DIY Day! Pretty Stencil Kitchen Towels

I have so many projects in the works...some for me, some for my son, some for my house {you can see the kitchen photos - finally - here!}, and a lot for the DIY Club. We have so many awesome sponsors for the DIY Club...and I am a little too inspired {is that possible...yes it is unless you do not need to sleep}.

So, before I go any further...

Here is my fun project I have been working on...
A Gift For My {new} Kitchen!

I remember back in "my day" making T-shirts before high school dances - so our group could all match of course! I remember that paint being thick and stiff. Those instances, with the exception of a time or two in between, that was the last time I used fabric paint. Well, recently I received the Americana Fabric Painting Medium by Decoart and I am ready to paint everything. Fabric paint has come a long way! By mixing this medium with your favorite color acrylic paint, you get a soft, creamy and might I say dreamy fabric paint. Yeah!

I began this project with the intention of making some flour sack towels -

which I did, but ended up loving the fabric painting medium so much

and the results I got that I went on to make placements and napkins...

and I see an apron in my future!

Here's how to make your own!

Supplies

-Americana Fabric Painting Medium by Decoart

-Americana Acrylic Paint in Yellow Ochre by Decoart

-Americana Acrylic Paint in Plum by Decoart

-Paint brush, sponge brush, or stencil pouncer {I used the pouncer and brush}

-Flour Sack towels OR cloth napkins OR cloth placemats

-Freezer paper

-Craft Knife (optional)

-Stencil of choice {or free hand a design}. NOTE: I made a few stencils and then found a great stencil for free at Ready Made Magazine as part of Refurbished Beach Chair project {Have you checked out Ready Made - the best magazine!}. You can also find stencils from Cutting Edge Stencils

-You will also need a jar or plate for mixing the medium, and iron/ironing board, and access to a washing machine.

DIY IT!
-Wash and dry the towel/napkin/placemat

-Print out stencil - 2 sizes one larger and one smaller- and cut design out on freezer paper using a craft knife {or scissors}. I have never used freezer paper before, although I have seen it around since I began blogging - the best! I was able to cut up to 6 layers of freezer paper at one time, which saved a lot of time since I used multiple stencils for my project.
NOTE: When you iron this to the cloth, you iron shiny side down, so be sure if your design contains letters/numbers/something that must go "one-way" that your design accommodates that as you cut.

-Iron your fabric to get out wrinkles {if necessary}

-Trim around each stencil and place individual stencils onto project.

-Iron freezer paper down to fabric: Heat Iron - I used a medium setting; Place it shiny side DOWN in the proper place and press it onto the fabric; I went over mine a few times to make sure it was all in place.

-Mix your paint and fabric painting medium at a 2:1 ratio

-Begin painting, by lightly brushing or pouncing over the stencil. Begin with the lightest color first {yellow ochre}. 

-Let dry 24 hours and come back with the smaller stencil.

-Place and iron smaller stencil onto project, overlapping larger flower in areas.

-Mix darker paint and medium.

-Paint by lightly brushing or pouncing over the stencil with the darker color {Plum}. 

-Let dry for 24-48 hours.

-Heat set for 30 seconds with iron.

-Wash on gently cycle {inside out if a garment}.

{sample of my overall placement}

So, who's up for it?

Who's joining me and
the others for the DIY Club challenge?

Have questions...just ask.
It really is easy, I promise!

DISCLOSURE: As part of the DIY Club, I have been supplied with vendor sponsored products to complete my projects. The opinions are projects are my own. See, my disclosure policy for more information.