How is it 2021 already?! 2020 was a little different than we all expected and that comes with quite a few lessons learned. I wanted to spend the month of January really reflecting on what I plan to leave in 2020 so I can have a fresh start in the new year. 

Being forced to isolate makes you realize what is truly important and what you may have been taking for granted. As a way to celebrate the victories and commemorate the lessons, I wanted to create a little area in my home dedicated to displaying all the negative self-thoughts I’m leaving behind! After all, Hindsight is 2020! So here is my process of creating a framed display that I’m keeping on my desk during January with a little jar to keep all the ways of thinking that I am determined not to take into 2021.

This is a super simple way to create a visually stunning piece with minimal effort using DecoArt® Stencils On A Ring now available at shop.decoart.com. The Stencils have individual characters secured with a detachable jump ring which makes them incredibly easy to use. Each ring has an entire alphabet in capital and lowercase letters, numbers and even punctuation marks!

Items Needed:

• Black Cardstock Paper
• Two Small Sponges
• Paint Brush
• Frame
• Paint Pen
• Pen/paper
• Mason Jar

Instructions:

Start by gathering up your supplies and picking out the colors of paint you’d like to include. I chose DecoArt® Dazzling Metallics® in Shimmering Silver and Glorious Gold. They are super sparkly and will brighten up any black background.

Then pick out the font you want to use for your DecoArt® Stencils On A Ring. Here are three samples – we’ve got Sophisticated, Sea Dog, and Funky Flair. I chose Funky Flair! These Stencils make it so easy to put up a DIY quote on the wall without having to learn lettering!

Next, get your selected paints into your palette and get your sponges ready. I’m going for an ombre effect so I got my stencils all set up, held in place, and just sponged right onto the black card stock.

I try to hold down as still as possible and lightly dab the paint on top. Here, I used the Funky Flair lowercase stencils and the numbers to letter the quote “Hindsight 2020”.

Once that is complete, wait for it to dry completely. Add a cute frame and display next to an empty mason jar to fill with all the doubts and fears you want to leave in 2020!