I used thin clear plastic sheet when I made border around 1 room. I have 2 stencil books handy & 1 has cardboard stencils in it that are coated so shiny. Other book by Plaid suggests clear cut stencil blanks I think they are about same size as sheet of typing paper. By using clear stencils you can see where you are working & have been so your design will flow. Be sure to use patio paints or outdoor paints.Spouncers(I call them pouncers) or a stencil brush works well. It is very stiff comes in several sizes so larger one for main part of flowers & leaves & smaller for shading. It's probably easiest way to do it. BE sure to have supply of paper towels as you want to get paint on brush & then pounce lightly on paper towel to even out paint for a nice project.Pouncers or stiff brushes go straight down in paint, paint should not be all over the brush just on the bottom end of bristles & you move it straight up & down on table on your stencil(never sideways-will just smear) Sounds like a fun & beautiful project! When finished I would spray it with 2-3 coats of Krylon matte, satin or shiny which ever finish you like best. Have fun. Jan

I used to do a lot of this. You want very absorbent paper so copy paper won't be so good. I tried everything but the best and cheapest was old paperback books. Not the fancy kind by university presses but cheap books which many people are all too happy to give away. Just spread the word among your friends and groups you belong to. I put each flower in a Kleenex-type tissue to avoid ink bleed and could stuff quite a few flowers in each book. Then make sure they are weighted down with anything heavy--rocks, big books, whatever. Worked like a charm and cost nothing except the Kleenex. A fun project for you and the kids and you really can make beautiful pictures.

Hi Kim, I bought something just like those at my local walmart this year, they were actually supposed to be gift tags. They have all ifferent shapes and colors, right? I picked them up and have them stored in the fridge until I figure out what I'm going to do with them. I can check and let you know where there made if you'd like. Lisa

I have tried the "every day" photopaper that has a bit of gloss to it. It is still pretty heavy - and you really need to let it dry at least 24 hours -or you will smear it. I had the best luck with cardstock. It printed nice and sharp and wasn't a bear to fold. I tool the printed wrapper and taped it to the bar (on the back flat part)- then I folded (but didn't crease) it around the bar and taped it again.