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I’ve always been curious about silk screening, so when I learned that ALEX Toys made a children’s Silk Screen Factory, I knew it would be fun to try out! My girls loved this project! It’s very simple: set the silk sheet in the frame, add your stencil, place the frame over the fabric you want to silk screen, and print your design!
I helped six-year-old Emma get the silk sheet into the frame, but she was able to do everything else on her own! The kit is recommended for ages 7 and up, and I think Emma will be able to do the entire process on her own soon.
It is probably better to not press down quite so hard with the squeegee – I think that adds wear and tear to the silk sheets, which means they then don’t last as long.
You can choose to use a little less paint to get an artistic blurring on the edges, like this:
Or you can use more paint and get a solid image the entire way through, like Lily’s butterfly:
Set-up takes a few seconds, but it is extremely easy to print the same stencil on several items. We made shirts with ours, but you can use it on paper as well as fabric.
Both girls were so pleased with the finished product, and they are making plans for their next silk screening session!
I received the Silk Screen Factory for free as a blogger for ALEX Toys. All opinions are my own.
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Were there any boy images included in the stencils? My boys would probably like this too, but wouldn’t like the girly images.
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maryanne Reply:
December 4th, 2012 at 11:02 am
There are music notes, and you can also make your own images out of card stock. Johnny thought it was too girly to use, though.
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Oh this is so cute. It’s would be great to custom make gifts for others too.
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maryanne Reply:
December 4th, 2012 at 11:59 am
It is perfect for kid-made gifts! Actually planning to make some with the kids, just need to get my act together for that…
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My son would love this! Girly images or not, he’d love the whole process and than give the finished product to his sisters. Really cute craft!
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maryanne Reply:
December 4th, 2012 at 1:12 pm
My son would definitely enjoy doing this for his sisters! I’ll have to suggest that option for him next time we have it out! You can use it to make cards as well – doesn’t have to be on fabric.
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That looks like a lot of fun. I think Emily (5) would also love to do this. Thanks for sharing this will be a great idea for a Christmas gift this year :)
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too much fun!!!!!
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I LOVE THIS. So want to do this now with my little one
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Love seeing your sweet children in action. This looks like a fun kit. I’m always looking for something different for my granddaughter.
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maryanne @ mama smiles Reply:
December 5th, 2012 at 1:19 pm
My girls really enjoyed it!
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I had no idea how silk screening worked. It’s that easy?!! Whoot! My girls would love this! Emma and Lily’s turned out great! I can’t believe a 6 year old can do it so successfully by herself. I always thought you had to be a professional silkscreener to make shirts and that they had to be baked in an oven to set or something like that. This is my Learn Something New Every Day !
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maryanne @ mama smiles Reply:
December 5th, 2012 at 1:18 pm
You do have to set the print using an iron or by putting it in the dryer, but it is surprisingly easy.
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Those look awesome! Love the butterfly.
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Many thanks to you and the girls! Their prints are awesome! So glad you had fun :-)
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How fun! My daughter would love this!!!
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I LOVE this! Hmmmm, I have maxed out my Christmas budget, but maybe Reagan’s birthday in March.
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This is perfect for your artistic girls. Lily looks so pleased with herself!
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maryanne Reply:
December 7th, 2012 at 9:39 pm
She was SO thrilled! It was perfect for her :)
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Love the process and the results! :) Lily’s smile during the video was great, too. :)
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Oh wow – that looks like fun and I love the way the designs turned out!
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maryanne Reply:
December 7th, 2012 at 9:36 pm
It really is fun, and I was impressed with how crisp the designs looked!
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