I’ve always loved boxes — my home is filled with them. So I decided to decorate one of my own using stencils — cat-themed, of course!

Instructions

1. Give the box a good sanding to get rid of any rough spots.
2. Paint the box with two or three coats. Let it dry completely before you start stenciling.
3. Position the stencil where you want it, and gently tape it down so it doesn’t move around.
4. Dip the stencil brush in contrasting paint color and remove any excess paint by dabbing the brush on a paper towel.
5. Start applying paint at the edges of the stencil, working toward the center with a light up-and-down tapping motion. (Using a side-to-side movement will cause the paint to bleed under the stencil.)
6. Let dry, then fill with plants of your choice.

What you’ll need:

• Wooden box
• Craft paint
• Cat-themed stencil
• Paint brush
• Stencil brush
• Masking tape