8.03.2009

Shirt Tutorial




This is one of my favorite gifts to give at a baby shower. It's a bit time consuming, but so worth it in the end to be able to give such a personal and unique gift. I also make them for my daughter, son, and random friends who need a specific design...


You will need:

freezer paper
x-acto knife
fabric paint
iron
paintbrush

And here's how to do it...

1. using a pencil, trace/draw image onto non-waxy side of freezer paper. My main sources are from books and the internet. i use a yellow pencil, a real pencil may mix with the paint, but you could also just erase.

2. cut out image with the x-acto knife. once cut, toss the cut-out and keep the negative image. make sure the cut-out is nice and smooth, clean up where the cuts are rough.

3. iron a big piece of freezer paper (the waxy side will melt to the shirt and will not leave a residue later) on the backside of the front of the shirt. This keeps the paint from seeping through to the back of the shirt.

4. iron on the negative image to the front of the shirt where you want it. be sure all the edges of the stencil are flat without any gaps or rippling. you want the line to be smooth.

5. paint with fabric paint. use nice thin layers, no goopiness. repeat as necessary till you get the color you want. follow the directions on the paint some require to be heat set after it dries. i use tulip fabric paint (not the puff paint) and it does not require it.

6. set aside and allow to dry. i always let mine set over night.

7. pull off the freezer paper stencil and backing. you now have a fabulous gift.

Let me know if you have any further questions! Have fun creating.

side note: If you happen to be local and happen to have the same friends as I just keep in mind these are the baby and children gifts I give}


{tutorial given to me by katiedid quite awhile back, thanks Katie!}



26 comments:

PS~Erin said...

Thank you! I wonder if I can get around to this before my little guy's bday celebration??

LobotoME said...

i can't wait to make these!!!

Anonymous said...

yipee!! i can't wait to make these. thank you.

inkWELL Press said...

These are so cute! I'm going to have to try this out... I had no idea about the freezer paper. Genius!

Miss | A said...

oh this looks fun! One day when things are not sooo crazy I will give this a go!

Full House said...

cool & thanks for sharing. What a great idea for a personalized gift.

p.s. - don't worry I am not local:)

yvonne said...

What a great project! I can't wait to give it a try!

Rachel said...

These are adorable! Are you selling these??

Jennie Bee said...

Those are cute! and they are so perfect for the couple baby showers I need to go to coming up!

Char said...

what a super cute idea!! you make it sound so wonderfully easy

nelya said...

I love these and always wanted to try making them. It sounds rather simple, even for a diy dummy like myself. I think my twin nephews are going to get some mighty cute duds in the very near future!

Thank you so much Paula. This one is a definite bookmark!

High-Heeled Foot in the door said...

Oh I love these. Great gift idea. I love making things for people so I'll have to add these to list and try them out.

Maybe I'll make some for the pups. I'm sure they love them. Ok they'll hate them, but I'm sure they look cute!

Haven and Home said...

Those are so cute!!!!

Vana said...

the best gift ever! I have been using this method since i discovered the freezer paper technique. I love to give them away with silhouettes on them. Great tutorial!

s.calder said...

very cute! where can I find freezer paper? what brand do you use?

Eclectic said...

What a fabulous personalized gift! Thanks for the details on the project...I will have to copy you :)

It would be fun to do on a linen or cotton pillow too!

the southern hostess said...

Adorable! Such a great idea.

Gracie said...

Cute! I love making stencils on shirts (well I used to). But it's definitely a great idea to give such a personal and practical gift.

Aline said...

these are darling...you are so creative! Thanks for the idea, will have to try this!!

megan and melissa said...

What a fun tutorial...thanks for sharing. I love katiedid's blog...one of my very favorite.
xoxo-Meg
fiddlesticksandfunnygirls.blogspot.com

LindsB said...

This is such a cute idea! I cant wait to try this when I have a baby present to make. Thanks!

. said...

These are so adorable!!!

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

How cute! Love the 0!

Anonymous said...

This is an awesome idea! My best friend just found out she was pregnant and I'll be throwing the baby shower! This is perfect! J'adore.

xoxo
J

www.talkprettytome.blogspot.com

Jill said...

fantastic. thanks!

Brooke @ Blueprint Bliss said...

Are you going to put these on your etsy shop? They are too cute. I've been waiting for this tutorial. And I loved the disclaimer at the bottom of the post!! :)