Abstract: A template for creating designs upon a surface. The template has apertures that are so positioned and shaped as to create the desired design upon the surface after such apertures have been filled with mud and the template has been removed. The template is a substantially planar structure which has a thickness equal to the desired depth for the desired three-dimensional design and adequate length and width to accommodate the length and width of the desired design and which is substantially impervious to the mud. Optionally, the template the template is permanently shaped so that when the template has been placed in position for the creation of the design, no gap will exist between the template and the surface upon which the design is to be placed. One or more edges of the template may be shaped to accommodate the shape of a structure which is on or rises from the surface on which the design is to be applied and which is adjacent to the location where the design is to be placed.