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Jan 1 2014

freezer paper stencils {a tutorial}

Posted by hayley
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Freezer Paper Stencil

If you’ve been around the blogosphere awhile then freezer paper stenciling is probably old news. But, in the event that someone reading this has no idea what I’m talking about… prepare to have your mind blown! Ready?

You can make your own entirely custom stencils with a common kitchen item: Freezer Paper!

Typically used to wrap meats and what not for freezing, you can find it in the grocery store next to the wax paper and aluminum foil. I bought a $6 roll 3 years ago and still haven’t used half of it, so it’s a huge bargain.

Freezer Paper Stencil

One side is shiny like wax paper and one is matte.

Freezer Paper Stencil

For Bug’s upcoming birthday bash, I wanted to make him a special shirt to match the construction theme.

Start by ironing the fabric. If you’re stenciling a shirt, place a brown paper grocery bag or cardboard inside to prevent the paint from bleeding to the back.

Freezer Paper Stencil

I designed and cut my stencil with my Silhouette machine.
But if you don’t have one of those, print or draw your design on the matte side and cut with an Xacto or scissors.

Freezer Paper Stenciling

Position your stencil on the fabric shiny side down. Using an iron on hot with no steam, press the stencil gently. Don’t rub back and forth as this may rip the paper. Continue until all edges are adhered.

Freezer Paper Stencil

Use an art brush to paint inside the stencil. Fabric paint or Puffy Paints work great and are entirely washable. The Puffy Paints won’t be puffy if you brush them, but they will have a slight sheen when dry.

Freezer Paper Stencil

For this particular design, I actually made two identical stencils : one to do just the yellow and then one for the black outline. Next time I’d probably just do the outline and then freehand the yellow fill.

Freezer Paper Stencil

Continue painting over the entire design. You want solid coverage, so it’s ok to brush onto the matte side – it won’t leak through.

Freezer Paper Stencil

Freezer Paper Stencil

At this point it’s SUPER tempting to pull the stencil, but restrain yourself! Not only will the design pull cleaner when completely dry, but it’s also impossible to re-attach it if you missed a spot.

When it’s totally dry, slowly pull up the freezer paper.

Freezer Paper Stencil

Tweezers are helpful for stubborn small bits.

Freezer Paper Stencil

Beats free-handing every time!

Freezer Paper Stencil

Here’s a few other freezer paper projects from the past couple years. Songbird painted the strawberry herself!

Freezer Paper Stencil

Freezer Paper Stencil

Freezer Paper Stencil

Freezer Paper Stencil

Freezer Paper Stencil

Birthdays, holidays, family reunions, bachelor/bachelorette parties, baby onesies, banners, pillows… the possibilities are endless! Going to try it? I’d love to see what you make. Share a pic on the GreyHouseHarbor Facebook page here.

Happy stenciling, friends!

Tags: custom shirt, custom stencil, diy crafts, freezer paper diy, freezer paper stencil, freezer paper tutorial

Comments (6)

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  1. Rebecca
    January 3, 2014

    My mind has officially been blown! I love that little M shirt and tutu! Is it weird if I dress Lyddie in it too when she is big enough. ;) Can’t believe that little bug is already turning 2!!!!

    Reply
    • hayley
      January 3, 2014

      Consider a special “L” version ordered! ;) Or now you know how to DIY!

      Reply
  2. Pingback: rainbow pegacorn birthday party | Grey House Harbor October 27, 2014

    […] t-shirt. The shirts were taped around cardboard to keep the paint from soaking through to the back. Freezer paper stencils of pegacorns were ironed on (can you see them?) and the girls used brushes to apply fabric paint. […]

  3. Carly
    May 26, 2015

    I hadn’t thought about brushing on puffy paint, what a great idea!

    Reply
  4. Theresa Squillacote
    December 19, 2015

    What about washing?

    Reply
    • hayley
      December 27, 2015

      Theresa- if you use fabric paint (puff paint or otherwise) it washes up great! No special care required.

      Reply

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I'm Hayley. Wife and mother by day, DIY enthusiast by night. Fueled by sweet tea and jelly beans, I own power tools and know how to use them. Consider yourself warned.

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