Simple Stenciled Basket
![Stenciled Bathroom Basket Stenciled Bathroom Wicker Basket Beauty Shot](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2010/11/8/1/original-Marian-Parsons_bathroom-stenciled-basket-beauty_s4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1400956683718.jpeg)
![](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/editorial/profiles/professionals/P/Marian-Parsons_professional-headshot.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.91.91.85.suffix/1434653664219.jpeg)
Materials Needed:
- willow basket
- dark walnut wood stain
- chip brush
- clean rag
- satin polyurethane spray
- 1" round, stiff-bristled brush
- blank stencil
- permanent marker
- craft knife
- cutting board or mat
- painter's tape
- cream acrylic or latex paint
- computer with word processor
- printer
Stain and Seal Basket
Using a chip brush, apply dark walnut wood stain to entire basket, inside and out. Work in small sections, wiping off excess with a clean rag. Allow to dry until stain is no longer tacky. This may take several hours. Once dry, spray a coat of satin polyurethane over entire basket. Allow time to dry.
![Stain and Seal Basket Paintbrush Applying Stain to Wicker Basket](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2011/2/23/5/Original_Marian-Parsons-Bathroom-Basket-Step-1_s4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1400962344120.jpeg)
Make Custom Stencil
Using a computer, design stencil in a word processor program and print. (Old English font in 400 point was used for this project.) The design can be a monogram, significant date or random typography. Using a permanent marker, trace printed design on blank stencil. Tip: Simple lettering is best for a custom-cut stencil.
![Using a computer, design stencil in a word processor program and print. (Old English font in 400 point was used for this project.) The design can be a monogram, significant date or random typography.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2011/2/23/6/Original_Marian-Parsons-Bathroom-Basket-Step-2_s4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1400963415089.jpeg)
![Using a permanent marker, trace printed design on blank stencil. Tip: Simple lettering is best for a custom-cut stencil.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2011/2/23/6/Original_Marian-Parsons-Bathroom-Basket-Step-3_s4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1400963663626.jpeg)
Cut Stencil
Use a sharp craft knife to cut stencil on traced lines. Protect work surface by using a cutting board or mat.
![Cut Personalized Stencils With Craft Knife Cutting Stencil With Craft Knife](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2011/2/23/2/Original_Marian-Parsons-Bathroom-Basket-Step-4_s3x4.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.822.85.suffix/1400961241771.jpeg)
Stencil Design
Tape stencil into place with painter's tape. Dip a 1-inch-round, stiff-bristled paintbrush into cream acrylic or latex paint. Remove excess paint on a paper towel, leaving brush mostly dry. Hold brush perpendicular to basket surface and apply paint with a pouncing motion. Remove stencil and allow paint to dry.
![Tape stencil into place with painter's tape. Dip a 1-inch-round, stiff-bristled paintbrush into cream acrylic or latex paint. Remove excess paint on a paper towel, leaving brush mostly dry.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2011/2/23/6/Original_Marian-Parsons-Bathroom-Basket-Step-5_s4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1400963703428.jpeg)
![Hold brush perpendicular to basket surface and apply paint with a pouncing motion. Remove stencil and allow paint to dry.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2011/2/23/6/Original_Marian-Parsons-Bathroom-Basket-Step-6_s4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1400963455041.jpeg)
![Simple Stenciled Wicker Basket Bathroom Basket With Stenciled Lettering & Toilet Paper](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2010/11/8/3/original-Marian-Parsons-bathroom-basket-beauty-2_s3x4.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.822.85.suffix/1400958161577.jpeg)