Gracie’s a Big Sister!

Introducing baby Alex!  Grace and Alex are my cousin’s children. 
We’ve all been showering Alex with gifts, but what about Big Sista (15 month old) Gracie?  I made her this special “Big Sister” tee using freezer paper stencils.  Cheri is the expert on this, but I thought I’d type up the process I followed.
 
I made my design in Storybook Creator Plus, using some free font downloads and free clipart off a google image search.
To make a freezer paper stenciled garment, you will need:
Freezer paper
Exacto knife
Self healing mat or a stack of magazines to cut on
A pattern/design
Iron
Tulip Matte Fabric Paint
Paint brush
Tweezers to help lift the stencil off

(The Big Brother one is for another of my cousin’s children.  We have a baby boom around here!)
Step 1: Cut out your stencil.  Place the freezer paper over the printed design.  Be sure to cut out the insides of the letters and keep them for later.

Step 2: Iron down your stencil.  Shiny side down.  Don’t forget to put the insides of the letters back.  I decided the outline of the girl looked funny, I used the part I had cut out, instead.

Step 3: Put something between the layers or your shirt (I used freezer paper) to keep the paint from soaking through, and paint.  You may need several light coats. 

Step 4: Carefully peel off the stencil once the paint is completely dry.
Step 5: Put a cloth over the paint and iron it to set it.
 
I love the way it turned out, but I wish I had put the design up higher.  It looked normal until I put it on her. :)

I also made Alex a matching onesie.



Miss Gracie is a WONDERFUL big sister.  Her mommy told me that the other day she got a timeout after slapping Alex on the head.  The next day, she accidentally hit him, told “Ax” she was sorry, told Mommy she was sorry, and sent herself to the corner for a time-out.  I think she’s learning her boundaries pretty quickly!
     
I love these two!!!  And I’m so proud of their matching tees!