fold and print!

Over the years I've developed all kinds of short cuts and tricks when I am painting. One of my favorites is what I call my "fold and print" method. It's a really fast and easy way to quickly fill a surface with lots of color or pattern.

This technique works the best on either fabric or canvas and I like to begin with a surface filled with color.

Next, I add a layer of pattern. One of my favorite supplies is 3-D paint (or puff paint) because it has lots of dimension and the applicator tip is perfect for drawing and doodling! The key to this technique is making sure that you have thick paint on the surface. In fact, the more paint the better the print you will be able to create. 

Next, I fold the opposite side of the canvas over and on top of the design. Using my hand, I lightly press the canvas down.

Then I slowly peel the canvas away- leaving a print of the design.

I like to continue this process until the entire surface if filled with pattern!

The result is a colorful surface filled with pattern!

boho jeans

Recently I was cleaning out my closet and came across a pair of flair jeans that I forget I had! Since I love a pattern on just about anything, I thought it would be transform them with painted pattern into a pair of boho jeans.

I purchased the flair jeans from Target a couple of years ago and I thought they would be perfect for this project because they have a bell bottom vibe. 

There are all kinds of materials you could use for this project- a bleach pen, fabric paint, fabric markers but I decided to use 3-D paint (otherwise known as puff paint). My regular readers will know that I LOVE puff paint- it is affordable, versatile and perfect to use on fabric projects.

I almost always freehand my pattern but you could start by lightly sketching out your design. I began drawing designs with my paint.

If you squeeze the bottle, your design will end up with a raised (or puffy) design. For this project I did not want my pattern to be puffy. Instead I wanted things to be a little more subtle so I used this little trick that I call "puff paint printing".

I folded the other leg over, used my brayer to press everything down and then pulled it away. You are left with light/not puffy design.

I used this technique all over until both legs were covered in pattern. The result is a super funky makeover for an old pair of jeans.

puff paint printing

I am teaching a 2 day surface design class called Beneath the Surface in my studio this weekend and I have been busy prepping class samples. And while I can't give everything away, I did want to share one of my favorite fast and easy techniques for filling the surface of fabric with pattern- it's what I like to call "puffy paint prints".

My long time readers will know that I love using puff paint (otherwise known as dimensional paint or 3-D paint) in all kinds of projects. I've use it on pumpkins, I've used it on paper, I've used it to embellish t-shirts and baby onesies but my favorite way to use 3-D paint is to create my own painted fabric. It is made for fabric and after about 72 hours of drying and setting, it is washable! 

My favorite dimensional paints are all made by iLoveToCreate- Scribbles Dimensional Fabric Paint and Tulip Fashion 3D Paint. They are easy to use, really affordable and can be incorporated into all kinds of projects.

I like use plain white muslin or broadcloth to create my own fabric that I use in a variety of mixed media projects. 3-D paint is made to be puffy or dimensional on the surface and I like to utilize the puffy quality by printing with it.  

I start by drawing or doodling my designs (a lot of the time it is something floral).

Next, while the paint it wet, I fold my fabric in half and press lightly and then pull the fabric apart.

You are left with a nice print! Note- you won't always get a clean print but that is half the fun! This techniques really lends itself to working in an expressive and unpredictable way.

I continue to add more designs, fold and print. I use different colors and layer my designs on top of each other.

I work my way across the surface until I have filled it up. 

The result is a surface filled with expressive pattern!

                                     3-d paint fabric from Alisa Burke on Vimeo.

For more ideas on my favorite ways to use puff paint you can head over to THIS POST