Friday, July 8, 2011

stencil with freezer paper (harry potter tee)...

Yes, I am a nerd.
I came up with a brilliant idea for a Harry Potter t-shirt and I couldn't resist.
"Expecto Patronum!"

However, you can make whatever kind of design you want with a freezer paper stencil.  It doesn't have to be Harry Potter related.  (Although it would be awesome if it was.)

I learned about the joys of freezer paper back in my early college days.  
{Turns out you learn all kinds of creative tricks in an art program.  Who knew? :) }
Basically, freezer paper is backed with a plastic coating that will stick to soft surfaces when ironed, but it peels off cleanly and easily.  So you can draw whatever design you like on the paper side, cut it out, and then stencil away on a t-shirt, tote, canvas, pillowcase, etc.  You can find it in the foil/plastic wrap aisle of your grocery store.

To make a sweet t-shirt you will need:
paper & pencil
a t-shirt
an iron
a piece of cardboard or poster board
fabric paint & brush

Start by drawing your design on some regular old paper.
 My design kept getting bigger, so I taped two sheets together.  You are going to transfer the design to freezer paper anyway, so don't worry about erasing your mistakes.  (If you aren't confident in your drawing abilities, you can print something out and trace it.  But make sure you aren't ripping off someone else's work without permission.  Be cool.)

Next, place your design underneath a sheet of freezer paper and trace it neatly with a sharpie.
  The marker gives your lines greater width making it easier to cut them out and paint them in later.

Now place a piece of cardboard under your freezer paper to protect your table while you cut.  Start by cutting out any "inner" shapes.

Important: Set these shapes aside. DO NOT throw them away!
 You have to iron them onto your shirt later in order to complete your stencil.

After reserving your inner shapes, cut out the rest of your design and trim down the excess paper around the outside. (You can throw these parts away.)

Iron the main body of your stencil onto your shirt.

Then add those little inner shapes to the correct places and iron them down.

Place a piece of cardboard between the layers of your shirt to prevent the fabric paint from bleeding through.  Use a stiff brush to apply your fabric paint.

It may take a couple of coats to get good coverage.

Peel off your stencil while it's still wet, then allow your paint to dry according to package directions. (And some fabric paints need to be heat-set, so read the label!)

Once it's dry, you can wear your custom tee around town.

Perhaps to a showing of Harry Potter?

**Update:  Interested in buying one?  Check my etsy shop.  Convo me if there aren't any in stock!**

www.DickBlick.com - Online Art Supplies

113 comments:

  1. thanks for that great tutorial. i also really love the shirt; i'm so excited for the new harry potter movie.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Cute shirt! I can't wait for the new movie either. I think I may have to do this with my kiddos before we go.

    simsamsueinahouseofblue.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. Awesome! Thanks for the tutorial! My brother wants to paint "invisibility cloak out of order" on a white shirt for the premiere next week - I'll make sure to show him this!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I love this. So subtle, yet perfect for any Harry Potter fan!! Great tutorial!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Great idea! Just saw a t-shirt today that I'm going to have to do this with!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Love the design, loventhe great explanation even more! I keep reading about freezer paper stencils but wasn't really sure what to do! Thanks! I found you on stumble!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Love the design! I'll give it a try with my own designs. Thanks for all these great explanations!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Wow, how fun! I love Harry Potter things that only insiders understand...

    ReplyDelete
  9. Just stumbled across your site and LOVE it!! Thanks for sharing this, it is something I think I could actually manage :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. loved this tutorial! Could be fun to do transfers of kids drawings...I bet my kid would love a t-shirt with her art on it!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I have to go buy fabric paint now (and a spare t-shirt, and freezer paper) so I can make a Mischief Managed shirt before Thursday....

    ReplyDelete
  12. found you on Stumble Upon and this is fabulous! thanks so much for the tutorial!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Um, yes please!! I'm a huge Harry Potter nerd too (can't wait to see the last one) and I wish I had seen this sooner! Totally want to make one of these now!! Awesome!

    ReplyDelete
  14. WOW!!! So very cool and I can't wait to try it out!!!

    ReplyDelete
  15. You can also do this with bleach instead of fabric paint (especially for a white design like yours!). Follow the same steps but after the stencil is in place, spray a water/bleach mixture onto the stencil. Place something waterproof between the shirt so the bleach doesn't soak through to the back though.

    ReplyDelete
  16. You are quite talented, and I always love when an artist gets to stay home and create.

    Great work!

    ReplyDelete
  17. That's awesome (also a nice design - saw the movie last night, final one.. aww :( )thanks heaps for the useful tutorial with clear instructions and images!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Excellent read. I like your style...have a good one!/Nice blog! Keep it up!

    Freezers

    ReplyDelete
  19. Your shirt is so cute! I bet you'll have at least two people ask you where you bought it! Good job!!!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Very cute idea! Can't wait to see the new HP movie!

    ReplyDelete
  21. I did my HP shirt! Not quite as crisp looking as yours, but very fun! Thanks for the idea! I'm ready to make some more shirts! PS - Harry Potter was awesome!

    http://craptastickatie.blogspot.com/2011/07/easy-peasy-harry-potter-shirt.html

    ReplyDelete
  22. Okay, maybe I missed something, but why do you have to cut the inner shapes out, when you only put them back in again? Help me understand what I'm not getting.

    Other than that, the tutorial is great and I'm going to try this idea soon! Thanks for posting it.

    Pamela

    ReplyDelete
  23. Pamela...just look at the pictures..you cut them out then cut all the lettering out..if you don't put those first pieces back in the letters would be solid white!
    Chris

    ReplyDelete
  24. love this idea!! I have used freezer paper to transfer patterns onto fabric but never thought of using it as a stencil!! Fabulous!!!
    So excited i stumbled onto your blog this morning :)

    www.punkyfae.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  25. Cute if it's not infringing on a HP copyright.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If she is not selling it or giving it away how can it infringe?

      Delete
  26. This showed up on my Stumble Upon - hope you'll join my site for blogging artists - artseebloggers.com. It's a directory of the creatively inclined as I like to say!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Great tutorial - and I have to tell you, my 4 daughters went to the 2:00AM premiere. When I got up the next morning, they were all wearing these great t-shirts. I thought "were they selling t-shirts at the movie theater?" Turns out, they made them! Using black sharpie markers and a package of 6 little boy's t-shirts, they made these amazing original shirts. I was so proud - I thought they bought them!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Very cute! Love the contrast of the white on the blue background.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Wow! This is awesome. I have never heard of this technique. Thank you so much for sharing this! i may do this for Christmas gifts!!!

    ReplyDelete
  30. So rad. I wish I would have seen this last week so I could wear it to one of the showings of Harry Potter that I went to. That's right! Fellow nerd right here.

    (Found you from Stumbleupon too.)

    ReplyDelete
  31. THIS IS AMAZING! *bows down to the art HP geek* :-)

    ReplyDelete
  32. I love this! Plus, your handwriting and drawing...SO good! I am very very impressed. My husband might even be getting one of these for his birthday :)
    Cami @ youseriouslymadethat.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  33. wow! love you work :)
    And thank you for great tutorial

    ReplyDelete
  34. This is great!! I'm not very artistic but I love your tutorials...gonna make a bunch of t-shirts for my 2 year old :-)

    Found you on stumble and now following on blogger. YAY!!

    ReplyDelete
  35. totally awesome! thanks so much- going to try this!

    ReplyDelete
  36. This might be a dumb question, but can you re-use the freezer paper for another shirt? Or is it one time use only?

    ReplyDelete
  37. Just used this and it's great! I didn't quite get all of the paper stuck flush to the shirt, and the paint I used once quite opaque enough, but it still came out good. Thanks for the awesome tutorial!

    ReplyDelete
  38. i made a shirt using your tutorial! it didn't turn out as well, but pretty good for a first try: http://abirdinthehandart.blogspot.com/2011/08/freezer-paper-stencil-smokin-dreams.html

    ReplyDelete
  39. I'm using this tutorial to make a shirt for Breaking Dawn... Yes, I'm excited... <3 Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  40. hi, i feel like the only one not knowing this vital fact but: what is freezer paper? i have never heard of this magical paper!

    ReplyDelete
  41. Ohh I did this once and loved the effect, must try it again soon. I love how yours looks.

    ReplyDelete
  42. awesome Kasey! turned out great! freezer paper is so fun to play with.
    happy crafting,
    linda

    ReplyDelete
  43. Really nice! Gotta try this myself, thanks!!

    ReplyDelete
  44. Sooo cool! I found this tutorial right before the HP movie premiere and my sister and I spent a whole day designing and making custom shirts. I showed my friends the freezer paper trick and now once a month we have a t-shirt party; everyone I know has six or seven self-designed shirts in their wardrobe.
    I will say that if you figure out how to do multiple colors in the same design without crossing those tiny stencil lines and making a mess of the shirt, you should do another post about it; I've ruined two designs trying to make them "pop" a little more with color...

    ReplyDelete
  45. hello I absolutely love this! I'm going to do this with the 9 year old girl I babysit.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Great tutorial!!

    New follower via the Wild Wednesday Hop hosted by About A Mom by the way! :)

    ~Cathy
    www.sidetrackedmom.net

    ReplyDelete
  47. haha awesome x

    http://www.olderthenyoungernow.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  48. i love this idea. much better than iron on transfers or the sandpaper/crayon method that is circulating through pinterest. my only question: does it launder well? or is it starting to chip/fade?

    ReplyDelete
  49. and i love this shirt and would wear it proudly..love, love, love hp.

    ReplyDelete
  50. i love this idea but i cannot cut the pieces out. i keep messing up!

    ReplyDelete
  51. This is such an awesome tutorial. Thank you! Bookmarking and passing it on.

    ReplyDelete
  52. Looks great! Would you mind if I use your design?

    ReplyDelete
  53. I stumbled this tutorial a few weeks ago and loved it. I made a shirt for my best friend for christmas (keep calm and carry a wand along with a deathly hallows) Love it.

    ReplyDelete
  54. This looks amazing-I'm your newest follower-stop by for a visit!

    ReplyDelete
  55. Your tee turned out really good and this is a great tutorial too, I've linked it to my freezer paper post as well today - for inspiration!

    ReplyDelete
  56. Adorable, i love this and great design.

    ReplyDelete
  57. Thank you, I knew there was a way to get the lion I need onto the blanket. Super easy!

    ReplyDelete
  58. WHat does the deer have to do with harry potter?

    ReplyDelete
  59. Neat! thanks for sharing :)
    Jessica from http://thecastlegarden.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  60. What really neat idea, I'll be sure to try this out. Thanks.
    t-shirt printing

    ReplyDelete
  61. Hey. This is really helpful! But, I kinda have a question though, about the cutting. I want to do this design: http://images.wikia.com/mspaintadventures/images/5/53/Breath.png:

    So like, what exactly do I cut out? Just cute out the entire thing that isn't sharpied? Hehe. Frick.

    ReplyDelete
  62. Hey. This is really helpful! But, I kinda have a question though, about the cutting. I want to do this design: http://images.wikia.com/mspaintadventures/images/5/53/Breath.png:

    So like, what exactly do I cut out? Just cute out the entire thing that isn't sharpied? Hehe. Frick.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cut out everything you drew with sharpie. Then iron the remaining "background" to your fabric or shirt or whatever and fill in the spaces with fabric paint.

      Delete
  63. I used to do this on shirts over the original graphics. I only wish I didn't have to buy so much freezer paper for a few small projects!

    ReplyDelete
  64. thank you so much for this! i used it to make my hunger games shirt!

    ReplyDelete
  65. Thank you thank you thank you Amy. I'm getting my son to start on Harry tonight. I do suspect he may decide on Dragon Ball Z though.

    ReplyDelete
  66. I just adore this idea !!! Thanks for sharing. I can't wait to give it a try. Who knew that freezer paper could be so fun??!!
    thanks !!!!
    Lynne

    ReplyDelete
  67. Am I too late to join in on the nerdiness? I found this on Pinterest and couldn't resist.... Are we allowed to use this design? I would love that! If you're willing to, I will be as happy as a clam in my nerd shirt! Thanks, Aria

    ReplyDelete
  68. I am a fellow crafty person from Scotland int he UK, I've never heard of Freezer paper! Any United Kingdom based crafters out there who have an Idea of where I can get it? Would love to try out this technique !!

    ReplyDelete
  69. This looks like it's so easy to make. I want to try it too but it's so difficult to find a fabric paint here in my place.

    ReplyDelete
  70. This is too cool! I've been looking for a way to get around screen printing prices. I am so going to try this.

    ReplyDelete
  71. Thanks so much for the awesome tutorial. I linked back to it here on my blog. http://freshbakedfun.blogspot.com/2012/05/star-wars-love.html

    ReplyDelete
  72. Is parchment paper a substitute for the freezer paper? I can't say I've ever seen this "freezer paper" before. I'll have to hunt for it next time we're in wal mart if parchment paper will not work.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Parchment paper won't iron on to the fabric like freezer paper. Freezer paper has a plastic coating on one side that makes it adhere lightly when heated. (I'd check your local grocery store...I've never seen it at my Walmart.)

      Delete
  73. A great way of transferring images - thanks

    ReplyDelete
  74. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  75. That is so cool! I was planning on making a HP top, and i was searching on how to make a stencil fabric paint top, and this is HP! Cool!

    ReplyDelete
  76. Very cool use of freezer paper. I've used it for quilting before, but never thought of using it as a stencil. Thanks for the ideas. Have a super day!

    ReplyDelete
  77. This is a really neat way to make shirts. I am a t-shirt printer and somedays I just do not want to fight with my technology to get a shirt. Thanks!!

    Lexi
    ~Lexisleanmachines.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  78. Making T-shirts look great is fun, you tutorial is 100% genuine and it teaches a nice way to make the t-shirts just for your likes.
    Thanks for sharing, Great job, I enjoyed.

    ReplyDelete
  79. This looks real easy to do and you can be creative with anything or pick whatever you like I'm gonna give it a go have been looking for a simple and easy way to do this sort of clothing design. Without costing a fortune good way to give your plain tshirts a makeover.

    ReplyDelete
  80. Nice idea. I like the blue t-shirts ;) Thanks cheap cigarettes

    ReplyDelete
  81. Nice idea. I like the blue t-shirts ;) Thanks cheap cigarettes

    ReplyDelete
  82. I love the idea, I'm so trying it!

    ReplyDelete
  83. Every where I read about it says it comes out with amazing lines, but mine ended up with alot of bleed through around the edges. Has this happened to anyone else? or am i doing something wrong? I have my iron set to a fairly high heat when i do this and i paint in thinish layers and from the outside inwards and then smooth it all downward so its going the same way but lightly and i still get bleed through

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I tried this method on a shirt with a lot of stretch and it was MUCH trickier than just a plain ol' cotton tee, so maybe the fabric you were working on was an issue? I don't know... I have gotten much better the more I've made, as well. Could just need practice? Sorry you had issues!

      Delete
  84. Love this! I've never heard of doing this!

    ReplyDelete
  85. Love this, I have it Pinned to try out sometime!!

    ReplyDelete
  86. Great tutorial! So easy to do, too! Thanks for sharing! :)

    xo kisty.net

    ReplyDelete
  87. This was an awesome tutorial. I lot crafting. I "stumbled" upon this great tutorial, and I am so glad I did. Going to design myself a shirt, or perhaps use the idea in a different fashion.

    ReplyDelete
  88. I have made t-shirts like this myself! Great easy and effective way :)

    www.karenbuckley.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
  89. I did some stencils on denim and they bleed. Any suggestions

    ReplyDelete
  90. I did some stencils on denim and they bleed. Any suggestions

    ReplyDelete
  91. Love this shirt! That print is fabulous! I would definitely recommend using http://www.apparelnbags.com/custom-screen-printing.aspx

    ReplyDelete
  92. Yes!!! This has been on my to do list for some time and your tutorial is perfect! Thank you so much for posting!

    ReplyDelete
  93. I was directed to this page while trying to find tips for making Rose Lalonde cosplay, and I think this will help a lot.it doesn't seem like too hard of a method. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  94. I have an added tip for doing these stencils. I've done several now for my son & friends' kids & it works great. If you have a particular image in mind that you found online or designed on your computer, you can cut the freezer paper to a regular paper sheet size & feed it into your printer (I use the back feeder tray) & have it print on the non-waxy side. Saves you from having to cut it out 2xs or tracing it.
    Love this design by the way! We're planning on going to Universal this summer to check out the Wizarding World! I'm so excited & am looking for a fun shirt to wear. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes! I've run freezer paper through my printer many times...works great!

      Delete
  95. Do you ever have any problems with the freezer paper fusing to the fabric? I've heard that if left on too long, it fuses and is difficult to get off?
    Also, how does the paint do going through the washer/dryer?

    ReplyDelete
  96. By any chance do you know if you can iron freezer paper on top of fabric that's already been printed/painted? I have two objects within a circle, and to paint both of them, I'll have to cover up one while I paint the other, and then vice versa. I hope that makes sense.

    ReplyDelete
  97. You did an amazing job! The design is really great, too :) I ordered a Lord of the Rings shirt online and was so disappointed with the quality that I've wanted to print my own. This gave me hope that I can make it myself, thank you! www.calwestprinting.com

    ReplyDelete
  98. Did you use both kinds of paint as pictured? Or did you just use one of the paints in the photo? Do you need to use both?

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...