Sticker Fun: A Simple Guide to Kid-Friendly Screen Printing!

Explore sticker screen printing, a technique that celebrates creativity and experimentation.

With this simple approach to screen printing, we'll turn ordinary stickers into magical stencils, unveiling the secrets of the printing process in the most playful way.

Why Sticker Screen Printing?

The beauty lies in its simplicity! Forget complicated setups and intricate stencils – we're keeping it easy and accessible. No need for the photo emulsion process or exposing the screen; just grab your favourite stickers, and let the creativity flow. Perfect for the budding artists who are just starting their artistic journey or those looking to add a new twist to their repertoire.

Getting Started:
The Magic of Stickers

Gather Your Supplies:

• Screen printing frame (you can use any wooden frame and printing mesh)

• Fabric paint or screen printing ink (we love neon Speedball ink)

• Squeegee

• Masking or blue tape

• Stickers galore!

Choose Your Canvas: Whether it's a tote bag, a t-shirt, or a piece of paper, decide what you want to print on.

1. Prepare your Screen (adult can do this beforehand):

   • Mark out a rectangle using masking tape, slightly smaller than the paper you plan to print on.

   • Block off all the surrounding area with tape, so you are left with a clear area to work on.

2. Sticker Magic:

   • Peel and stick your favourite stickers directly onto the screen.

   • Create patterns, characters, or abstract shapes – the possibilities are endless!

   • We found foil and paper stickers work best, rather than puffy stickers

3. Ink It Up:

   • Apply a generous amount of ink at the top of your screen.

   • Using the squeegee, spread the ink across the screen, covering your stickers.

   • Pull the squeegee across the screen several times.

4. The Big Reveal:

   • Hold your breath as you carefully unveil the print beneath.

Voila! You've just created your very own sticker stencil and witnessed the magical process of screen printing unfold before your eyes.

Why Kids Love It:

1. Instant Gratification: Sticker screen printing offers quick and satisfying results, keeping little artists engaged from start to finish.

2. Every print is different: You can print again and again to create a series of the same print; adding different colour inks, seeing how they mix and blend together, seeing how prints look on different coloured paper.

3. Endless Creativity: With a plethora of stickers to choose from, every project is a new adventure. Watch as imaginations run wild! Try adding washi tape or cutting your own shapes from sticker paper.

Calling All Art Educators!

As advocates for creative education, we understand the importance of making art accessible and enjoyable for every child. Sticker screen printing is not just an activity; it's a journey of discovery, where kids can explore the fascinating world of printing without intimidating barriers.