"Painting this birdcage motif is a snap, thanks to a goof-proof stencil ($26; 9"Wx14"H; designerstencils.com). Simply center the stencil on the front side of a bamboo shade- ours cost $21.50 at pearlriver.com- so that the top of the design lines up with the top of the shade; secure with painter's tape. Following the stencil package directions, use a stencil brush ($1.99; joann.com) and acrylic paint to gently tamp the design onto the shade. Let dry for 30 minutes, then apply a second coat. Wait another 30 minutes before carefully removing the stencil. Allow the shade to dry for an hour before hanging.
-Laura Fenton" (Country Living July/August 2010)
*photography via Country Living
