beautiful! It's so fun to make your own stencils and you can get at least 2 big stencils or a bunch of smaller ones with one package of flexible chopping mats from Dollar Tree--super cost effective!

The stencil is sharp and clear!

This cute stencil would look amazing on a cake, tote bag or even just a plain gift bag or wrapping paper.

Now that you've discovered that you can make your own stencils, I'm sure you have so many fun ideas in your head.

I'm sure it's not just me, my mind thinks of way more projects to make than I have time for--anyone else have that mad hatter magic?

I love opening new avenues of resources...more that you can do with your craft skills, tools and arsenal.

Now that you've discovered that you can make your own stencils, I'm sure you have so many fun ideas in your head. I'm sure it's not just me. I love opening new avenues of resources...more that you can do with your craft skills, tools and arsenal.

Now just wash off the stencil with some warm water and soap and it's ready to use again and again and again.

Easy to clean, easy to use on paper, cardboard, walls or fabric totes, pillowcases and more!

That's it!

It's easy and super cheap to make your own reusable stencils with Dollar Tree chopping mats and the Cricut!

Make them come to life with Plaid FolkArt paint and a stencil brush for best results.

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HERE'S A BUNCH OF OTHER FUN CRAFT POSTS YOU MIGHT LIKE:

How to Stencil a Doormat with Cricut and Freezer Paper!

Yes you can make stencils for custom doormats using a Cricut Machine!

This fun tutorial will teach you how to stencil a front porch rug or doormat using Cricut and freezer paper as an adhesive stencil.

Nothing is quite as fun and inviting on your front porch than a custom doormat. I originally posted this in September of 2020, but decided it needed a little updating, enjoy the pumpkins!

That's it! Making handmade or customized gifts for friends, family, neighbors and teachers is definitely my favorite projects. It doesn't require a lot of research to pick a fun image from the Cricut library and transform it into a work of art. Hope you are inspired by this post and are ready to stencil a doormat with Cricut and freezer paper for all the front porches in your life!

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Learn how to etch glass to make personalized Pyrex dishes--DIY etched casserole dishes are easy to make and versatile.

Etching newer Pyrex or equivalent glass baking dishes is a fun craft that adds a personalized custom finish. Makes a great gift too--fill it with a cake mix, some spatulas and a handmade card!

This craft is really quick too--make a custom glass dish with a vinyl stencil and transfer tape in less than 30 minutes!