Bubblewrap Printing Tutorial - Oh beehave!

[LimeRiot]

Lately I've been collecting pieces of garbage that could make interesting prints on fabric. Bubble wrap is one of them! (I've also had a cabbage butt in the fridge for a week and a half that I refuse to let my hubby throw away because I want to print with it ).

I made this hoop from the bubble wrap fabric that I printed. It's a really simple process but I thought I'd share how I did it with you!



It only requires a few supplies, solid fabric, bubble wrap, paint and a brush! I used fabric paint but I think acrylic would work just as well if you weren't creating something that you're wearing or potentially washing.



I applied a moderately thick coat of fabric paint to the bubble wrap using a broad brush. I tried to avoid too much paint pooling in between the bubbles. I also tried using a roller but it didn't seem to get the paint into the nooks and crannies quite as well as the brush.



Once I had the coat of paint covering an area large enough for my hoop, I flipped the painted bubble wrap onto the linen fabric. I gently rubbed the back of the bubble wrap to get the paint to cling to the fabric. I found putting a book on top and then pressing down helped to apply even pressure.



I carefully pulled away the bubble wrap and voila, instant bee hive!



After letting the fabric dry for about an hour, I used a disappearing ink pen to write out "Oh beehave!" in the center of the print. I used 3 strands of DMC and a running stitch to dash the letters, giving them a buzzy look. I wish I had a used a full strand of floss to help the letters pop a bit more. I embroidered on the bee using felt and added a few final stitches to finish off the hoop.



I was thinking this technique could also be used for making a snowy background or cobble stone or maybe a bubbly ocean fish scene! It was so easy and a fun way to use what otherwise would have just been thrown away!

I have a good sized piece of bubble wrap that has ~1" bubbles. I may try printing with that as well! It could result in a fabric that would make a cute tote or other accessory. I'll keep you posted if I try.

Thanks for checking it out! Let me know if you have any questions.

[PaperBeau]

Love this, it looks FANTASTIC! Instant vintage 60's-70's look I think. Plus a very cute bee to finish it off. Hitting this rocks

I've been looking for something geometrical and simple to print onto my table runner - I'm  now thinking a light grey/coral pink bubble wrap print (the fabric is white).... thanks! I'll post the photo when I'm done

Still trying to decide between acrylic or going out to get fabric paint. I have marbling inks which might work well, I think they become colour-fast once ironed and they are stashed away upstairs..

 

[Leslieshappyheart]

This is so cute!  You are always coming up with good ideas, Mareth!  I can't wait to see the cabbage butt print!

[WingsOfClay]

i love and WANT this so much! gave it "this rocks" 

[HSG]

This is so adorable and fun. Thank you for sharing the technique.

[LimeRiot]

PaperBeau, I think a table runner in this technique would be lovely!! I like the idea of a subtle color against a light background. I think it would be really nice.

Definitely let me know if you try marbeling inks! Cool idea.

Thanks for all the nice comments!!

[jillybeans]

Oh so pretty, Lime!  <3  I use bubblewrap designs for my ATCs all the time.  Bubble wrap is so much fun!!!  I love how you used it on fabric!  What an awesome idea! 

[PaperBeau]

LimeRiot - here's my take on your great idea http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=419062.0

[MissingWillow]

How cute is this??  

[sweets4ever]

Oh my goodness!!  LOVE this!  Thank you so much for explaining how to do it.  I'm making artwork for baby's nursery and would love to incorporate this technique.

[LimeRiot]

Cute, sweets! Do share if you end up making something for baby sweet bump .

[sweets4ever]

I definitely will!

I also loved your cardboard tube printing technique.  I'm thinking about folding them into heart shapes and letting baby.sweets4ever make some Valentine prints in the next couple of weeks.

[craftykrish2010]

Bubble sheet always reminded me of beehive...you simply made it creatively! superb!

[kawaiihelen]

Yay for combining printing and embroidery it looks awesome.

I love the texture it creates, big fat bubble wrap would look sweet as!! Before I read the tutuorial I was wondering if it would be awkward using a roller to press the ink onto the fabric but using a book is a great alternative, means you aren't popping them all haha.

I'm thinking about folding them into heart shapes and letting baby.sweets4ever make some Valentine prints in the next couple of weeks.

and this is the best idea too!! You are both inspiring me!

[OddballArt]

Love this, it looks FANTASTIC! Instant vintage 60's-70's look I think. Plus a very cute bee to finish it off. Hitting this rocks

I've been looking for something geometrical and simple to print onto my table runner - I'm  now thinking a light grey/coral pink bubble wrap print (the fabric is white).... thanks! I'll post the photo when I'm done

Still trying to decide between acrylic or going out to get fabric paint. I have marbling inks which might work well, I think they become colour-fast once ironed and they are stashed away upstairs..

 

I would highly recommend going out to get the fabric paint over acrylic paint as in my experience with painting on fabric using acrylics it makes the fabric very very stiff once it drys and the fabric will no longer drape as it would normally where as fabric paint doesn't change the drape or feel of the fabric once it dries, I guess cause it is made for it lol  Just thought I would mention it since I have already ruined fabric on another project last year using acrylics before someone else makes the same mistake.      Great idea printing with the bubblewrap though it looks totally awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Lisascraftiques]

This is so cute! Who would thought using bubble wrap! I will have to keep this in mind the next time I am painting on fabric.

[Andrea_c]

Sooo funny,cute and clever!

[ibinitch]

That is adorable and I love your bubble wrap technique.

[StampMob]

I am definitely going to have to try this!

[edelC]

this is great, it would be a fabulous background to all sorts of things, kinda working as a transition from a solid colour fabric to a detailed print on the top...must try!