-foam core
-contact paper (shelf liner)
-sharpie pen
-craft knife
-12xx silk screen fabric (you can get this online or at an art store)
-screen printing inks (also at the art store)
-squeegee
-stapler
-masking tape
-plastic spoon or tongue depressor
Directions:
1) Cut a frame out of a piece of foam core. You can make this any size, just be sure that your squeegee can fit. Staple screen printing fabric so it is really tight. This takes some fiddling and pulling but it isn't hard to do.
3) Peel the paper backing off the contact paper and carefully stick it to the underside of the screen (that would be the flat side facing the table) positioning it so it is centered in the window. Smooth out any bubbles and be sure that it is flat against the screen , especially by the design cuts. This will keep the ink where it is supposed to be.
5) Put a couple spoonfuls of ink on one side of the image and then pull the ink across the screen with the squeegee. Be sure that the ink went into all the design spaces. You can pull the ink across a couple times, but don't do it too many times or the image will look a little blurry, not crisp.
You can see here that the ink hasn't filled all the design space, so she will have to pull more ink across.
6) Lift the screen off the print and hang print to dry. Repeat process over and over again. Make stationary, posters, napkins, placemats, shirts, flags, etc. When done with image (really done, as you will be throwing it away with this method), remove from the screen, wash the ink off the screen thoroughly and save for another image another time. We used the same frame and screen for Harry's design after Ava was finished.
Here are some cards the kids made.
and some t-shirts, too!
Note: I have posted more about silk screening so if you're interested, check out October 5th post.
I'm totally doing this! I am, I am! xo
ReplyDeleteAwesome! And so easy... we'll definately be trying this
ReplyDeleteWow, Ava's design is amazing and Harry's is adorable.
ReplyDeleteAwesome! I have fond memories of dad silkscreening Tshirts when I was little. Had no idea it was this easy to make your own screen. Thank you for the tutorial! Found you on one pretty thing today - and very glad I did!
ReplyDeleteVery fun! This will be on our summer fun list for sure! What a great gift idea too!
ReplyDeleteOh wow - this is so inspiring - I have been looking for a low cost way to do screen printing and here you are - what a star!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tutorial! This looks really fun!
ReplyDeletegoing to have to check into the cost of the screen and paint. my GS troop would love this.
ReplyDeleteThis is too cool! Thanks for sharing this -- I may have to try it sometime!
ReplyDeleteI have had silkscreening on my mind lately--this is perfect, thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWe did this! Super fun and great results <3
ReplyDeleteThanks for all your comments. If you post anythings that you make, i would love to check them out, so let me know where to look.
ReplyDeleteFantastic! You make this look SO easy!
ReplyDeleteWOW how clever is this!!! I so want to try this!
ReplyDeleteHow does this method compare to the freezer-paper stencil method in terms of ease and results (with or without kids)?
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the comments, folks! To answer the mighty guin's question above, I would say that freezer paper stenciling is for when you only need one print. The great thing about silk screening is that you can make many prints from one design- and you will want to print everything you can get your hands on, trust me. I have posted more about silk screening on the cheap and easy in September, or maybe it's October. Take a peek.
ReplyDeleteI just want to say, this is so great. My family used to run a t-shirt business, so this sort of thing always holds a soft spot in my heart. Good Luck, and check out my blog. I'm new to the crafty blog community and I feel a little left out.... http://sewnandheard.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteHi, I don't know how I ran into this (maybe from sewmamasew?) but it's super cool. I like trying out new crafts, but often the initial investment is just not worth it. This makes it easy.
ReplyDeleteThanks.
SO NICE, YOU'RE SUCH A GREAT ARTISTS!
ReplyDeleteFinally! i found a tutorial that actually looks easy! thank you! Can't wait to give it a go!
ReplyDeleteGreat tutorial - recently read a book on fabric art and they suggested using an old picture frame (without glass etc) as the frame and stapling fabric (glass organza) - they also suggested tracing the design on the organza and then using nail polish to block out the areas you don't want to have paint in. It was great for small designs - I love your idea about using contact paper - we'll be trying that next. Thanks
ReplyDeleteHi - II am going to teach screen-printing to elementary students in the fall and am looking for cheap easy methods. I am wondering, will the design be printed in reverse of the way it was drawn. This is especially important when there are words included. They may appear backyards.
ReplyDeletethanks
Bridget, so sorry to take so long. No, the words will not be backwards because the design faces up. The ink just goes through the design you see and appears like magic on the fabric on the other side of the screen. Have fun!
ReplyDeleteThis is great!! I've been wanting to do some
ReplyDeletesilk screening but as you say, it's eXpensive.
I'm going to get the things together for trying
this. I wonder if I can use my printer on the contact paper?
Then cut out that design..
Thanks for posting, the pictures really help
too!
I've tried out this method, which looks like it would be great for teaching kids about screen printing and actually being able to do it on the cheap, but I've run into a few problems. The couple times I've tried it this way the ink likes to bleed through the contact paper and onto the paper I'm using. Did you encounter this problem or something similar?
ReplyDeleteSilk screening was my favorite class in high school, I will definitely try this
ReplyDeleteWhat a great tutorial and I liked your print too - it's cute! I have this linked to my screen printing DIY post too today, well done!
ReplyDeleteThis is awesome! I've taught bootleg screen printing before but I never thought to use contact paper! I've been using mod podge to block out the designs but this looks soooo much easier! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteDigital T-Shirt Printing is a site, where you can designe your T-Shirt. You can also find the sporty and fashionable designed gaastra T-Shirts for men and also available for women. Good News for you that we are open for business! Both online and local.. So, You can easily choose and also buy our product very easily.
ReplyDeleteHappy Shopping....!!!
This is the most fabulous, quick, inexpensive and creative way of easy screen printing I've ever seen. You've inspired me to get printing. Love it! love it! love it! Thanks for sharing this great tip.
ReplyDeleteAre you going to do a follow up article? Would love to know what happens next.
ReplyDeleteAmela
T-shirt printing Northampton
Business Logo Wear We offer a broad selection of imprinted services, logo’s products and custom design services & business logo wear. Live expert help and fast turnaround.
ReplyDeleteFree Print Screen Software?
ReplyDeletescreen printing software
I believe that softwares are very convenient and make us productive and efficient.
ReplyDeletescreen printing software
Very good stuff with good ideas and concepts, lots of great information and inspiration, both of which we all need, helpful iformation. personalized tshirts
ReplyDeleteI have read your article, it is very informative and helpful for me.I admire the valuable information you offer in your articles. Thanks for posting it..
ReplyDeletefényképes bögre
This is really a nice and informative, containing all information and also has a great impact on the new technology. Thanks for sharing it,
ReplyDeleteHeat transfer vinyl
Post is very informative, It helped me with great information so I really believe you will do much better in the future.
ReplyDeleteMLM System Malaysia
Nice service there are just few who are providing this service great job.
ReplyDeleteSign Makers Kent
I own a small business. I need to manage some docs in MS office and PDF. Can any one suggest some reliable solution?
ReplyDeleteExclusive Repricing
I liked the content on this site. Would like to visit again.
ReplyDeleteScreen Printing Simi Valley
Banner Design Simi Valley
Screen Printing Simi Valley
Banner Design Simi Valley
Thank you for your valuable information on simple silk screenin.Visit for More guidelines
ReplyDeletescreen printing machine
Nice post with beautiful pics and useful information. I am highly impressed, keep sharing. Thanks. Embroidery Service, Calgary Alberta
ReplyDeleteInstant Embroidery, Calgary AB