Freezer Paper, Meet My Purple Sweater

Hey Less Cake {more frosting} readers.  It was recently brought to my attention that my freezer paper stencil sweater tutorial wasn't posted here on my own blog.  And I thought, "you know what?  I totally forgot to do that!"

So just in case any of you missed this over at UCreate (pinch me) in March.....

Here's the tutorial on how to make your very own freezer paper cardi, for Spring.

You might say, "well, Ellie, I don't need a cardigan....it's almost summer."
And I would say, "it snowed here yesterday, thank you very much. I'm wearing a sweater right now."

Lately I've been in LOVE with fabric painting and freezer paper stenciling.  The possibilities for creativity and personalization are ENDLESS!  I may admit to staying up late at night envisioning ways to paint my kids shirts.

• Freezer Paper can be found in most Grocery Stores.  It's usually kind of hidden on the bottom shelf by the aluminum foil and plastic wrap.  It's NOT wax paper.

• It has one dull side, and one waxy side that adheres to fabric and makes a tight seal for stenciling.  Then, when you're done, it just peels away.

• You can cut it with scissors, an exacto knife, or my favorite way....with a digital cutter.  I use my Silhouette (Miss Scarlett).  The digital cutter opens a whole new level of detail into stenciling projects, and it's SO SUPER FUN!

The idea for this project came when I was watching some pre-teen show on the Disney Channel with my 8 year old.  Don't tell that super cute 15 year old girl from the show, that an old "MOMMY" thought her sweater was super cute.
But I did.
And I knew I could make one.
I started with a plain cardigan.
Hers was navy, mine is a deep plum.  But I really like the idea of a dark color to start.

I cut out my designs with Miss Scarlett.  Be aware that cutting freezer paper can be a bit of a trial and error.  Gratefully, it's SUPER cheap.  So if it gets torn, just try again.

• Don't forget that you'll be using the "negative" space.  So you'll need to keep any tiny insert pieces that make the pattern work.  
• It's also helpful to note that patterns with TONS of little pieces are super time consuming.  Not impossible.  Just time consuming.

• Next, I cut out my individual designs, and placed them where I thought they'd look good.
• Then iron the paper (waxy side down) steam OFF!

Note that for this sweater, the iron needed to be on a lower temp than I usually use for T-shirt or canvas material.  If it's too hot it will burn the fibers.  Don't ask how I know that.  Just take my word for it.

You can use regular fabric paints.  Or, you can purchase a fabric "medium".

• It can be added to ANY acrylic paint to make it fabric safe, and washable.  It also makes the paint more pliable for fabric.  So it doesn't get "crusty".  
• I would recommend a little extra for sweaters.  Particularly because you'll probably be using a LOT of coats.

Paint your stencils with a sponge brush.  Being careful not to pull.  More of a "dabbing" motion works. I also put some kind of paper or towel inside my item to make sure the paint doesn't bleed through to the back.

After the last coat, when you're happy with the color, peel off the freezer paper.

• I like to use tweezers to help with little parts, and to avoid getting my hand in wet paint.

I really like how it turned out!  Particularly taking the design around to the back a little bit.
.....Whatever, 15 year old children.....I'm cool!

I also ripped off the boring buttons and replaced them with buttons that match the painted area. They aren't even all the same size. Kind of ecclectic, and fun.

Pair it with some fun long necklaces or some vintage-ee earrings, and you're suddenly hip like all the kids.

(this post officially brought to you by my aging.  And Depends!)