I use a marker bought at Hobby Lobby to make the drawings and to write with. I don't use stencils for anything. I am thinking about it to help with tougher designs, but so far I just use a fine tip marker made by Faber-Castel. When you try some different markers or inks, always check on a scrap piece of wood to see if it will run when you apply a finish coat.
I have 4 drying right now and hope to get some pics up in a day or two.