Mono Printing- Fast, Furious and FUN!

Dreams Awaken

Whole cloth; painted, monoprinted, text silk-screened, oil sticks and free drawing lines with stitching. I was in a meditative place when I created this piece. When I view it, it serves as a reminder of that special moment. It allows me to remember this when in the throes of daily life. Rayon 23hx30w Traveling with SAQA 09 Fibrations until 6/10

detail Dreams Awaken

I have been working on an upcoming workshop- I usually review and improve every time I give a workshop. It also jogs one's memory. I REALLY like this process! It's a spontaneous print technique that layers fabrics visually.

A simple tag turns into a printing plate!
painted with basic acrylic paint
mono printed on top of another print

In the workshops we will experiment with several techniques to print fabrics. This method doesn't use a print press and is suitable for every level.

One of the best things about this technique is it's spontaneity, intuitiveness and ease of developing really great pieces. Right up my ally!

It will be hard to cover the sheer variety of methods, but we'll all give it a go.

Can't Resist?- Freezer Paper

An eazy peazy resist technique using freezer paper. Cut your freezer paper into any shape or design you want. A design hint-  Use both the positive and the negative cut out to create an easy but interesting motif.  Iron the freezer paper onto the surface of your item. 

Tape or pin your fabric, t-shirt or whatever to a printing surface. I use a table covered in a firm batting, and cloth. Then I cover that with plastic. Using a natural sponge, dab paint around the freezer paper as desired. (You could use a form brush too.) Do not saturate or it will steep under the freezer paper. Use acrylic paint or textile paint 0r they both work fine. (Another hint- if your t-shirt is light colored, slip another cloth in between front and back to catch any excess paper that might leak though. The cloth can be the start of your next project.)
Allow the paint to dry, and peel the freezer paper off.  Done! 
The paper is reusable for several more processes. You can rotate the pattern and do it again. Outline in another color using a fine tipped bottle. What ever you can think of.  Enjoy!

I usually passive set mine, allowing it to dry a couple days before washing. Textile paints will need an additional heat setting with a hot iron.
Photographs courtesy of Theresa Redmond