Silk screening can be a difficult process, especially if you have to make your own stencils. Therefore we have come with an activity to make your own mini silk screen without the need of a stencil.
For this method we use an embroidery hoop as a base (this can be adapted to any size). Students then stretch silk screen mesh over the embroidery hoop (Stockings can also be used, however the finish in the print does not come out as evenly). Students can then draw a design in the middle of the screen with pencil. Silhouettes and large spaces tend to work best. Once the design is drawn on students can paint around the negative space with mod podge. This will create a block where no paint or ink can go through.
Allow the mod podge to dry. Students can then put a blob of paint or ink in the hoop with the image facing on cartridge paper or fabric. Using a plastic palette knife students can drag the paint or ink through the screen. The paint should go through the spaces without mod podge. Remove the screen.
Tip: Use a mini silk screen for the process. Students can create an image that can be repeated several times and then altered with fabric markers. The smaller size will also save on costs for silk screen mesh.
