Excited for my first Christmas project of the season! I had the opportunity to test Plaid's Simply Screen Kit, and wanted to try something a little different since we don't need any more clothes right now. I've never done screen printing before, so I settled on a small home decor project: a Framed Glitter Christmas Tree.
I found a Christmas Tree silhouette in my Silhouette machine software and printed it in black ink on my home printer. You could easily search Google for images and print one at home. The instructions that come with the kit are pretty straightforward, so I won't waste time reprinting them here. I was happy to see that my screen print "took" on the first try.
I adhered the screen to a $1 white dishtowel from Wal-Mart. I opted to use the Simply Screen glitter and adhesive. The tubes are pretty small, as was my project, so I don't know that one tube of glitter would cover something on a large scale. Another downside was that I had to wait for the glitter to adhere for 24 hours before I could set them with an iron on the cotton setting.
Once my glittered screen print was dry, I embellished it with some green ric-rac and some tiny colored buttons I picked up from a local craft store. I used my hot glue gun for that part, and didn't notice any effects on the screen print:
I had a large black frame stashed away, so I took the glass out and stretched the dishtowel around the backing, cutting away the extra fabric on the back:
It's nothing too fancy, but I do loooove me some glitter....
Pros to using Plaid's Simply Screen Kit:
-You can use your own, custom designs
-You don't have to reverse your image and you don't have to use tranparencies
-The ink is acrylic and non-toxic
-You can buy the kit (and re-fills!) at Hobby Lobby
Cons:
-Multiple steps to a completed project
-Does better with simple designs
-Designs must be hand-washed in cold water and line dried
-I can do similar designs with more detail using a crafty cutter and heat transfer material
All-in-all, I had a positive experience using the screen kit. If a "crafty cutter" is out of your price range, and you've really been wanting to make custom bags, t-shirts, pillows, you might want to try this for yourself!
Linking to Home Stories A to Z, Hi Sugarplum!
*Plaid provided me with the kit for this review. All opinions are my own!
21 hours ago
Love the picture you created. It would look great on a mantle or in any venue for the holidays. I would have thought this would be too hard for me but you've made it look "doable." Thanks for sharing,
ReplyDeleteMary
This is so cute, and I'm a fan of anything with glitter! :) Thanks for sharing your screen printing experience with us!
ReplyDeleteWhat a cute tree! I love the glitter and the tiny buttons!
ReplyDeleteNice job Amanda, your tree is adorable! I thought about trying the glitter, but didn't realize you couldn't wash it. I'm working on mine now, hope I have good luck like you did! :)
ReplyDeleteIt turned out really cute! I love the little buttons :)
ReplyDeleteThat would be a great craft to have kids do in school and take home to their parents as Christmas presents! A great wall hanging! And you could do felt trees for them if glitter was too messy. But the glitter is so pretty.
ReplyDeleteVery cute, Amanda! Nice job. I just saw an ad for those craft paints yesterday and noticed the glitter. It'd be great in my daughter's room. Hmm, may have to get some. =)
ReplyDelete~ Catie
This looks so cute! I esp. love the glitter and the buttons. Reminds me of my grandparents. One year, my grandpa cut out TONS of wooden Christmas trees that stood up on a stand. Then, my grandma, brother and I painted them and added vintage buttons from her collection. We gave them as Christmas gifts. It was so darn fun!
ReplyDeleteOkay, and PS - that's what happens when you talk too much about yourself in a comment. I'm so sorry! This isn't all about me. Your lovely project just brought back some lovely memories.
ReplyDeleteAmanda,
ReplyDeleteI just found your blog through...well I don't remember how I got here, but when I read your about me section your first five things that you like are my top five too! I decided I had to become a follower! :) I've added you to my Google Reader!
What a cute project! I've never tried silk screening but your review of this Plaid product makes it seems very do-able.
ReplyDeleteThis is so cute! I love how it sparkles with the glitter. :)
ReplyDeleteSo cute Amanda! I love anything that involves glitter and ric rac! thanks for linking it up!
ReplyDeleteOh, I do love the glitter! Simple and oh so cute! Love it, Amanda!
ReplyDeletevery cute! Love the glitter!
ReplyDeleteOooo pretty! The glitter is fantastic!
ReplyDelete