Abstract: For applying embossed patterns on rough-textured surfaces, particularly ceilings, a simple process utilizes readily available inexpensive materials. Portions of a thin plastic sheeting are cut away to form a compliant stencil with the required pattern openings. The compliant stencil is attached temporarily to the textured surface with a non-setting adhesive, applied typically to the compliant stencil but optionally to the textured surface, and is then urged into close compliance with the textured surface by a roller and/or by hand. After applying the setting-type embossing material, typically troweled to a desired thickness, the stencil is removed along with surplus embossing material, leaving the embossing material bonding to the textured surface, cleanly defining the embossed pattern in the regions that were defined by the stencil.