I don gon made Chapeau flags

I made some flags for CHAPEAU!
These were for our appearance in the Colchester Carnival.
I managed to crack them out in about 2 hours.

Here is my little step by step photo blog thing about it.

First stop - get your design and print it out!

Print it out on acertate and cut it out. This bit is tricky. I recommend not drinking a Strongbow beforehand. I print a paper copy to help guide me, ensure it’s cut right, etc. You don’t appreciate the guide until you need it, so be gosh darn prepared.

Stick your acetate to your screen. I’m using an A3 Speedball screen I bought from THE LONDON GRAPHIC CENTRE.

Now to the tricky bit! Using your guide (I actually printed two) cut out the inside sections of your design. This will be the inside of the a and the e. When you’re cutting a stencil these bits disappear. Annoying I know right?

I have used double sided tape to secure it to the screen. I put the guide behind to check they were in the right place. Oh guide, where would I be without you…

Now we get p p p printing!

I drew flag shapes in chalk on the fabric. I used my guide! YEAH!
Then it’s the case of getting on them hands and knees, and sweat shop printing these babies. I usually have more paint on standby with a spoon and my trusty squeegy thing.
Take your time, it takes practice to get the frame in the right place. I marked out the corners and it’s just a case of lining it up.
I drag the paint across lightly at first, then I scrape harder to get a smooth finish. If you just lightly pull it across the screen it won’t be event, and possibly really thick. I’m half scrooge so I like to save and re-use as much paint as I can. Don’t waste it guys! It’s pretty expensive!

Then you wait for them to dry. This isn’t very long actually. Maybe 15 mins? I’m using speedball ink. This white one is from the Opaque Iridescent range.

OK. I’ll admit it guys. I thought I was being clever and forgot one side would be upside down… Oh well. I got more flags than I was expecting.

So then it’s just the case of cutting em out. Sewing the edges and chucking them onto a piece of bamboo. I used that zig zag stitch. Gives it a nice haberdashery touch.

VA WALLA!

We attached them to the bikes with the legendary zip tie.

Here’s an example of the flags IN ACTION!

CHAPEAU!