Freezer Paper Stencils

The same day we worked on the potato prints, I did a couple of other tees for Fiona. I had recently read online about freezer paper stencils. I've used freezer paper before for various things, but this never occurred to me. It's really easy. Freezer paper has a dull side and a shiny side. If you iron the paper, shiny side down, on low, it will temporarily stick to fabric. I found this post on The Paperseed that had directions and templates for freezer paper stencils.



You could hand-draw and cut out your stencils, but I opted for the easier way: feed the freezer paper into the printer and print the designs straight onto the freezer paper, cut and iron. I used an x-acto knife to cut. So quick and easy! Then simply fill the space with fabric paint using a sponge. By the way, these have now been washed several times, and the paint is still looking perfect. I just turn them inside out before washing.





I removed the freezer paper after the paint set a little, but before it really dried. I didn't want the paint to peel off the shirt. Then I did added a few details free-hand. Voila! An adorable little tee that would cost 4 times as much from a boutique. After the bird, I did one last design- I just couldn't resist.

Potato Printing

I've been wondering where my time is going, when actually, we've been really busy doing fun stuff. So this week is hereby designated as Craft Week, and I will spend it sharing the things we've been making. First stop: potato prints.

These are standard kids art fare., but I don't ever remember making them. I can see why it's so popular, because they are super fun and easy. I also think it's a great way to get the kids practicing with color and design without worrying too much about drawing shapes or naturalistic representation.







This time, we went the simple route. Just slice off the end of a potato- ours were covered with "eyes" but it doesn't matter for this. We used washable tempera paint, but you could use whatever you have on hand. Pool some paint on a paper plate, dip the sliced potato into the paint and blot off the excess. Press onto art paper, and voila! Repeat!



They really did have a great time trying out different color combinations and making texture with different amounts of paint. While they were working, I was working as well. I bought some little tee shirts for Fiona to wear to bed. (Regular PJs don't fit over her fatty cloth nighttime diapers.) I love the Under the Nile brand because they are so soft and well made- they last forever. Even after two boys, their clothes still look great. The fact that they are organic is a bonus in my book.

For the first one, I cut and shaped a slice for the petals and a slice for the center of the flowers. The second one is just a slice, au natural, like the boys used. I think I like that better. It's very simple and organic. Of course, Baby Girl looks adorable in either one!