In this new weekly feature, we’ll help you save even more money but showing you some easy and fashionable Do-It-Yourself ideas (including a step-by-step guide for your DIY virgins!) that would make Martha Stewart proud!
First up…if you’re looking for a fun way to celebrate the Holidays, this tutorial is an easy and festive way to screen print your clothes!
You’ll need:
Any piece of plain cotton fabric- this tutorial uses black underpants, but you could also use a plain t-shirt, a canvas bag, or anything piece of fabric that could use a little sprucing up!
Freezer paper (find it at your local grocery store)
X-acto knife and cutting mat
Opaque Fabric Paint
Iron
Step 1. Decide what you’d like your message to be, and what you’d like it printed on. I chose to print ‘Joyeux Noel,’ which is French for ‘Merry Christmas.’ I printed these words on my computer, but you can get your message using stencils or tracing over a magazine. I picked a bold, simple font with little flourishes. The simpler your letters, the easier it is to cut them out later.
Step 2. Trace your message onto a piece of freezer paper with the papery side up. Leave about 3 inches around each side so you have room to paint.
Step 3. Cut out the letters using an exacto knife. Be sure to have a cutting mat or piece of cardboard underneath so you don’t ruin the desk or table you’re working on.
Step 4. Using a dry iron on high heat, press your message with the wax side of the freezer paper facing down.
Step 5. Fill in the letters with opaque fabric paint. I recommend placing several layers of newspaper or thin cardboard underneath the layer of fabric you are painting. Sometimes the paint will run through. I used different colors for a more playful vibe. Note that more than one layer of paint may be necessary, but be sure to let each layer dry before painting on another.
After all the paint has dried, slowly remove the freezer paper to reveal your message. Lightly press with a warm dry iron, and you’re all set!
Merry Christmas!
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I always fabric paint my bags and accessories! I use self-laminating sheets to make the stencils. That way it sticks to your fabric and you don’t have to worry about your paint leaking under the stencil or your stencil sliding around at all. It also allows for some super intricate designs
So cute! Love it… I want to try now
What a great idea for an after-Christmas present….that’s a family tradition of ours. We buy each other gifts after they go on sale. Lovely…I’d love to frame something like that in one of my Ikea frames for my BF.
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