The Simply Screen Kit by Plaid
I was recently given a DIY Simply Screen Kit by Plaid to test out. I have always been interested in the screen printing process and so I was excited to play around with it. I was pleasantly surprised with how easy it was and also with how my project turned out. For my first project I decided to make a DIY pillow to add to my Christmas decor. But, I wanted it to be simple, clean and classic looking.
After a lot of thought, I decided to just go with a simple word…BELIEVE! This word encapsulates what the Christmas season and holiday means to my family and I. And so I wanted the pillow to be as simple and reflect the season’s true meaning.
The Simply Screen Kit by Plaid comes with everything you need to do some screen printing on a variety of items. Then you can reuse your screen over and over to make several of the same items. I would love to make a few more of these pillows to give to some friends and family for a simple and inexpensive gift. Think of the possibilities…team shirts, family reunions, friends gifts, party gifts, etc. There are several sheets that come with the original screen printing box so you can do a few different projects. And…when those are gone you can order some more refill packs so you can continue to reuse your box and lamp.
There are a few very important steps to make sure to follow when using this Simply Screen Kit. Following these steps will give you the best possible results and clean crisp lines.
1. Design your image on the computer and print out in black ink.. Carefully open the screen printing paper. The paper is photosensitive so be sure to only do so when you are completely ready. Peel off the white backing so that the bumpy side of the blue screen paper is facing up on the table.
2. Tape your design so that it is facing down on the screen paper. This will hold it into place.
3. Open the light box and place your taped design into the bottom of the box with the white paper on top. Place a piece of glass on top of your design. I simply used a piece of glass out of one of my picture frames. This will ensure you have crisp clean lines!
4. Close up the box and turn on the light bulb.
5. Set a timer for exactly 25 minutes. No more and no less. Leave alone in the box until the time is up. While it is under the light fill up the tray with lukewarm water (not hot and not cold water).
6. Then when the time is up, take the design out of the box and remove the paper and the tape. Let sit for 30 seconds and then place the blue screen into the water.
7. Take the yellow sponge and rub it along the exposed area and rub off all the excess emulsion from the design. Do not rub too hard as to remove the area you don’t want painted. Remove from the water and dry with a paper towel.
8. Place your screen onto your item (in my case a pillow). Tape it along all the edges to hold it firmly in place.
9. Take your paint and squeeze out a thin line above the screen. Use the thin white scraper to scrape the paint onto the fabric by holding it at a 45 degree angle. Smooth the paint evenly over the entire area. When finished gently remove the screen and the tape.
Let dry completely before using. There are also further instructions for your item if you are planning on washing it to set the paint.
The whole process from beginning to end took me about 40 minutes, including the 25 minute process time. But now I have the screen and can do multiple copies of this project in a matter of minutes. Can’t beat that! I especially like that it looks a bit vintagey (yes…it is a word :)). I purposely put a very light coat of paint on it so that it would be a bit lighter in some places than others. I love how it turned out. I think I need to make a pillow for my Master Bedroom now. I used the font ChopinScript for the word Believe. This is the same font I used to make this Mr. and Mrs. Sign.
The Simply Screen Kit by Plaid can only be found in Hobby Lobby stores or you can get it online through the Plaid online site.
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Steph @ The Silly Pearl says
It turned out so nicely! And I love your chicken timer. :o)
Bromeliad says
Nice. I like the light application of paint.
Tara says
beautiful! I love it!
Kendra says
It looks perfect, Amy! I got a little crazy (and glitzy) with my screen project.
http://meandmyinsanity.com/2011/12/golden-birthday-shirt-diy-silk-screen.html
Carolina Artesanías says
Nice!!
from Chile
c@
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Mindy says
I love it! Great job
Becky - Clean Mama says
I love it!
Charlie says
Beautiful, Amy!! Now I want to make some…
Aloha,
Charlie
Michelle Franco says
Where did you purchase the pillow/cover that you used for this project?
Amy says
I just made it out of some Linen fabric!
What is the red pillow behind that one? Is that a reindeer? Did you make it?!
Hi Jamie! That is a reindeer pillow and I did not make it. It is from Pier One Imports.
What font did you use for your Believe stencil? I have loved that font ever since I saw Macy’s use it about 5 years ago. And your pillow is absolutely gorgeous!