Silk-Screened Butterfly

[45 Minutes]

Use an old nylon stocking to learn about the technique of silk-screening and make a silk-screened butterfly. A silk-screen is a stencil that allows ink to pass through the parts of the material that are not blocked. Silk-screen is also called serigraph or screen print. The original name silk-screen referred to the use of silk based stencils. Today, stencils can be made from nylon and other synthetic materials.

You'll need:

• medium-sized embroidery hoop • old nylon stocking (no runs) • squeegee or small piece of cardboard • fingerpaints or water soluble printer's ink • heavy drawing paper or cardboard • masking tape • newspapers • scissors

What to do:

1. If possible, print out these directions. Read them through before you begin.
2. Gather everything you'll need and always remember art safety.
3. Cut a piece of nylon stocking about 2 inches larger than the embroidery hoop.
4. Make the silk screen by stretching the nylon piece into the hoop very tightly.
5. Screw the hoop tightly. Tape the edges of the nylon piece, if necessary.
6. Cut a simple butterfly shape from a heavy piece of paper.
7. Place a full sheet of paper on top of newspapers and put the butterfly cutout on the paper. Then place the screen against the butterfly.
8. Take the squeegee or cardboard piece and evenly spread fingerpaints or printer's ink over the screen.
9. Remove the screen and butterfly shape and let dry.
10. Wash the screen with warm water.
11. Save the screen and shape to make more silk-screen paintings.

How to use:

Use this silk-screen technique to decorate cards, calendars, book covers, or journals.

Useful information:

We made this butterfly silk-screen at the teen center. I brought it home. Then my step-mom helped me make another butterfly out of a different color paint. We used the stencils to make wrapping paper. (Allie, age 14)