Found a stencil at Home Depot (a good source for so many things), and bought some inexpensive fabric paint at JoAnn's. I'm not spending big bucks on either stencils or paint while I'm still in this learning curve. However, I think the results came out rather nice. Only thing left to do is some beading, and accent stitching.
Here is the front, showing the stencil I used. The tuna can I used as a weight to hold down one end of the stencil sheet while I applied the paint. Very handy things, tuna cans. It also shows why I bought a rotary cutter, which will help clean up the edges of the binding strips. Trying to cut them with regular scissors works, but not very well.
Closeup of the stencil pattern, and my not so great embroidery stitches.
Back of the bolero.
I really like this stencil design, and if I'd had it before I started the bolero, I probably would have made it an all-over pattern. So, that's something to play around with for next time.
Also, just for fun, I am going to start adding my own garment tags to the inside neckline. It will be the same cartouche design I use on my drawings and paintings.
These tank tops and boleros, made from freebie pet food promo T-shirts that my husband brings home, are really fun, easy to make, and great little canvasses for all kinds of embellishments.
