Sunday, October 30, 2011

DIY Screen Printing

What you'll need:
exacto knife
freezer paper
fabric paint (I like the dimensional kind--it's looks more like the real thing)
paint sponge brush
scissors
iron
cutting board or self-healing mat 
piece of cardboard
something to screen print (t-shirt, canvas bag, etc.)
access to a printer (optional)



1) Pick your design!
Easy enough, right?  Just keep in mind: the simpler the better (especially if it's your first time). 


2) Preparing your design!
There are two ways to go about this: printing or drawing.   Printing your design is relatively less time-consuming, but it's a little more of a hassle.   When printing your design, you first have to cut the freezer paper to a standard 8.5" x 11" size.  This is really simple if you have a rotary tool and a self-healing mat; if you don't,  it's okay to trace a regular sheet of paper.  Next, load your printer with the freezer paper sheet.  Make sure your printer is loaded so your design prints on the dull side of the freezer paper.  Then simply print your design!  If you're drawing your design make sure to draw it onto the dull side of your freezer paper.


3) Cutting out your design!
Simply take your exacto knife and start cutting.  If you're not cutting a solid shape remember to keep all the pieces you cut out.  You'll need them later.


4) Iron on your design!
Once you've finished cutting all your pieces, it's time to iron them on your fabric. Make sure your freezer paper is fully adhered to your fabric before you begin the next step.




5)Painting!
Before you start painting put the piece of cardboard directly under the fabric you're painting on.  The paint will bleed through if you don't.  
Use the sponge brush to paint on the fabric paint.   It is best not to squeeze the paint directly on the fabric.  The application of the paint itself isn't too important.  You can dab it on or brush it on, it just depends what you're going for.  You don't even have to fill it in all the way.  It's entirely up to you.
Also, lighter color paints do show up on darker fabrics, so be creative with your color choices! There's no need to limit yourself to black and white :)


 6) Let it dry!
Follow the drying instructions on the bottle of fabric paint you use.  I like to let it sit overnight just so I'm certain it's dry.
 
7) Peel off the freezer paper!
Carefully and slowly peel off the freezer paper.  Curves and corners can be tricky, but if you go slowly you'll have a better chance not ripping the freezer paper.  In the event you do rip the freezer paper, don't worry.  Try to take off as much as you can, but if it doesn't all come off, it will when you wash it.  Just keep in mind, most fabric paints require a 2 day setting period before the first wash.  Just read the bottle and you'll be fine.

8) Wear!
 




Friday, October 28, 2011

Halloween Cards


Here are some examples of Halloween cards I've made.  I primarily use card-stock paper and permanent double-sided tape.  I avoid glue because it warps the paper.  Enjoy!