Casablanca Headboard {Part One!}

I've had some delays in starting my headboard project, but I finally got it underway this weekend! I am SO excited at how it's looking already! If you remember, I was given a free stencil from Cutting Edge Stencils for this project. I started out with a big sheet of 1 inch MDF and had Home Depot cut it down to the size I wanted. {One less thing to do at home!} Next I painted two coats of white paint. I let it dry completely and the next day, started on my stenciling!Cutting Edge Stencils sends you detailed instructions with your product, complete with pictures! They also tell you what tools you'll need to get the best results possible. For my project they included a clip on level {See it at the bottom of the stencil? So helpful!} and the mini roller I would need.

I leveled my stencil, and used painter's tape to secure it in place. I ordered a free paint sample from Valspar a few weeks ago when they were giving them away! I was able to scrape the sides of the jar clean and complete the whole project with the sample size {which I think is about $3 in store}. This is "thunder gray" in Valspar from Lowe's. It also came with a $5 coupon off a gallon of paint, and a tiny roller and tray. Quite the free deal!

I took a picture about halfway through, but I have completed all of my stenciling now. The next step is to start the framework!

I was amazed at how easy this stencil was to use. I followed the directions, and took to heart when they said "it's better to have not enough paint on your roller than too much" and I had NO BLEED THROUGH under the stencil!! I did two light coats of the gray, and I am LOVING it! Don't forget, that once I'm finished I'll be doing my first giveaway! One lucky reader will win a $40 credit to pick their own stencil from Cutting Edge Stencils!