Prescreened for creativity

This weekend, in between packing up my 700 sq. ft apartment, I picked up one of the coolest hobbies→screen printing.

I know it is trendy but I just love screen printed everything. Shirts with funky branches, owls on wallets or pretty much anything painted onto anything. It can be a fun way to make travel photos forever keepsakes, personalize bags or even hand make stationary.

So when Becca and I decided to expand our skills and start routinely actively looking into classes, screen printing was an easy first win. Why? Maybe I can save some of the cash I spend on etsy.com, it was one of the few classes that’s contained into one day and you get to leave with your first screened tee! Plus the Make shop is in Bishop Arts and sells things from various local artist. Love.

I’ve looked into kits online, but they seemed costly and complicated. The class was $70 and gave me an in-person tutorial (which is good because I have an allergic reaction to instructions). I share with you my new found screen knowledge:

Step one: get supplies. This means acrylic paint, cheap ink pen that will not bleed, polyester fabric, scissors, mod mat glue, a design and an embroidery hoop.

Step two: Put polyester fabric into hoop and tighten like a drum.

Step three: Trace image through polyester with pen or pencil .

Step four: “Paint” the negative space (non paint) with mod glue.

Step five: Place bag/shirt/fabric you want screened under the drum, and heavily apply acrylic paint to polyester covered hoop. You might consider using a squeegee to give the added pressure to push the paint through the polyester onto the desired fabric.

Step six: dry shirt, clean up and wear your new product*!

Guess you all know what you're getting for Christmas!

*My and Becca's first screens! Mine=branch Becca=(cooler) owl. :)