What can I make with this stencil?
Tips & technique
Paint the bell body first and leave the holly sprig until last with an almost dry brush, because small leaf shapes flood before anything else on the design. The scalloped rim is what stops it looking like a plain dome, so keep those curves crisp and the whole design lifts. Two overlapping bells at slightly different sizes look far better than one centred bell — offset them and tilt one slightly.
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Frequently asked questions
What size should a bell stencil be?
A4 for walls and wrapping paper, 40–50% for cards, 25–30% for tags and napkins. Don't go below about 25% or the scallops close up.
What colour works best?
Gold or warm brass on a dark background is the classic. A single deep red on cream is quietly elegant and more forgiving.
Can I stencil this onto fabric napkins?
Yes — fabric paint, heat-set with an iron. Wash and dry the fabric first so it can't shrink around the design later.
Does it work as a repeating pattern?
Very well. Alternate upright and slightly tilted bells on a diagonal grid for wrapping paper that looks shop-bought.