Sponsored by readers like you: Fabric stencilling with freezer paper

I admit I'm addicted to stencilling because it gives me a chance to make funky personalized t-shirts and other fabric items with an X-acto knife, some freezer paper, and fabric paints. My How's That Made group has spent the last two weeks stencilling. Week one, we learned how to make stencils. Week two, we decorated some shirts! You can see some of the wonderful designs the kids made the in the group. (This adorable Hello Kitty is courtesy of Chayla!)

I didn't get a picture of Greg's fearsome Dalek or Samara's two shirts of zombie doom or many of the other 20-odd shirts that were created, but I think you can get a good idea of what is possible here.

I've found that Speedball inks are a good investment if you really want to make some serious stencilled items. They're cheaper in the long run - about $7.00 for a container, but one can last for years as you use so little - they're longer wearing, and they look nicer on the fabric as they sink in, rather than sitting on top. I've noticed the freezer paper is thinner than it used to be - Reynold's is now plastic instead of wax backed - so if you want to make a few copies of a shirt, visit your local butcher and get some thicker, wax backed butcher paper (ask nicely and they'll give you some for free!)

If you want to make your own freezer paper stencils, here are my instructions:

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Some cute little stencils - great for newbies and kids! I love the little robot! He's so cute!

As you know, our youth groups are funded by readers like you who donate by buying the e-books, Back to Basics, Hair Care Products: Shampoos & Conditioners, and Lotionmaking 101. If you'd like to learn more about our groups and what we do, please click here.

I'm posting these pictures here to encourage you to make these projects for yourself or share it with others in your life, and to thank you for all the support you've given to our youth groups. We couldn't do these programs without the donations you've offered, and we can never thank you enough for all that you've given to us! This is our way of showing you what you've given to our youth and how well they're using the resources! Aren't they fantastic?