Handmade Gifts: Freezer Paper Stencils

Another gift that I loved making this Christmas involved transferring Oscar's art work onto a bag using freezer paper. 

I first read about these on Soulemama's blog here.  Essentially you make your own stencil out of freezer paper that you can buy at the grocery store.  It is incredibly simple and is a beautiful way to honor and preserve your children's art work.  I was so taken with this jester that Oscar drew last year that I transferred it onto a bag for him.  His version was much more colorful, with contrasting stripes and colors.  But I thought it transferred very well and he now has what we have been calling his jester bag to take on outings and slumber parties.

You could use this same technique to stencil onto a t-shirt, apron, or pillowcase.  The possibilities are limitless and the result would be a unique gift for a child, grandparent, or teacher.

Here is a quick step-by-step of the process.

You will need:  freezer paper, an exacto knife, an iron, fabric paint, and whatever fabric you want to paint.

1.  Buy freezer paper at the grocery store.  It is generally sold with the plastic wrap and foil. 

2.  Choose the drawing that you want to convert into a stencil.  Lay the freezer paper on top of it and trace over the outline of the drawing.

3.  With an exacto knife, cut out the stencil.

4.  Cut another piece of paper about the same size as the stencil (this will go on the back side of the fabric). 

5.  Put the shiny side down onto the fabric and iron it on until it sticks.  Turn the fabric over and iron the second piece onto the back side of the fabric.  This will help stabilize the fabric and keep the fabric paint from bleeding through.

6.  Apply the fabric paint by dabbing it gently inside of the stencil.  (I used fabric paint that I bought at Michael's, but Soulemama mentions this one from Dharma).  Depending on how the fabric paint looks and its instructions, you may want to apply a second coat.  Let the fabric sit overnight to dry. 

7.  The next morning, gently pull the stencil off the fabric.  Be amazed and thrilled by what is left behind!

Comments

[chronicles of momnia]

so adorable. margy, you continue to be an inspiration!!

[send gift Philippines]

If are you making this as a gift its absolutely adorable so cute i love this. Will certainly visit your site more often now.

zaijan