Aleks Melnyk No.414 Metal Stencil, Geometric Shapes with Definition, Small Stencil, 1 PCS, Template for Wood Burning, Engraving, Crafting, Scrapbook

Exactly what I wanted

This is an objectively beautiful item that I would want to own whether or not I used stencils. TIP: If you are shopping for children (5+), consider also, in this line, the Hearts stencil and the Halloween figures stencil. MY GOALS: - Labeled shapes on a stencil for use by kids (3-8 yo) coloring in small 6" x 8" (or A5) notebooks. - Sturdy and easy to use with colored pencils. - EXTRA POINTS FOR: Pleasing to the eye. Exudes quality and precision manufacture. IMPRESSIONS: I'm thoroughly pleased with this classy, attractive, sturdy and well-labeled stencil. It usefully includes a large number of basic shapes at a consistent 1" size, or thereabouts. It's not ideal for the youngest of children, due to its thinness. LIMITATIONS FOR YOUNG KID USE: It's thin profile will make it more challenging to "stay within the edge" of a shape, for kids with less pencil experience. Also, the 3-year-old I know will try to bend something like this. I do think this stencil is very strong and sturdy, esp given how thin it is. I would not call it easy to bend, and it seems to have good "memory" for its original shape. That said, it would not stand up some 3-year-olds without constant supervision. PRICE: I paid a little over $7, after a 10% off coupon, if I recall correctly. This seems an excellent price for this useful well-made stencil, and mix it affordable to someone like me. If I used these professionally, this brand of handsome stainless steel stencils would be my go-to even at full price. I found only one true competitor for my particular needs. It was a more kid-friendly and kid-proof thick, sturdy clear plastic, at under $4. It's about the same size, 5"x7", with instructively labeled shapes about the same size. I own that one too, and the kids haven't broken it or bent it out of shape, yet. I love that each 3/4” - 1" shape is identified with its full and proper name, for the kids just learning (or for adults on more obscure shapes). There are a couple shapes where Americans may use a different term than what's printed (for the UK market?).

The metal stencils work much better than plastic. I wish they had more options.

Nothing especially noteworthy but it does what I bought it to do. It lays flat and the lines are all correct.

It's ok, I just didn't realize how small the shapes would be. It would be nice if they made one twice the size.

Smaller than hoped for yet good material used for durability.