Finally, a craft post. I've been dying to try freezer paper stencils after spotting them over at Angry Chicken. I have to admit that at first I was a little skeptical it would work for me. But then Hannah tried it and hers came out beautiful and she even started a flickr group for it.
I traced this monkey from the cover of a Gomi Taro book and then I used tiny manicure scissors to cut it out. After ironing it in place, I used Print Gocco fabric paint and sponged it on with a Tsukineko sponge dauber. The Gocco paint went on a bit too thick and I had some coverage issues, so I think I'll try a different type of fabric paint next time.
I'm not sure if I was supposed to leave the stencil in place until the paint dried, but I couldn't wait, and oh my goodness it really does work!
And I couldn't help sneaking in this Gomi Taro book I got for a song at the used bookstore the other day. I'm hooked! I must go make more!
(Added: I just read on the flickr Freezer Paper Stencil Group that people have been using exacto knives to cut out their stencils. I'm glad I didn't read that before I cut my stencil out last night. After cutting myself one too many times carving rubber stamps I shudder at the thought of using an exacto again. And thankfully the manicure scissors worked really well. The pair I have is the type with really tiny blades that curve at the end. And the blade tips are sharp enough that I was even able to use them to make the tiny holes for the eyes and nose.)
Your stencils are so cute and look as if they've come out really well! I'd love to give this a go too but I don't think we can get freezer paper here in Australia (as far as I know).
Posted by: Emma | May 04, 2006 at 12:20 AM
Cute!
I've been wanting to try the freezer paper too, just haven't got around to it.
Posted by: Gina L | May 04, 2006 at 01:50 AM
oh my goodness myra!!! i love it, it is fabulous! i cant believe all those tiny cuts, so little scissors are the way to go it seems like. and thanks for the tip on the gocco ink, i was going to try that next. i really like the way the speedball ink is working, ive used it twice. and the jacquard fabric paint is very nice and thick. please add your pics to the pool sweet lady!
Posted by: hannah | May 04, 2006 at 03:41 AM
LOVE the monkey! Taro Gomi is my favorite children's book author. I ordered fabric paints on Monday...cannot wait to test out this whole freezer paper stencil thing!
Posted by: sally | May 04, 2006 at 04:19 AM
Very cute!
Posted by: Anna | May 04, 2006 at 04:22 AM
So funny that's what every one says about it. Makes one a bit scared to try.lol
Posted by: wendy | May 04, 2006 at 05:18 AM
um dude. what do you want in trade for making me a shirt w/ that same monkey. seriously. i am DYING here.
Posted by: carolyn | May 04, 2006 at 05:21 AM
wow!! what a fun way to do shirts. it is so cute too.
Posted by: Aimee Roo | May 04, 2006 at 05:40 AM
WoW! It's easier than screenprinting!! Your t-shirt looks great!
Posted by: natascha | May 04, 2006 at 06:13 AM
That looks great! So impressive. By the way, my husband bought me that crazy and wonderful monkey for my birthday a couple of years ago!
Posted by: Max | May 04, 2006 at 06:16 AM
it really worked! and it came out beautifully. okay, so when is craft day?!
Posted by: amy | May 04, 2006 at 06:59 AM
Ack I'm jealous. I tried screen printing on a purse and did NOT have a nice success story like yours. But you make me want to try again yes you do.
Posted by: Lavanotes | May 04, 2006 at 07:44 AM
looooooooove the monkey! i have a pkg of the freezer paper ready to go but haven't dared it yet - you've inspired me!
Posted by: jennifer | May 04, 2006 at 09:06 AM
That is awesome... I'll have to get some supplies and try one soon!
Posted by: capello | May 04, 2006 at 09:41 AM
Awe! This is a great stencil!! A very cool looking monkey I must say!!
Posted by: Creative Kismet | May 04, 2006 at 10:40 AM
I love the monkey and the shirt! What is he doing on that chair?
So many crafts to try, so little time...
Posted by: Anamaria | May 04, 2006 at 10:44 AM
Wow! I keep seeing these. Yours is SO cute!! I want to try this but am afraid of starting yet another new thing with how hectic my life/schedule is right now. I'll have to mark this in my to-do's..sometime! :)
Posted by: joleen | May 04, 2006 at 11:19 AM
Your monkey came out wonderfully! Wow!
Posted by: Amanda | May 04, 2006 at 12:00 PM
Gee, thanks a *lot* Myra. I'd resisted the freezer paper thing, reserving mine solely for applique and quilts, until now.
I'm with you on the X-acto knives, they give me the heebie jeebies, I tell ya. Manicure scissors, here I come.
Posted by: Michelle | May 04, 2006 at 01:09 PM
Brilliant!
Posted by: Michelle | May 04, 2006 at 04:54 PM
Great monkey! And another craft to add to my list....
Posted by: Rose | May 04, 2006 at 05:07 PM
I was totally going to do that freezer paper thing too!
I love xactos. They are one of my favorite things. If I was Oprah it'd be on my list. But I'm not.
Posted by: justJENN | May 04, 2006 at 05:37 PM
Cute idea. Hmm, I got a lot of freezer paper. I wonder if my stencil creme dried up?
Posted by: Barb | May 04, 2006 at 07:41 PM
This is definitely on my list of things to try!
Posted by: joyce | May 05, 2006 at 04:03 AM
The freezer paper project has been on my list ever since Amy mentioned it. Now it's just finding time.
Posted by: scribblesnbits | May 05, 2006 at 08:00 AM