Freezer Paper Stencils (Part 2 of 3)

Then I spread the screenprint ink/paint over the top.
I have heard some people adding a fabric medium to acrylic paint to ensure proper adhesion. But every time I've gotten acrylic paint onto my clothes (mostly on accident) it NEVER comes out. So, I'm not at all sure of the necessity of the fabric medium if you choose to paint with acrylic. (Any pros with fabric painting experience or advice, please leave a comment!!)





Let that dry. All the way. Wash your screen too, so you can use it again.





I needed to create the 2 little red stripes that bowling pins have, so I cut out shapes to block off these areas on my design. I ironed the paper atop the existing design & paper.





Here is a picture showing the t-shirt covered & only two small stripes UNcovered & ready for painting.





Here is a photo AFTER I painted the 2 red stripes using spray-paint.

Of the 6 shirts I made, all of the red stripes "bled" into the white areas, except one. And the thing I did different on that one was to remove the paper right after spray painting. So I suggest doing that. And LIGHTLY apply the paint. I think I sprayed in excess on the others. Light coats. Repeat for darker color only when the first coat is dry.

Click HERE for part 3 of 3.

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DIY Screen Printing

Some of you have asked how I do my screen printing. Weeell, last year I found a tutorial on the Thread Banger blog & it is AWESOME! I've had so much fun with my new-found crafty knowledge!! So, in this post I'm just showing you pictures of my DIY screen printing journey, with my own tips listed along the way. But please VISIT HERE for the Thread Banger tutorial.

• I found all my embroidery hoops at thrift stores.
• I just use the "graphics" program 'PAINT' to draw up simple shapes to print out.
• The fabric I used is a sheer curtain fabric. At JoAnne's it's hung in the section with all those long round bolts of fabric hung horizontal on the racks, among all the decorative home decor fabrics.

• The Mod Podge part takes the longest. But, just take your time & get it all covered as evenly as you can & it'll be SOOOO worth it!

• I use Speedball Fabric Ink & ordered it online.
• I didn't have one of those fancy little screen printing squeegees, so I used a stiff piece of cardboard, & later reverted to my un-used laminated gym membership card. (haha!)

In the shop I have custom screen printed cupcake pillows & screen printed mushroom cards for sale. Look for more screen printed goodness coming soon!

• There are other methods of DIY screen printing I've seen that involve paper stencils.
• Screen printing Starter Kits are also available for sale.

Any questions? Please ask & I'll respond in the comments section so everyone gets to be part of any Q&A!

Happy Screen Printing!

Crafty Bits

I've been working on screeprinting my cupcake design onto fabric for a pillow & this was my first attempt. I don't like it. It's too busy with the patterned fabric. I also don't like that little "cupcake nipple" at the top. Do you see it? When I sew it next time I'll adjust that. SO, I'm thinking for round two I'll try the design on some plain felt & use a coordinating vintage print for the backside. Here's two that I'm working on now:

I'm LOVING this vintage print. It has bright pink, light pink, orange & tan bubbles all over it---perfect to go with this tan felt piece!!

BUT, I did do something right: I attached a fabric tag, complete with my shop name to the wee pillow. It's kinda big, but I like it. I also discovered they make pretty cute oversized pincushions!

And look at this book I thrifted last week! (From 1958.) It's pink! And it's awaiting its destiny as a piece of book art. The title is a bit gloomy though. But I think all the pink makes up for that.
Look what keeps teasing me these last few days:
The sunshine! Where have you been all my gloomy, gloomy winter days?! It keeps hiding behind clouds, peeking out at random moments in my day. Please stay! Oh, please. I am so anxious for spring & crafting OUTDOORS!!