Lily Compass I: Silk Screening Materials

Let's get started!  Here is a list of materials and resources:

• 1/4 - 1/2 yd of "Chiffon Georgette" in white or ivory preferably
• Silk Screen frame or old-timey embroidery frame 
• Printer
• Printer friendly Resin or this stuff (2 per design)
• Emulsion sheets (Get these, SERIOUSLY!)
• Squeegee
• Ott Light
• Metal work lamp (optional)
• 100 w light bulb (optional)
• Red light bulb and lamp
• Black paper or fabric
• Flat work surface
• Scotch Tape
• Scissors and/or Cutter (optional)
• Push Pins 
• Timer
• Screen Printing Inks
• Bleach
• Soft bristled brush
• Small fan, if handy
• Power Strip or handy power outlet
• Dark closet or bathroom
• Access to sink 
• Foam core or stiff, mobile surface that you don't mind ruining.

Couple items of note -- The method that I present is based upon many late nights of trial and error.  This tutorial will give what I have found successful.  I've chosen to invest in the more expensive Speedball screen frames as I plan to use them over and over.  Dime store embroidery hoops work well, too.

Also, I recommend in buying the more expensive emulsion sheets suggested above.  Twice I tried to mix the sensitizer with emulsion to create the photo sensitive image but it was very tricky, cumbersome, and worse, not sucessful.  Skip all that stuff and buy the sheets.  Word of warning, they do come in packs of 2 or 10.  If you are not planning on doing a bunch of printing then I recommend buying smaller quantities as there is a shelf life.  The sheets can be cut down to any size and shape so please don't get side tracked in that they are advertised for Yudu.  You can use them, too!  :)

Up next - Tutorial on the making the screen....



Christa Lilystitch
www.lilystitch.blogspot.com and www.lilystitch.com