Woo Hoo, this is my 500th blog post! Thanks for sharing this blogging adventure with me!
For my 500th post, I decided I would feature one of my favorite gift ideas: stenciled tea towels. Every kitchen needs at least one tea towel! And a specially decorated tea towel is even better!
I used bleached cotton tea towels that I purchased at ***mart (5 for 5.95), the flower image from the Elegant Trio Decor stencils from Stampin’ Up! and fabric paint.
Here’s how:
You will need:
tea towel
stencil(s)
fabric paint-You can find fabric paint at any arts and crafts store. It comes in small bottles in various colors and is relatively inexpensive. I know my fellow SU Demos will be upset that I am not suggesting you use SU Craft ink. But, I find that the vivid color lasts longer with fabric paint. After all, fabric paint is specifically made to use with fabrics. I am a firm believer of having the right tool for the job. Otherwise, crafting can be frustrating.
stencil brushes-These can also be found at any arts and crafts store in the stencil aisle. Stencil brushes have short, firmly packed bristles. Sponge daubers would work too. You need something that will allow you some control for working in the small spaces of the stencil so you don’t get paint under the stencil.
palette to hold the paint-I use the lid to a plastic container
low tack adhesive
Choose the colors you would like to use and squeeze them onto your palette. Position the stencil on the tea towel. Apply a low tack adhesive to the edges of the stencil to keep it in place while you work.
Pick up your first color of paint on a stencil brush.
Tip: Don’t overload your brush with paint. Instead, just dab the end of the bristles into the paint. Having a little bit of paint gives you more control. You can always pick up more paint if needed. And, the brushes are easier to clean if the paint in just on the ends of the brush.
Add the color over the stencil using a “pouncing” or vertical up and down motion. You want to be tapping the end of the brush onto the stencil rather than brushing it across. Pouncing gives you more control so you don’t get the paint to get under the stencil.
Add more paint as needed. Pick up 2nd color with another stipple brush and add as desired. Continue adding paint to the different sections of the stencil as desired.
Remove the stencil by bringing it straight up from the fabric. Reposition it on the tea towel as desired for next flower. Repeat adding color by pouncing on the fabric paint.
Pick up stencil and place on tea towel for 3rd flower. Repeat steps as above.
Once complete, let the fabric paint dry. I let mine set overnight, but it should dry within 4-5 hours. Before I give them as gifts, I wash the tea towels in cold water, line dry (I don’t have a working dryer-don’t ask) and steam iron to get out any of the wrinkles.
Thanks for looking!
