Choose a stencil design to start practicing the technique. A simple shape such as a circle is a good starting point.
Secure the stencil to a sheet of paper using painter's tape. This tape works well because it doesn't take away paint from a surface.
Pour a quarter-sized amount of paint on a paper plate and gently dip the brush into the paint so that only the tips are covered.
Swirl the brush on the paper towels to evenly distribute the paint onto the bristles. This ensures there is not too much paint loaded on the brush, which can make the look of the stencil become sloppy.
Lay down the base color in the window of the stencil with a light swirling motion. Wait for the color to dry. For the circle, lay down the color evenly across the window.
Load the next color in the stenciling brush using the above method. Choose a darker color than the one for the base coat rather than plain black paint.
Apply the paint near the edges of the stencil to create a dark area, before applying any other colors.
Make any details of the stencil -- using a paintbrush -- including lines, highlights and texture.
Lift and reapply the stencil slightly offset from the original design to make a drop shadow.
Apply a gray color near the very edge of the stencil, only on one side. This effect will make a light shadow and give the stencil some visual depth.