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.