Checkerboard Stencl

• Checkerboard Tiles
  
  Create a stencil to make a checkerboard pattern with a strip running down the center of the stencil. Create five cutouts to match the shape of your tiles in a vertical 2-1-2 pattern. As you place the stencil on the mosaic tile, you'll have three rows of three tiles per checkerboard. Two tiles will be visible on the first row, separated by one tile between them. The center tile will be open on the second row and the third row will be just like the first. Tape the stencil on top of the mosaic tiles and then fill in the design with paint and a stencil brush. Stencil artists use very little paint and a swirling technique to keep the paint between the lines of the stencil. Stencil a border with the checkerboard pattern around windows, doors and along base and ceiling trim work.
  
  

Swirl

• Create a swirl stencil for a vine to wrap around the perimeters of your mosaic tile floor, wall or backsplash. Draw an elongated S design horizontally on an 8.5-by-11-inch sheet of card stock. Make the S 3/8-inches wide and have it fill the paper. Cut the S design out to make your stencil. Place the S on top of a row of tiles. Trace the outline of the tile in the center of each swirl and the one on the opposite side of the swirl line, equally distant from the line as the center tile. Cut out space for the four tiles to finish your stencil. You may be able to find ready-made stencils that you can layer to create your design.
  
  

Greek Key

• Greek Key Mosaic Tiles
  
  Print a Greek key pattern, trace it onto a sheet of card stock and cut out the design to create a stencil for your mosaic tiles. With straight lines and crisp edges this style translates beautifully onto the smallest mosaic tiles. Fill in the design with color that contrasts with the tiles. Glass or enamel paint works best on slick mosaic tiles.