an art vlog where i just can't get the hang of screen printing (& i make some cute felted earrings)

[@kt1328]

Hello Paloma! I totally understand your frustration with the screen printing process. It can be tricky to get the hang of. If you want to do the screen filler method, I’d recommend using a squeegee to put a thin coat on both sides of the screen. It looked like the coat you used was very thick. For the photo emulsion, you also only need a thin coat on each side of the screen, and make sure that the film you print your design on is 100% black. Sometimes printers won’t print completely black and it can affect the exposure process. Lastly, the emulsion will only expose correctly with a UV light or the sun. Other light bulbs likely won’t work. Keep trying, I know it’s frustrating but it’s super fun when you get the hang of it! Love your art and your designs suit screen printing so well!

[@jerielisabeth]

Obviously you don't need validation from anyone watching, but as an artist and chronic perfectionist, I LOVED seeing you try screen printing even if it wasn't a success, because it is so incredibly relatable. So much of art is trying and sucking at something until you eventually get it right or stumble into a new creative passion from your "failures." So thank you for posting that footage even if it didn't pan out for you. The process is just as valuable as the end result! PS - LOVE those earrings! So cute!!!

[@ebonyedenart]

Hey Paloma! I wish I could teleport there and help prep your screen 😭 I have some tips that might help?? For the emulsion, all you need is a thin even coat on the flat side of the screen (rather than both sides). Usually in a screen printing studio, after exposing the image, we use a hose to blast out the remaining unexposed emulsion from the image - you could also use a showerhead if you don't have a hose at home. For exposing the screen, you could try exposing it outside in bright sunlight (like midday sun). It's important to make sure no light gets in between the image and the screen, so taping the image down with clear tape or putting a pane of glass or perspex on top will help - especially if you're outside where it might be windy. Also if you're still having printing problems, you can draw/trace your design directly onto acetate or architectural drawing paper/tracing paper. Posca markers work really well for this!! Don't give up, you'll be a screen printing master soon 🥰❤❤❤

[@emilyfrench4447]

Hey Paloma! After burning the image onto the screen you need to wash the photo emulsion away to expose the burned image. Let it dry then you want to tape any parts of the screen that didn't get enough emulsion on it so it doesn't show up on your final product. Once it looks good go ahead and screen print onto your fabric.

[@palomathepeach]

yes i washed it :(( for some reason no matter how long i washed or soaked i just couldn’t get the design to come through

[@josierose8889]

I'm not sure you'll see this as it's an older video but without reading all the comments, I thought that I would let you know how I used to expose screens years ago in my family bathroom! I specialised in Printed Textiles for fashion at uni (here in UK) and was asked to print some bits after I had graduated for a charity. It is a faff but once you get it then it is pretty easy! You definitely need a better light! I used an outdoor security light that would blind me if I turned it on whilst I was in the room so I would use a really long extension lead and turn it on when I was out of the room. For best results, you really need to do everything in a dark room (close curtains, hang towels at windows etc, this is why I used the bathroom as it only had 1 window to black out). You also need to have your acetate image as black as black can be! The best way to achieve that at home is to use multiple acetates all layered together. Steps: 1) coat screen in a dark room, if you can't store it in a constant dark room for 24 hours to dry then stand it in a cardboard box with a towel over the top. 2) find a box that fits inside the frame, lay black fabric over the box, a few layers if needed so no light can get through it, then place screen so that it sits snug over the box. 3)place the acetates on top of the screen and a heavy duty, clear piece of glass on top of this. 4) Use your stand to hang the light directly above this and then expose. You will need to experiment with how long it takes. 5) wash out screen. Let it dry and use 😊 Remember that you need to do all of this in a dark room, I would say that the room you were in was too light for all the steps so it may be more beneficial to do it at night. Sorry for the ridiculously long post...I just love screen printing and don't think that anyone should give up 🥰

[@StrawberryStyle]

Hola! Recientemente hice un curso y quizás no se ve en el video pero detras del diseño la parte donde no le da la luz tienes que ponerle algo oscuro que bloquee completamente la luz que viene del otro lado y con peso, y en el curso pusieron una luz debajo del shablon a unos 50 cm, luces de 500 watts, y luego lo lavamos con agua para remover el revelado, lo secamos con secador de calor muy sutilmente y recién ahi lo usamos ❤, si por último te rindes, existen algunos lugares donde te hacen el shablon y vos solo estampas con tus tintas😊, y no te vas a quedar con las ganas de poder hacerlo en tu casita! Besos y ánimo ❤

[@analisasanchez8234]

i admire your vulnerability in sharing that experience but no matter the type of output, i always look forward to watching your vlogs!

[@ChantelleArts]

Those felt earrings are soooo cute 🥺🥺❤️

[@WendyGreenIllustrations]

those earring are beautiful!!!! I love that tote design too!! soooo cute but it completely sucks to try so many times to get it to work. I do know there is companies who pre burn screens for you (saw it on frannerds channel) so that can be a further option... thank you for showing the hardness of try a new thing and be real and vulnerable.

[@caladaerapoeta7505]

hey paloma! I had the exact same struggle when trying to screen print, but when I was about to give up.....I discovered you can actually screen print using vinyl and a cricut. It's WAAAAAAY easier, since there's no chemical process. I got it right the first time I tried it. There's a lot of videos on youtube explaining it (actually, I did a video about it when I first tried to make studio vlogs. It's a bit shitty, but it explains the process). I'm rooting for you!

[@palomathepeach]

nice!!! thank u for sharing

[@micaela.herrera]

I admire your courage to try silkscreen at home. In college, we had a super special lightbox for screen printing that would vacuum seal the screen and shine a bright light on it for 6-10 minutes. The process felt so sensitive so I didn't think of ever trying it outside of class. Perhaps it's something that might be easier in a printmaking studio with support. I know lots of local places host workshops for this kinda thing.

[@leanne4598]

It's okay to take a break. You're still an artist, whether you're making art or not.

[@7718s]

Your video always healing my heart ❤️

[@lottesvala]

I love the insight in to the struggle. It makes it more authentic. Thank you for sharing ❤

[@tentaclemade]

i actually just use glue to make the ground of the image when screenprinting, and it works fine (tbf, i generally don't do super-fine lines when i screenprint, so it might not work?)

[@Kalgalen]

*screams in professional screenprinter* (i say that but i'm so used to working in a controlled environment i have no idea how i would do at home lol. As others said, a thin layer of emulsion or screen filler will work better - also make sure your screen filler is NOT water soluble. It comes in water soluble and solvent soluble form, and i think that might be the issue here? in any case, screenprinting is very rewarding and i hope you'll enjoy it when/if you give it another try

[@seopia3620]

where are your green sunglasses from??? they're so pretty!!!

[@aimeecreative]

Have tried so many times to screen print at home! Now I just have my friends screen printing company do my stuff 😂

[@debbiedrawsfunny]

ARGH! I feel your pain, friend😢 prepping a screen for screen printing is so stressful, you’re under a time crunch, you have to keep it in a dark room with a red light blah blah blah. But! I do know that when I did it successfully, I put my screen outside directly in the sun for a few hours and it worked like a charm, so take that tip if it’s of any help. But also, its FINE if you hand it off to a manufacturer. That’s what I do now (I use noissue) because it’s just a lot of work. It’s a bitch to make a screen, but it’s so joyous and satisfying when it works. I want this for you 😂 Either way, you gave it a solid college try and I believe in you❤ Hang in there. When you’re in an emotional funk, these “small fails” feel massive and intense and frustrating as hell. Give yourself some time and grace to process any after-move stress. We moved houses almost 5 years ago and I remember feeling so wonky and out of sorts for like 6 months. It’s pretty common especially if the move was stressful. Hugs to you and thanks for sharing your genuine feelings❤❤❤

[@AndreaMillard]

Another option is to take your art to a local screen printing company and they can make the screen for you. Then you don’t have the hassle of making the screen, but still get to enjoy the handmade experience of printing your art at home! Best of both worlds!! Enjoy! ✨🎨✨

[@ArtofTravesuras]

One easy way I’ve done screen printing before is using my cricut to cut out a vinyl stencil! Super easy and you can reuse your screen when you’re done with that design! Let me know if you want more info on it🫶🏽

[@nereafernandez6519]

For me the hardest part of screen printing was the printing itself, i was always having problems with the amount of paint and pressure. A few tips if you still want to give it another try! When I did screen printing at school we used two sheets with the printed image so it would be as opaque as posible, cause if any light comes through it will harden the paint and it wont wash up. Also I recommend you do this process in complete darkness maybe with a red light or something similar, even washing the design should be done in complete darkness or else the drawing part will harden aswell. I hope this is helpful to you! Don’t let the little mistake’s get to you! You are doing great!!❤

[@nereafernandez6519]

Edit, I saw you try aswell in the closet, and the toilet and atill not getting good results. I hope the two sheet tip, works for you 😅

[@chelsyescalona]

Hi Paloma! I'm currently going through the same feelings about my art as you, I really want to create art and even got a huge list of ideas I want to make but unfortunately every time I sit in front of my ipad or paper nothing comes out the way I want and I'm at a breaking point mentally too, trying new things is a good way to spark creativity but the failing should not stop you because you are only starting, so the good part is that is normal to not get it right the first times you try it, maybe give yourself some time and then try again with the recommendations you got from Radhia. Hope you got out this moment stronger and renewed as artist, wish you all the best!

[@Christina24life]

Does it matter what side of the screen you use to burn the design in?

[@tamaragarrido7335]

querida Paloma, estos videos, aunque no lo creas me incentivan a seguir intentando. Gracias!

[@Leciae]

Hi! Have you tried to use permanent vinyl to make screens? It’s pretty easy. You just have to reverse weed the design and transfer it to the screen.

[@hannahelizabeth7019]

Hey! I noticed that you coated the front and back of the screen when doing the emulsion, I only used to coat the back side when I printed and it worked a treat every time! That could possibly be your issue with the design not being able to burn through all the layers - hope you manage to print!! 💚

[@katrinaporch2204]

Hi Paloma! I am a long time viewer, I love your channel. :) as for the screen printing, it seems like your problem the first time w photo emulsion was that the image you were burning was too transparent! In my experience, the best way to get something that will burn reliably is to use a paint marker (oil based like sharpie worked the best for me) and outline the design a couple of times over on the transparency. I also have found better success with burning my screen in direct sunlight than any sort of bulb. There is definitely a HUGE learning curve with screen printing so please don’t be discouraged!

[@a.ddemyy]

Hi Paloma! :) Love you videos! Seems like you have washed the red screen filler right after you've applied it. You said it did not work. What was wrong with it, why did you wash it? :( It only works when it dried completely, or was it the drawing fluid that didn't work?

[@palomathepeach]

when i was coating with the screen filler, the drawing fluid was getting reactivated and scraped off

[@mmcoookies]

ooh, do you jump down when you have reached a certain height in the rock climbing or do you climb down? I went once and I was scared as heck to jump from the very top, so I climbed down until it was like less than a meter from the ground. my hands were shaking at that point from trying to hold on, haha

[@palomathepeach]

i dont jump down from the finish hold because in the long run its bad for your joints but i do try to force myself to jump from where i feel uncomfortable. i already feel a difference in my fear going down in only 2 weeks.

[@mmcoookies]

@@palomathepeach oh, I see, that makes sense! I'm really glad that it's helping you overcome your fear! 💕

[@LaurenMoxey]

Mee-haw 🙂!!!!!! ✨ wowie 🩵🧡💛 this drawing is so awesome 🥲

[@muanodarmshtradtiy2491]

Hi Paloma! Oh I can understand this frustration feelings when you make something new and it’s not working at all, no matter how hard you trying😪 But don’t give up, have a rest and I believe there are some people in the comments, who can help you with some tricks and recommendations) You can do it!)) Btw what’s the brand of your white (light gray?) headphones?

[@la_pcb]

La serigrafía es suuuper difícil aprender solo Paloma, hay muchos trucos que solo puedes aprender en una clase, te recomiendo hacerlo, yo estuve en tu lugar, se que como artista queremos hacer todo pero no siempre se puede :(

[@mirita]

Hola Paloma, te dejo un video de como hacer serigrafía en casa, espero te sirva :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5iTh6x-lrNngrs

[@danielleruiz886]

I think theres a step you missed. I remember trying this and it has you wash the emulsion off after its burned in so it removes the emulsion from the unburned parts? idk something like that....or vice versa lol The unburned parts are the image you want the paint to go through while the emulsion makes a mask for the empty parts of the canvas that you don't want paint on......

[@palomathepeach]

yes i washed it! i washed it every time and the design just wouldn’t come through :(

[@cristinalikesburritos]

@@palomathepeach a couple reasons why the design maybe wouldn't come through: -is your printer inkjet or toner? inkjet isn't opaque enough. i used to take my designs to kinkos and specify to print with toner and even then maybe go over with with a sharpie to make it super opaque. - someone in the chat mentioned when the image is being burned with the lightbulb, the rest of the room has to be dark. (cover the windows with blankets, do it in the bathroom, or closet) and yeah, maybe a stronger bulb as some people mentioned. -also when coating the screen with emulsion, do that in a darker room as well. it's possible it got tainted from the light exposure even if it was super quick? -when rinsing out the image, i know studios use pressure washers. so if you're doing it in a regular sink, might need to even scrub it a little with an old toothbrush to really wash it out. sorry if you know all this already. we're rooting for you!!!

[@edendaye]

I have a friend who does this!!!

[@vwan96]

Hola Paloma, aquí te dejo un tutorial que me ayudó mucho al aprender serigrafía: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fV66aWqdjdmIarc Como siempre me encantó tu video aunque no resultara con querías ❤

[@kinbailey310]

Try meditation or taking plant medicine (mushrooms). It will make the creativity and ideas flow like wine

[@fremont111]

I went back to watch this and was thinking, couldn't you just have used a masking fluid to draw this and then screen printed over it? Like, I thought the photo emulsion was to burn more complicated images...I could be wrong though.

[@palomathepeach]

yes that’s what the drawing fluid at first was like! it’s basically like a masking fluid. but whenever i did that method the screen filler would wash away the fluid

[@footballfreaka]

Why don’t you just get the screen done at the printers and print them yourself at home? That can be a nice middleground

[@Juan-Pablo-Diesk]

Hello. I hope and it works for you: the way you applied the emulsion the first time is in reverse, since the mesh has the pores through which the ink passes, the emulsion takes care of not passing ink and nothing else passes through the appropriate pores (which is where the design is). If you use photo emulsion and develop with a lamp, you can test the development time, with one image covering except the 1st and from time to time (for example, each number or frame lasts 1 1/2 minutes) uncover the next one until leaving all uncovered so you will know the time of your development - i.pinimg.com/originals/82/c1/fb/82c1fb40a198cd3bd7442c3bd4564390.jpg - it is worth telling you that between your mesh with the image and the lamp there must be weight So that your image is well attached to the mesh (so it does not generate a shadow and is revealed properly), you can put a glass, under a surface so that it makes contact with the mesh, the image and the glass. When you pour water on it, you can use a hose or a spray bottle to remove the emulsion to which I did not hit the light, it should look like the mesh at first, white, but with the design you chose. Since you use the squeegee and the ink that is exerting pressure and with an angle of 45 °.