I’m in love. Or obsessed. Maybe both. Freezer paper stenciling is so FUN! And addictive. My friend Sarah and I decided to see what the big deal was and to jump the learning curve together this past week. We bought fabric paint, freezer paper, and fresh x-acto knives. We armed ourselves with SouleMama’s post about freezer paper stenciling (In looking for the link, I just realized I copied her post title in my last post! Oops. Maybe I remembered it in my subconscious. Or maybe freezer paper stenciling is just THAT good!). We also opened my copy of The Creative Family to Amanda’s chapter about it.
First we printed out cool images from the web that we wanted to stencil. A bird for me as well as some designs from the so-cool urchinmama’s flickr photostream; an eiffel tower, peace sign, and skull-and-crossbones for Sarah. We cut the designs out of freezer paper with x-acto knives, then ironed the freezer paper onto our plain shirts, shiny side down (with another piece of freezer paper shiny side up underneath the fabric). We brushed on our fabric paint, and waited impatiently (overnight!) for them to dry so we could peel off the freezer paper and see our new shirts. We oohed and ahed then heat set the designs with an iron.
I wore my shirt yesterday, and waited for Maia’s nap so I could start all over again. Not just two designs for me this time! No sirree. I had to cover every flat area in the studio with drying freezer paper stencils.
I decided to try using both the positive and negative images that I cut out of the freezer paper. And when I ran out of plain t-shirts to stencil, I raided my fabric stash for remnants to stencil.
My studio looks like a store now! And, Sarah, I promise I’ll want to do more next time you come over!! I still have to stencil shirts for Harry, Maia, for gifts, bags, skirts, etc., etc. Who needs chocolate when you have a hobby (vice) like this?!
Hi! My name is Jean and I am mama to two daughters -- a four year old and a newborn. I'm trying to parent in a way that encourages creative expression, imagination, joyfulness, and a love of learning. Thanks for visiting!
JDL said
They turned out great! I have Amanda’s book as well, and can’t wait to try this for myself. Thanks for posting the flickr photo ideas, very cool.
Jody said
OH, those are so beautiful! I picked up some fabric paint last week but keep forgetting to get the freezer paper. Now you have inspired me to run to the store and get going on this project. I hope it’s not as addictive to me…I’ll never get anything else done! My mind is already racing with the possibilities!
Rachel said
i’ve been wanting to try this but a bit scared… so now you’re pushing me over the line! can’t wait to get it home and give it a try!
Gwyn said
That red/pink tshirt in the middle is totally cool. I might just hunt through the kids white singlets today and see if I can have a go!
molly said
These turned out really well. I am almost scared to try it though — looks very addictive and I already have enough hobbies (vices) as it is!! Love the colors, what paints did you use?
The Artful Parent said
I used Jacquard textile paint from Dharma–apple green, brown, black, and navy. Here’s the link: http://www.dharmatrading.com/html/eng/1813-AA.shtml?lnav=paints.html#1818-AA. I made a run to AC Moore yesterday afternoon for some white and it turned out they sell the Jacquard paints there too. I think any fabric paint would work, but SouleMama recommended this kind so I thought I’d start off with it.
Julie Liddle (ART IN HAND) said
Not only addictive, must also be contagious! I can’t wait for my hand to heal so i can try this too…the gift-making aspect of this really appeals to me, not to mention enhancing my own wardrobe!
Susan said
Beautiful!!!
The Writer Mama said
Oh my. You’ve been busy again!
Happy Mother’s Day!
S. Marie said
Where can I find the nice pink and green cotton shirts?
The Artful Parent said
I bought the green shirt at a thrift store. The pink one is from a local Asheville store. But I bet you could find similar ones at other places…
OTJenH said
I’ve been hoping to try freezer stenciling on newborn-sized onesies. My plan was to cut out the stencils and iron them on myself, and then have my 3 1/2 year old help me apply the paint. Do you think this is realistic, based on your experience? I wanted to do a project together to get ready for his little sister who is expected in July. I thought this might be easy enough for him to help with and he would be excited to see her wearing something he made. What do you think? Is there anything else I should make sure to do ahead of time so that it is not frustrating?
OTJenH said
Oh, by the way, yours are amazing and inspiring!
The Artful Parent said
I bet having a child help apply the paint would be fine, as long as the child is supervised and is past the stage of wanting to put the paint in his mouth or on his body. The fabric paint isn’t labeled non-toxic or child-friendly or anything so I’d be careful about not getting it on skin (or at least washing it off quickly). A 3 1/2 year old would probably (I think?) have the patience and self control to apply the paint carefully with a paint brush. I’m not sure my 2 1/2 year old would, but maybe I’m underestimating her.
Miriam said
I have a feeling the husband is going to roll his eyes when he comes home to a house full of stenciled fabric drying!
They look fabulous!
The Artful Parent said
He actually put in a request of his own (and then suggested I try to sell them).
andreamcmann said
Ooh! I’ve GOT to try this! Thanks for the wonderful ideas, Jean!
andreamcmann said
I also want to add that I love shirts with cute designs like this that I find in stores, but they’re always cut for teeny tiny people who aren’t built at all like I am. I usually go home with plain jane shirts and wear them as-is. Not anymore, sister!
elizabeth said
oh i LOVE these … thanks for sharing the great ideas ….
Friday Features « Simple Things said
[...] projects that I can do with the kiddos. One of her recent projects is my favorite yet! Check out Freezer Paper Stenciling – So Fun!! I’ve got some utra-cool pictures printed out; Now I just need to stock up on freezer paper [...]
Shawn said
So, duh … what’s freezer paper?
renee - 21st century parenting said
these are amazing!!! thanks for posting! i’ve wanted to stencil, but didn’t even think about fabric paint. duh! i’ll have to try it too!
Stencils, Stencils, Everywhere! « Simple Things said
[...] The Artful Parent | I had never heard of freezer paper stenciling until recently, when The Artful Parent mentioned it on her blog. I love a cool idea, so I was immediately drawn to this new project. In fact, I [...]
Busy « Sad Little Garden said
[...] I love free craft. I’m planning on doing a lot more – not just “freezer paper” stenciling but anything where I don’t have to spend any money to create something. If you’d like to have a go at the stenciling, these are the best instructions I’ve seen: The Artful Parent. [...]
sewphisticate said
um..totally awesome~
Mill Creek Stenciling » Freezer Paper Stenciling said
[...] Buckingham’s Projection Stenciling method. Today, however, I stumbled across a blog called The Artful Parent which has a great post describing the process of using freezer paper to stencil on fabric, like the [...]
Freezer Paper Stencils | Stencil Talk said
[...] over at The Artful Parent shows off her freezer paper stenciled creations. She was inspired by reading Amanda’s post at [...]
Freezer Paper Stencils « “The sharper the berry, the sweeter the blog” said
[...] freezer paper, muno, screen print, shirt, yo gabba gabba | I found this great project at The Artful Parent and also referenced Craftster and Neither Hip Nor Funky. I over research everything, so I think I [...]
Jen R said
Love this craft idea!
lois said
Great! I’m going to try fabric squares for quilt blocks! Lois
Renee said
Oh my gosh! That is so cool! I found you through Stumble and I’m so glad I did
Renee
Gary Poyssick said
I write instructional manuals for a living, and ‘Stumbled’ across this wonderful creative community.
First of all, the concept of doing my own stencils is totally, totally cool. I really don’t consider myself an artist (Thoreau said “those that can’t do teach”), but i do have access to gorgeous artwork from students who’ve used our textbooks — specially Adobe Illustrator, a ‘Vector’ drawing program purrrrfect for this application.
Secondly, the community itself is very helpful and the instructional materials provided here are very, very professionally done. And that’s coming from somebody that writes books for a living
gary in wet but wonderful Saint Petersburg, Florida USA
JADEROSE said
…what is ‘freezer paper’ exactly?? and is it available in england? (if not any ideas of alternative) thanks!
Tess said
Is parchment paper the same as freezer paper? And if not is it possible to use it instead?
monica said
I’d like to see Ellyn make a t-shirt as cute as these. Great job! Can’t wait to try this!
Daiana said
I’t very nice idea!!
gracias por compartirla!! (thanks for to share it!)
Good bye!
The Artful Parent said
Thanks for all the comments and questions!
For those with questions about freezer paper, it’s an old fashioned thing (used for wrapped meat etc for the freezer before Ziploc freezer bags, etc) so not available everywhere. I find it in some grocery stores but not all in the aisle with saran wrap and aluminum foil. Freezer paper has a waxy layer on one side which adheres to the fabric when ironed — parchment paper doesn’t have that so wouldn’t work. However, I’ve heard of people using Con-Tact paper effectively for stencils.
Good luck finding what you need!
Jean
Karen said
I love these! It looks like something I can handle. I think I’ll try something for my grandson.
ashley said
Would wax paper work?
The Artful Parent said
Not sure. Doesn’t wax paper have wax on both sides? Has anyone else tried it?
vandamonium said
don’t care whqt the hobby is.. nothing replaces chocolatte!!!
traveling mom said
I like that.
Buttons by Lou Lou said
They are amazing. I love them. I am definately going to give them a try. I was just thinking today how I love printed t-shirts. Thanks for sharing your new skill.
KalliK said
this is so cool!
i’m in college right now, and having a hard time dealing with being broke, but still finding cute clothes.. this is perfect!
chefmaven said
How very interesting and pretty at the same time!
deepikapub said
i want pink!! i like it..becoz i am a girl na..hehe
cool pix. thnx
Angie said
Where do you buy your t-shirts? I like the colours.
Autumn said
this looks like so much fun! Does it last a long time? Just thinking of washing, etc.
Dianne said
“Freezer paper” is just that, paper for wraping food to put in the freezer. You can find it in the same section of the grocery store where you find wax paper, aluminum foil, etc. One side is shiney, that is the side you iron to your fabric. When you pull it away it leaves no residue on the fabric. If it is ironed down well to your fabric, the paint won’t go under the edge unlike plastic stencils.
Be sure to have some kind of paper under your fabric so your paint doesn’t go down to the table.
Quilters use “Freezer paper” as well as flag makers. My roll has lasted me a couple of years.
Dianne said
Autumn, there is an old saying in the crafting world, “Handmade means handwash.”.
I have washed handpainted items in a machine and had no trouble with it for years. I’ve also machine washed items and the paint came out on the first washing leaving it looking spoty. It just depends on the fabric and the paint. But in doubt – hand wash it in the sink.
Peter said
I just tried this this weekend for a birthday and was dumbfounded by how amazing the shirts came out. I was wondering where I can send you some photos to give you credit for these shirts I made. They were a birthday gift and everyone thought i ordered them online or had them printed. Thanks to you I’ve offically decided never to buy another graphic t-shirt.
Kate said
What great results, for really simple and effective prints this looks very professional, I am about to scour the web for Freezer Paper, or alternatively my local Supermarche or Lakeland..I don’t think it’s so easily found in the UK.
autumn said
perhaps you can wash on delicate or the handwash option… anyhoo, I cant wait to try this!
sir jorge said
that is a fantastic idea.
The Water’s Calm » Blog Archive » Craft Tutorials I Have Bookmarked: said
[...] Store Fleece Scarf Fleece Cap Freezer Paper Stencilling Heart-Shaped Paper Clips DIY iPod Cover CD Case Calendar Homemade Sun Jar Box Templates Peanut [...]
links for 2009-03-09 « chikajm said
[...] Freezer Paper Stenciling – So Fun!! « The Artful Parent: The Intersection of Art and Parenting (tags: tshirts stencils) [...]
pickle said
wow. so cool! I want to make an octopus shirt! I hope I can….
Sophie said
thew paper that comes wrapped around printer paper works the same as freezer paper.
bethany actually » Blog Archive » freezer paper stencils said
[...] used Jacquard fabric paint, because I read in a couple of posts about freezer-paper stenciling that it was good. Also, it was an excuse to go to the Dick [...]
Emily Sorensen said
I can’t wait to try the freezer paper stencils. I’ve been doing lots of stenciling on t-shirts lately and use Simply Spray soft fabric and their stencil paint. I love that it dries fast. Just be careful to cover the surface around your stencil to avoid over-spray.
eileena said
this is a great alternative to stencil paper; can you reuse this stencil?
Jumpers said
I have been using some of my larger paper punches to punch out smaller stecils in the freezer paper. Just another way to eliminate all the cutting.
I have a t-shirt with a bunch of little birds on it, and then another one with lips all over it. They look real cute..And paper puch would work, since the freezer paper is quite thin and easy to punch through.
The Artful Parent said
That sounds like a great idea! Thanks for the tip.
K. said
I *LOVE* this idea, process, the whole thing – I can’t wait to try this myself (in fact, I’m already brain-storming some kind of matching mom & daughter tanks for the summer). Thanks for sharing this on your blog!
The joy of freezer paper « Powell Blog said
[...] for things you can throw paint on! For those of you interested in trying these out, check out this website. It has more samples and some basic instructions. Have [...]
handmadecharlotte said
I am doing this in the MORN! rach
Lynn Bennett said
I was looking at spending big dollars on that new home screen printing machine but now I think I will try this instead….I know where to get the freezer paper and have tons of plain shirts…now for the paint and a place the cat can’t get to….
lisa Keegan said
oooh – going to try that on some plain white bandanas – they can use them as a scarf/ headwear/ handkerchief/ flag. Will post the results on my blog and link to you when I get to it!
Niels said
I want to start making my own T-shirts. I saw this guide about using transfer paper and another about using latex paint. I just want the best looking result and have no idea which technique is best. Does this technique cause allot of paint bleeding and does it wash out fast or leave paint on other clothing when washing? Thanks!
Grace said
Wow! This is awesome! Thanks stumbleupon and YOU!
Nadia said
I love doing freezer stencils! Another tip, that may have been posted already, but didn’t see as I briefly browsed through, is if you have a bunch of acrylic paint, you can get Textile Medium (Joann’s and Michael’s has it – look in the section with the liquid acrylic paint, it’s in a large bottle, and is opaque white in color) which turns your acrylic paint into fabric paint. This is how I’ve done several shirts for my kids, friends, and myself, and as long as you follow the directions on the back of the Textile Medium, the paint doesn’t come off of your shirt. It’s great!
Monica said
Hi! I love this idea! I’m going to try and make bags with it. Question, what setting is the iron on when you iron the freezer paper on? Also, what setting do you use AFTER the paint dries?
The Artful Parent said
I use the same setting for both — the cotton setting, no steam.