While Beginner Decorating with Stenciling: Manor House Style does not reveal how to make stencils from scratch--and the stencils shown on the program are for sale from the vendor--this isn't one of those ghastly tapes that is just a glorified infomercial. Demonstrations of stenciling techniques such as pouncing, edging, overlaying stencils, and ghosting are clearly presented, while viewers are reassured that stenciling supplies can be very simple (indeed, we are told that only two sizes of brushes will take care of much of the work, and one mural is shown in an elegant monochrome that would be a snap for the color-impaired). In addition to reassuring beginners that a great deal of skill with the brush is not necessary, the program also points out what not to do and shows how to clean up mistakes. Unfortunately, the producers need help with their written content. From the mangled prose on the video box to the onscreen graphic warning that the tape is protected under “copywrite” laws, it fails to create a literate first impression. Still, the tape itself is well-done and is recommended for public libraries. Aud: P. (R. Reagan)
Beginner Decorating with Stenciling: Manor House Style
(2001) 35 min. $29.95. Manor House Designs. PPR. Color cover. ISBN: 0-9714120-0-6. Volume 17, Issue 4
Beginner Decorating with Stenciling: Manor House Style
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