Transform an ordinary surface into a work of art! Add incredible beauty and elegance to your home with Painted Illusions. Stencil master Melanie Royals provides the instruction and inspiration you need to create remarkable painted effects that fool the eye. Even if you've never painted before, you can achieve professional-quality results with these simple stencil techniques and Royal's easy-to-follow direction. Through 19 step-by-step projects, you'll learn to create beautiful wall finishes that mimic fabrics such as linen, batik, and damask as well as trompe l'oeil effects on floors, tables and mantelpieces. Each project uses stencils, so there are no difficult painting techniques to master. Once you learn the basic principles and skills, there is no limit to the way you can apply textures, designs, and patterns throughout your home for a sophisticated, elegant look.