The paisley print is believed to have gotten its start in ancient Persia and was called boteh, meaning shrub or bush. The shape was found in fabrics, mosaics, and pottery, although it was predominately used in textiles. The design found its way into Europe during the 18th and 19th centuries when lavish Kashmir shawls were purchased by the affluent. They were very expensive and only the rich could afford the shawls. Around the same time, weavers in Europe began it imitate the design and make the shawls available to commoners. A textile mill in the town of Paisley, Scotland, is credited with the name now known throughout the western world. Our Paisley Print Fabric Project introduces children to the paisley motif along with stamping fabric.
Materials for the Paisley Print Fabric Project
- craft foam or recycled take-out Styrafoam
- craft glue
- packing tape
- scissors or X-acto knife
- cardboard from packing box
- muslin fabric
- acrylic paint*
- sponge or rubber brayer
- frame (optional)
- batting (optional)
- pattern (optional)
*If you wish to create a fabric that can be washed, there are 2 options. First, use fabric paints created specifically for fabric. Follow directions on the paint on how to use. The second method is to add Textile Medium to acrylic paints. Again, follow the directions on the bottle.
Directions for Paisley Print Fabric Project Stamp
Look at photos of Persian Paisley Prints. Look at the colors and various patterns. Create your own patterns making sure to include at least one of the teardrop shapes or use the pattern we have provided.
Print a copy of our pattern or use your own design.
If you are using craft foam, begin by laying your pattern pieces on the foam. Cut out a piece of foam large enough to hold your pattern pieces. Since the craft foam is thin, cut out a second piece the same side and glue them together using craft glue. Allow them to dry. If you are using recycled Styrofoam, you do not need to glue 2 pieces together unless the foam is very thin.
After the glue has dried, place your pattern pieces on the foam and tape the pieces to it.
Using scissors or an X-acto knife, cut out the foam.
You will want to mount the foam to something hard for pressing. We found cardboard from shipping boxes works great. Begin by gluing 2 pieces of cardboard together.
When the cardboard has dried, glue your foam pieces to the cardboard.
Let dry completely.
When the glue has dried, cut out the cardboard close to the foam. Your stamps are now ready to use.
Directions for Paisley Print Fabric Project Printing
Decide what project you are making and how much fabric you need. Pre-wash your fabric. This is very important. Fabric comes with sizing on it, which is a starch that keeps the fabric stiff while it is on the bolt. If you do not wash away the sizing, your paint will stick to the sizing instead of the fabric. This will cause the paint to come off over time or with washing. Iron your muslin when it is dry. Your fabric is now ready to use. Work on a protected service because the paint can bleed through the fabric.
Decide on the colors you wish to use. We found a photo of an ancient Persian pot that had a paisley print and picked colors from that.
Squeeze paint in a tray or plastic lid. Roll your brayer in the paint so there is an even amount of paint all around it.
Beginning with your largest stamp, spread paint on the foam.
Starting in the middle of your fabric, place the stamp on your cloth and evenly push down.
Lift the stamp straight up and off the fabric.
Continue adding paint and stamping until you have covered the entire piece of cloth. If you are using our pattern or your own, think about other stamps that you want to add to your fabric. Make sure you leave enough space between your paisley stamps to include flowers and circles.
When you are done with your stamp, simple wipe off the top with a damp cloth. Do not worry about any paint that got on the cardboard. These stamps can be used over and over again.
Continue stamping your fabric. You can stamp on top of other colors or stamp in the blank spaces.
We use our large paisley stamp, the flower and the 2 circles. We decided we wanted to add more so we dipped the back of a colored pencil in paint and used it to make small circles. Stamp until you are satisfied with your design.
If you are going to frame your fabric, wait until it has dried then continue. If you have used fabric paints or a textile medium added to your acrylic paints, follow any manufacture directions to stabilize the paint.
If you are going to frame your piece, add a piece of batting over the cardboard that comes with the frame.
Then, center the fabric on the batting, turn it over, and fold in the sides, taping them down with packing tape.
Place your fabric in the frame and hang!
