Tag Archives: screenprinting

Do It Yo'self

Behind the Scenes: DIY Screenprinting Video

Posted on by

fiber artist Nora Renick Rinehart demonstrating how to screenprint a onesie

As you may know (from this post), I’m producing a series of DIY videos with Lillstreet Art Center. We’ve now shot 4 of the 5 planned, and it’s been a blast! For someone with no prior filmmaking experience, the project has been incredibly challenging as I try to effectively navigate the roles of efficient task-master and supportive, creative professional. Needless to say, it’s been an invaluable learning experience and an incredibly rewarding project.

silk screens for screenprinting

I love feeling connected to a creative community, like that of Lillstreet, and it’s been great to be instrumental in shaping a creative video product, to connect art & craft teachers with a wider online audience, and to learn a little about various crafts in the process.

the darkroom at Lillstreet

We really can’t wait to release these video tutorials, but for now, we’ll all have to make do with these photos I snapped during the filming of our third video, “How to Screenprint a Onesie”, which was taught by fiber artist and sewing instructor Nora Renick Rinehart.

how to screenprint a onesie (video coming soon)

Out & About

Screenprinting Party

Posted on by

red wine and a handmade screenprint tote bag

I feel like I’ve joined an elite club of hip craftsters. I know how to screenprint! Well, I had a couple glasses of wine during my screenrprinting lesson, so I might not be able to recall all the details. I think I’ve got the general idea, though!

Lillstreet & Events by Willow

Because I’m working with the Lillstreet Art Center this summer on a series of DIY video tutorials, including “How to Screenprint a Onesie”, I was invited to one of their new art parties to actually see how it’s done. Claire (pictured above left) put together a fun screenprinting party for some ladies and bloggers-about-town, including myself and my good pal LB. The ladies behind Events By Willow (pictured above center and right) brought the wine and yummy snacks!

 

mini cupcakes, empenadas, and smoked salmon sandwiches

red wine and new friends

Laura Bock drinkin' wine and gettin' ready to screenprint

Thanks for coming along, LB!

putting on aprons

After we filled our tummies, we grabbed our aprons, and the fun began. I don’t want to give too much away about the process — you’ll have to wait for our video to learn how to screenprint yourself. But the following pictures from Lillstreet’s photographer & videographer, Joe Tighe (and instagrams from me!) should give you an idea of how much fun it is!

screenprinting on fabric at Lillstreet

screenprinting inks in all colors

screenprinting squeegees

Lillstreet teacher, Nora, shows us gals how to screenprint

screenprinting demonstration at Lillstreet

screenprinting tote bags

learning how to screenprint

screenprinting

screenprinting a vintage, neon telephone onto a tote bag

revealing their screenprinted totes

Sarah West Ervin is very happy with her screenprinted tote bag

vintage bicycle screenprint tote Laura Bock

screenprinting tote bag party at Lillstreet with Events by Willow

Sarah West Ervin and Laura Bock show off their handmade screenprint totes

If you just can’t wait for our video to find out how to be a cool screenprinter like me and LB, look for short workshops at local art centers or screenprinting studios. You might be surprised at how affordable they can be. Lillstreet will even host a private screenprinting party for you and your crafty buddies. I think I know what I want to do for my birthday (hint hint, Brian…)!

Blog News, Featured

Lillstreet: A Love Story

Posted on by

Dearest Lillstreet, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

1. You are one rad art center with so many classes and workshops I want to take!

Lillstreet Art Center

I love that you offer classes in so many fun art and craft media, like ceramics, jewelry making, textiles, photography, drawing, painting, and more! You make the arts fun and accessible.

2. You’ve got some cool & talented folks under your roof.

Opening Reception at the Lillstreet Gallery

I loved working with Jess, your Galley Director, and Julia, your Marketing & Communications Director, this past spring on a marketing case study for class. I got credit for learning about you and applying some of my newly acquired  marketing lingo! Every time I walk through your doors, I feel inspired by the great art on display and the creative people who fill  your halls.

3. You invited me to one of your new art parties!

Screenprinting party at Lillstreet

You mean I get to screenprint a tote bag, drink wine, eat cupcakes, and converse with other crafters? You’re really making it impossible not to love you.

4. You’re letting me work with you again this summer on a series of DIY videos.

Handbuilt clay mug at Lillstreet

The fun really never stops. I’m so happy that you liked my idea to create video tutorials that bring the art and craft  education you offer to a broader online audience. You liked it enough to run with it and to let me coordinate the project!  Though we’ve only just begun, I’ve already met some ridiculously talented craftspeople (like cutie pie Katie Mills of Lady Faye Jewelry), have learned a lot about working with those creatives, have pushed myself and my communication skills, and have felt more connected again to the craft community, which I so dearly love. I can’t wait to share the finished videos — featuring projects for jewelry making screenprinting, photography tips, and more — with my readers and so many more DIY hungry people!