easy peasy printing
Like so many others before me, I have fallen in love with freezer paper stencil printing. I have a print gocco that has served me well, but I've been wanting a good method for one-off designs. With the approach of back-to-back birthdays for two of our favorite little people, I thought it was the perfect time to try it out at last.
I bought the freezer paper (found at my local supermarket) and fabric paint (found at the nearby art store). I created simple illustrations in Adobe Illustrator, printed the designs in black-and-white and cut the stencils out using a combo of Xacto knife and tiny craft scissors. I ironed on the freezer paper stencil and hastily painted two coats with a random brush I had lying around. The hardest part for me was waiting for it to dry overnight before peeling off the stencil!
The verdict? Not bad for a first try, but I learned a couple of things for next time:
1. Use the matte paint for the colored tees (everything but white, gray or cream, I think). I was disappointed that the above turned out olive rather than spring green.
2. Don't print after midnight! I got excited and sloppy with the robot tee, hence the smudge in the lower left.
To complete the gifts, I made matching custom notecards for the kiddos. You're never too young for custom stationery, I say! For a final touch, I wrapped them in lunch bags tied with twine and tags.
For instructions and inspiration, visit Sally Shim's blog or pick up Amanda Soule's fantastic book, The Creative Family, which features this and many other wonderful creative projects for you and your family.
2 Comments
Reader Comments (2)
Too cute! I love your designs and willingness to try new ideas... after midnight even. You crazy thing. :)
I have never waited overnight to peel off the stencil. I love that little robot, he's the coolest.