Do you remember when stenciled borders were in? I do. I had these great purple teddy-bears that matched my pastel hearts comforter. One of my sisters had a red heart pattern that went nicely with her NKOTB posters and the other sister had black bars that were intended to look like piano keys. Oh. Yeah. I don't feel too embarrassed about it since we were kids at the time, but some of you are still hangin' in there with your stenciled borders.

I'm of the persuasion that in general, stenciling is better left in embarrassing pictures of decor from the 80s and 90s. It really has no business existing in 2008. I suppose it's not fair to lump all types of stenciling into one group, but for my purposes consider the following examples.

Exhibit A

Ah yes, the garden flowers with fat bumble bee motif. Perfect for any craft room needing some color.



Exhibit B

Gardeners everywhere unite! Watch the sky for the watering can stenciled spotlight....that will be our cue to plant in empty flowerbeds everywhere!



Exhibit C

Classic pink flower vine border. It's the perfect way to make your master bedroom feel comfortable for your husband.



Exhibit D

No Stenciled house would be complete without the twirly vine heart pattern.



Exhibit E

This versatile pattern goes well over the doors or windows, over a mirror, or as a border.



Exhibit F

For the stenciler wanting a simpler, less flowery pattern, try using this lovely ribbon bow. Nothing says "welcome to my home" like ribbon wrapped gift walls



Exhibit G

The perfect look for any bathroom is a green ivy growing on the walls. It's especially useful to cover up any real green growing on the walls.



Exhibit H

Last, but not least, this pattern is perfect for the beach dweller in you. Finish this look off with a bowl of collected sand-dollars on your coffee table and your oceanside cottage look will be complete!