How to Hand Stamp a Ceiling

Examine your room and determine what kind of design you want. Border designs tie the edges of the ceiling into your room without requiring you to decorate the entire ceiling. Checkerboard designs offer visual interest, but require more effort.

Choose a paint color and a stamp design. The paint color should coordinate with the rest of the room. For instance, if you love the pale green in your curtains and need more of it in your room, put it on the ceiling. Your stamp may be a simple square or can be novelty like a fleur de lis or an animal.

Cut one of the large panels from an old cereal box. Tape up the open lid flaps on the top of the box, creating a shallow cardboard tray. Cut a small, round hole in one end so you can hold the tray like a painter's palette.

Pour a little of your paint into the tray, just enough to make a small puddle. Place your stamp on the tray, also.

Place your stepladder at the edge of the room. No matter your design, start at the edges of the room to ensure continuity.

Gently press your stamp into the paint and blot it on a clean part of the tray. Center the stamp over the area you want to decorate and press firmly, straight up. Bring the stamp straight down. Repeat until the entire ceiling is decorated.