You put the stencil on the cake and use 2 or 3 toothpicks to secure it on. You can either use powdered sugar...Sprinkle it on the stencil which is directly on the cake itself. OR you can put the stencil over fondant and use spreadable frosting like buttercream and you use a small spatula to cover the stencil area you want. When done you pick up the stencil. You can search the web for videos on cake stenciling for help... ♠Good luck if you decide to bid...♠