Past Programs

Nature's Prints
(T-Shirt Printing with Leaves, Weeds, and Grasses)
by Deborah Ruzzi

Event Date, Time, & Location:
Tuesday, October 13, 2009 at 7:00 PM
Cheshire Senior Center, 240 Maple Avenue, Cheshire, Connecticut

"I am interested in most art forms. As an artist, I have done stained glass for well over a decade, some woodworking, decorative painting, and photography. I have taught stained glass classes. I have done craft fairs for over 20 years in CT. winning ribbons and awards for my works in stained glass and photography. I enjoy my gardens and raising my family and pets."
"I am a member of several local clubs. I have done many demonstrations for groups. I have been an officer in several clubs and am currently holding the position of vice president of the Castle Craig Camera Club."

"I can't wait to share my Nature's Prints shirt techniques with you!"

If you are interested in creating your own T-Shirt during the presentation please bring the following materials to the event:
  • 3 one inch foam brushes
  • 6 styrofoam dinner paper plates
  • 3 bottles of acrylic paint in complimentary colors of your choice
  • Tweezers
  • Small bottle of textile medium (...can be shared with several people)
  • 6 -8 clothespins or clips
  • Several fresh green leaves with prominent veining, evergreen boughs, weeds
  • 1 thin liner paint brush.
  • A white T-Shirt (...in your size)
  • Cardboard insert (...a large gift box works)
  • Paper towels
  • 1 small water container
  • Apron or smock (...This can be messy since the paints will become permanent on the clothes)

Miscellaneous Pictures


Attendees hanging out before demo



Demo is about to begin



Everyone working on their own printed shirts



Paul Miller shows his work



Dale Spaner, Deborah Ruzzi, and Nina White




Preparations


Preparations


Materials


Materials


Begin Demo


Dry-Run
Arrange Foliage


Apply Paint
(Apply paint to only one side of foliage)


Press Paint
(Put paper over paint covered foliage - paint side down - and press onto shirt)


Repeat Process
(Repeat the above processes for each peice of foliage in your arrangement)


Adding Details
(Once all foliage has been transferred to shirt, add details with paint brush or Q-Tip as shown)


Fisnihed!
 

Footnotes:
[1] Biography and quotes provided by Deborah Ruzzi.
[2] Photos courtesy of Cheshire Art League.