Originated in China, screen printing was a way of transferring designs onto fabric. Now, you can create your own screen print!

Screen printing is a type of printmaking that pushes paint or ink through fine mesh or a screen to make a picture. Parts of a screen are covered to create negative spaces where the ink can’t go, resulting in the creation of an image.

In the 1960s, screen printing became popularized in Western culture with artists such as Andy Warhol using the medium in his pop art images. Now, it is the most popular form of printing on fabric.

Supplies Needed:

  • Picture frame
  • Nylon stockings, mesh, cheesecloth, or tulle
  • Elmer’s glue or hot glue
  • Construction paper
  • Paint
  • Paintbrush
  • Paint palette

Steps to Make Your Screen Print:

  1. Assemble the screen by pulling the stocking, screen, or mesh over the picture frame. On the flat side of the frame, use glue or hot glue to adhere the mesh to the frame. Cut away any excess fabric. Wait for glue to completely dry before moving onto Step 2.
  2. Cut 5-7 different shapes of construction paper and lay them onto a full sheet of construction paper, making sure the shapes fit inside the frame. These shapes will become the pattern of your print. You can try making plants, animals, food, or objects. Place the frame with the screen directly on top of the shapes.
  3. Dab a quarter sized amount of paint at the top of the screen, and using a paintbrush, drag the paint down towards the bottom of the frame in even strokes. Be sure to cover the entire screen in an even coat of paint.
  4. Gently lift the screen off of the paper, and carefully remove the shapes to reveal your screen print!

Share Your Art on Social Media!
Tag @atownartmuseum & #AAMatHome.

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