Freezer Paper Stencil Tutorial {Twins Onesies}

My two oldest girls are gone during the day this week to church day camp which has left me with high hopes of getting projects worked on {yeah for nap time!}.


Yesterday proved to be an uber productive day! I freezer paper stenciled!!!


Now I know this is by NO means a new concept.  I have been wanting {intending} to do it for years, but have never gotten around to it.


I had so much fun doing this and it was so easy!


I chose to make onesies for my twin niece and nephew that were born a couple of months ago.  While searching online for "twins" gifts for them I came across an online store with clever "twins" apparel, but I wasn't a fan of any of the colors and onesies they used nor their prices! I had an "I could totally do that" {but in a way that I liked} moment. 

Here's how I made mine...


These are the supplies you will need:
* the image you want to use (printed in black and white is easiest)
* freezer paper
* pen or pencil
* exacto knife or small utility knife
* fabric (item you want to stencil on to)
* iron
* card board (I used a cut of foam core)
* fabric paint
* paint brush


A quick note: when tracing your image/artwork onto your freezer paper, make sure the shiny side is down {the more matte finish is up}.


First you will want to print and trace your design {or draw it directly} onto your freezer paper...I chose to do words as my design...nothing fancy, just simple word art in Microsoft Word.

Next {make sure to use a cutting mat or board to protect your work surface} using your exacto knife cut out your image.

Once your image is cut out, position the freezer paper shiny side down onto your fabric.  {If the item is something that will be worn or washed I HIGHLY recommend washing and drying the item before stenciling it.}

Iron with a warm DRY iron {don't use steam} to adhere to the fabric. {I went over mine several times to make sure it was "stuck" on well.}

Now you're ready to stencil! {I pre-laid out my colors that I was going to use so that I knew where every color would go.}  Use a stenciling or pressing motion to paint your design on to your item.

Once done stenciling, set aside to dry for four hours {or according to the directions on your fabric paint}.  I had a REALLY hard time waiting...I think I made it three hours before I couldn't stand it anymore.  


Once dry, carefully peel off your freezer paper.  Voila!

{I recommend letting your item dry over night and then heat setting the fabric paint.  The directions on my fabric paint said to wait to wash for 72 hours.}


I still can't get over how easy and fun this was!  The wheels in my head have been turning and turning...I may get on a freezer paper stenciling kick.  This would be such a fun activity for kids too.  I definitely think my two older girls would have fun freezer paper stenciling some shirts of their own.


Thanks for stopping by!
-R.