T-Shirt Stencils

JosephDoyleIre

So, I run a youth club and we were planning on buying t-shirts from Penneys and painting them with stencils. I know that you're supposed to make the stencils, but we have some young kids and I was wondering would you be able to buy suitable stencils anywhere?

Also, somebody said to me to keep the stencils simple. We had been hoping to be able to do football crests, etc. Any advice on making them and what kind of designs and pictures work well?

I really know nothing about it. Thanks for your help.

rustedtrumpet

Drop into an art shop in town and see if they have any pre-cut stencils available. Or order online for more of a selection, if thats possible. For shops check, Sullivan's Camden St. Art and hobby shop, Jervis, Tallaght etc. A-4 Art Thomas Street, Easons....

For making stencils, buy single ply cardboard, or cardboard to that thickness. Costs about 1euro a A2 sheet which is pretty large so not too expensive. Buy a stencil cutting blade also, about 1euro also, sharper the blade the easier to cut. Not a job for the kids though!!! All of the above shops stock spray-paint. If not using spray-paint fabric paint and sponge is actually better and won't leave the clothes stinking for afew days...

For images, its best to stick to simple graphics, mainly 1 colour non complex designs. Basic shapes and outlines, clean cut work best. Logo's are usually illustrated in such a way so they wouldnt be too hard to copy. Keep it as basic as possible. When designing and cutting, allow space or bridges as they are called so you can cut the inner parts of the design, without cutting a connection which will cut the whole design from the card... Hard to explain, youtube or google is your friend there.


Probably best to buy the stencils, as above sorting stencils is a headmelt and will take more time than it's worth!

Touch Fuzzy Get Dizzy

I've seen people use freezer paper to make stencils, not sure if you can get it here but if you can might be worth looking up if you
want to make your own.

wmpdd3

You can order freezer paper from Ebay, great stuff, make stencils much easier.