Today I thought I'd give chalk painting a rest and have a go at using fabric paint instead! I've never used it before but I keep seeing lovely fabric paint prints all over Pinterest and decided it was time I tried it out for myself.
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What you'll need to make a fabric paint print
Fabric for the background – off-cuts from the bargain bin would be ideal for this. I used a sheer table runner which I picked up for peanuts in an end of season sale.
Printer – or have your print printed out at a print shop
Paper – I used some printer paper
Scissors – sharp enough for cutting fabric
Cutting knife – I used my crafting knife for cutting the stencil but obviously it would be easier to use your cutting machine if you have one – I don't!
Cutting mat - or make sure you place something thick underneath so that you don't cut through to your work surface! I made my own craft board by pasting marble contact paper onto a piece of MDF - I like things to look pretty!
Fabric Paint – I used white but you can buy this paint in a variety of colours.
Masking tape - to hold the stencil in place
Photo frame – if you're going to be buying a new one just for this project then I would advise you to take note of the kind of fixings the frame has on the back. Because you need to be able to fit the cardboard backing back into the frame with the extra bulk of the fabric and jute.
Small stencil paintbrush – the ones with stiff bristles are better for this project
Making a stencil for your fabric paint print
Print out your chosen design using whichever software you usually use, microsoft word/open office/photoshop or use canva like I did.
Use the paper cutting tool to carefully cut out the word. Be careful when cutting the holes for the letters 'o' and 'e' – you'll need these for your stencil and they are so small they're easily lost (speaks from experience!).
Getting ready to paint.
Lay the jute band on a piece of paper or on a crafting surface and tape the edges down with masking tape. This will make sure the jute stays in place whilst you are trying to paint.
Painting
Now take the brush and using a stippling technique (dabbing not brushing) gently dab the paint onto the jute. Don't use too much at first, you can go back over it later if you think the paint is too faint.
Once you're finished, remove the stencil and backing paper (if you've used it) before the paint dries.
Place the jute on a non stick surface until it's completely dry. In the meantime you can cut out the fabric backing.
Cutting the fabric
Place the cardboard back of the photo frame onto the material and draw around it. Draw at least two inches wider all around so that you can fold the excess over the backing.
Framing your fabric paint print
Your fabric paint print is almost finished! Lay the photo frame glass side down and place your jute print in the middle of the glass. Taping the edges to the frame will help stop it moving around.
Now lay your fabric over the top and place a piece of paper over the top of that.
Fold over the excess fabric and jute.
Use masking tape to tape together the jute at the back.
Now, all you need to do is place the cardboard backing back into the frame and you're all done!
So there you have it - one finished fabric paint print. Cutting the stencil was a bit fiddly but other than that it was a really easy craft to do. I think this would be good to do with the initial of your family surname too. Maybe using black paint would make it stand out even more. What do you think? Will you have a go?
What does Cwtch mean?
If you're wondering what the second print is all about, 'Cwtch' is a Welsh word which doesn't have a literal English translation. We, Welsh, use it instead of 'hug' or to describe 'a safe place/small room'. To me, it means a haven for my heart!
Why not have a look at these too?
Stylish & affordable botanical art for your home
How to make Pressed flower prints
How to improve a basket with chalk paint
Diane says
Very cute! Love the burlap ribbon over a fabric ground.
Jayne Westerholt says
Thank you so much Diane!