Ink on the screen

This past weekend I completed my 1st screen printing course. Short, but sweet. For those of you out there who do not know what screen printing is, here is a quick down and dirty explanation:

1. you start with an image or stencil (see example above).
2. you place that image/stencil on the printing screen (either with adhesive in the case of the stencil or with photo emulsion in the case of the image)
3. Once the screen is ready, then the item that you want to print on must be slightly stretched and attached to a surface for a clean image.
4. Place the screen where you want it on the item you are printing on
5. Choose your inks for printing
6. Use the squeegee to push the ink through the screen to copy the image on to your clothing/fabric
7. Let ink dry
8. Apply heat to the fabric/image to avoid the image from washing off.
9. Wash the clothing item and now it is ready to wear.

Below are some of my newest creations.

Making wearable art seems so intuitive. It places art into the world, a piece of you- who knows the places it may end up. Making art is similar to putting a note in a balloon and letting it be taken by the wind. Someone may find it and then they too will share in your creation, add to it.

How do you put yourself out in the world?

Screen printing in review

The screen printing class is a success. I mentioned in a previous post that I was signed up for this class. I really didn't know if I would enjoy it, but I had received a gift certificate and thought it was high time to cash in.

It is a small class consisting of about six students in all. We are learning to transfer images (yes even images taken by us! Yay!) on to fabric. I was so excited to hear that we could use our own images- Isn't that such a great way to share one's own photos in a creative way? My husband kindly help me switch a few of my photos into 100% black/white so that they would work with the photo emulsion process. He always tries to be supportive of my new and crazy endeavors. He actually is the reason I took this particular class at all. Great suggestion!

My photo emulsion screens worked really well and I was on my way to making prints and such. I am like my own walking advertisement. How fun!!! So without further ado, here is on of the creations I made. This is the only one which has made it in front of the camera so far. I will share more as I go.

I really enjoy when something new I try is as fun as this is and the finished product is able to be used! Now, if my fiddle classes were only so productive... but the sure do make me laugh.

Have a nice after the 4th day.