How-To

Stenciled Hawaiian Flower Cushions, Lauhala Mats

Stenciled floral motifs patterned after Hawaiian quilts turn a porch into an open-air retreat.
Martha Stewart Living, August 2009

Store-bought lounge cushions get a splash of cool hues, and umber tones grace the mats, woven from hala-tree leaves.

Stenciled Hawaiian Flower Cushions and Lauhala Mats How-To
1. Download the naupaka-flower template, and print it, resizing it as needed.

2. Make a stencil: Lay the printout on waterproof or stencil paper (you may need to tape a few sheets together to make a stencil large enough for the cushions), and tape them to a cutting mat.

3. Cut out the motif with a craft knife; discard printout and motif cutout. Place stencil on a cushion or mat, and dab fabric paint (for cushion) or acrylic paint (for mat) inside stencil with a natural sponge. Let dry before shifting stencil to repeat. (The stenciled Hawaiian-print bed linens also use this technique.)