Ink & Vinyl: Freestyle Screen Printing (Certification and Fun)

Ink & Vinyl: Freestyle Screen Printing (and Certification)

Summary: Join us for an exciting exploration of freestyle screen printing, where traditional screen printing meets artistic spontaneity! In this hands-on workshop, you'll learn to transform provided designs into stickers! Using water-based inks and creative layering techniques, each participant will create multiple stickers that share the same foundational design but express it through different color combinations, gradients, and experimental approaches. This technique celebrates the beauty of variation over uniformity—no two prints will be exactly alike. Perfect for both beginners and experienced printmakers looking to explore a more expressive, less precise approach to screen printing.

This class will provide the certification for members using the screen printing items.
No prerequisites required. Ages 12+ (all minors require adult supervision).

Note: This class does not use the 4-color T-shirt press, but you will be certified to use it after this class.

Key Characteristics:

• Each print is intentionally different from the next

• Multiple color layers applied in different combinations

• Spontaneous color mixing and blending effects

• Minimal registration requirements - designs embrace organic placement

• Focus on color variation rather than precise repeatability
  

Techniques Used:

• Base screening: Standard screen pull for foundation elements

• Color layering: Multiple passes with different ink colors

• Color gradients: Blending inks for fade and transition effects

• "Flop" technique: Printing the design onto transparency film first, then using that transparency as a registration guide by laying it on the shirt to show exact placement before printing
  

What We Provide:

• Ink

• Screens

• Designs

• Squeeges

• Transparencies

The Result: While the screen provides structural consistency (same basic design), each sticker becomes unique through varied color combinations, layering sequences, and spontaneous color interactions. The focus is on exploring color relationships and creating stickers where no two pieces are exactly alike, celebrating the handmade aesthetic over mechanical precision.

Outline

Freestyle screen printing (5-6 hours):

Class Day Schedule:

• Hour 1: Print transparencies, expose screens

• Hour 2: Washout screens, set up printing stations

• Hour 3: Ink mixing, registration, and printing techniques, demo of technique

• Hour 4: Extended printing session 

• Hour 5: Reclaim screens and clean up

General Safety Guidelines

• No loose clothing, jewelry, or long hair near spinning equipment
• Wear closed-toe shoes
• Wear an apron or old clothes that can get stained
• No food or open drinks in the screen printing area
  

If you have questions about this class you may contact the instructor of this class: natalie.slater@tinkermill.org. Members, please message Slater on Slack.

PLEASE NOTE TINKERMILL’S CLASS CANCELLATION POLICY:
Cancellation 7+ days out from class date: Full Refund or Class Transfer
Cancellation 3-6 days out from class date: 50% Refund
Cancellation 1-2 days out from class date: No Refund

Not a member yet? We invite and encourage you to become a member. Members receive a discounted price on all classes and enjoy other benefits as well, including independent access to our shops after certification. Interested? Learn more and sign up online at tinkermill.org.