For An Easy DIY Printmaking Technique Give Rolling Pin Printing a Spin

Looking for a new and exciting (and easy) printmaking technique? Let me tell you about rolling pin printing. This is one of the fastest ways to create custom patterns on paper, fabric, gift wrap – you name it. With just a rolling pin, craft foam, and a little paint, you can make a slew of cute prints that are fun for both kids and adults to make.

Also let’s be honest, I’m not rolling out dough any time soon so I might as well use that rolling pin for crafts.

What Is Rolling Pin Printing?

Think of rolling pin printing as a giant stamp that gives you a lot of bang for your buck. Instead of stamping one shape over and over you create a type of repeat pattern as you roll the rolling pin across your surface.

The result is a continuous design that looks much more complicated than it actually is. I’ve tried to make repeat patterns, it’s hard. I don’t like hard crafts. I want to stick foam stickers to rolling pins instead of learning Pro-Create.

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Supplies Needed For Rolling Pin Printing

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Rolling Pin (the thrift store is full of them from all the people that gave up on their hopes and dreams of being a baker)
Sticky Back Craft Foam Sheets
Scissors
Acrylic craft paint
Foam paint brush
Tea Towel or Cloth Napkin
OPTIONAL – Wood Burning Tool
OPTIONAL – Star Shaped Sponge Brush

How to Make Your Patterned Rolling Pin

Have I ever told you how much I love adhesive backed craft sheets? It is the best! I’ve used it to makeover thrift store art, stencil planters, whip up a set of citrus themed coasters and more. It’s really an unsung hero of the craft supply world.

Use these sheets to create your pattern. I went with a cactus theme, but whatever tickles your fancy and you are able to cut into foam works here.

Another option is to use foam stickers. These come in all kinds of shapes and sizes (usually in the kid aisle at the craft store). If you can find a cactus shape, save yourself the headache of cutting.

Either way if you are cutting or using a sticker add them to your rolling pin trying to keep them evenly spaced.

Add Details to Your Foam Stamps

You could just leave the foam stickers on your rolling pin as is, but why when you could finally use that wood burning tool that you bought on impulse and has been gathering dust ever since.

Again this step is optional, but texture is fun. HOT TIP – if you have a die-cut machine like a Sizzix you can roll foam through it with a texture/embossing sheet. Just look at what happens when you combine Fashion Plates, foam and one of these machines.

Ink Up the Rolling Pin

This tutorial actually first appeared on the DIY Network in 2015ish. That being said, I had not fallen in love with gel printing yet. In 2015 I used a foam brush and craft paint. Now, I would use a brayer to add the same paint to a gel plate and then roll my rolling pin across that. This would make for much more even paint coverage. Live, laugh, love, learn or whatever.

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Time to Try Printing with a Rolling Pin

Lay your fabric on a flat smooth surface. I might even use making tape to make sure the edges stay down. From here after you have “inked your rolling pin” roll it smoothly and evenly across your fabric. I would try for one section at a time as you will need to add more paint every so often.

If you wanted to practice first on some paper I wouldn’t blame you. Getting the hang of the pressure to use can be a bit tricky.

Why Not Add a Cactus Flower to Your Rolling Pin Print?

As wise woman Iris Apfel once said “More is more and less is a bore”. Amen! This is why you should totally add a cactus flower to your rolling pin print. After the print has completely dried you could add the flowers by hand or with a small foam brush like I did.

Creative Pattern Ideas. Not a cactus fan? It’s Ok, I won’t hold it against you.

Foam stickers come in so many shapes and sizes, you could use this same technique to make all kinds of different designs. Not to mention if you are cutting by hand sky is the limit. Here are a few other ways I have used foam stickers in different designs.

You are a major cactus fan and want even more cacti crafts? I got you.

Everything is Better With PomPom Trim

I live by this motto and with this rolling pin printed cactus covered tea towel it holds true! Sure, you could sew on the trim but we just made a repeat pattern with a rolling pin, why get technical now. I suggest hot glue.

Set the Table with Your New Cactus Napkins

Full disclosure I’d probably punch someone if they stained these napkins – AKA actually used them. It’s like decorative shell shaped soap in the guest bathroom it’s just for looking at not using.

Either way they cam out C-U-T-E. I forgot how much I love this technique even though I do it all the time on a smaller scale with toilet paper rolls to make artsy collage fodder. This is a great project because you can do it with kids or adults, on fabric or paper, with lot’s of detail or bold and simple. I’m headed to the thrift store to find some more rolling pins.

Tips, Tricks and More Ideas…

Use thin coats of paint.
Add to rolls of paper to use as wrapping paper.
Try using a fabric ink pad instead of paint.
Rinse paint off between colors and after using. Especially if your stamps have texture. The paint will harden the foam and fill the details when dry.
Allow prints to dry completely before adding a second stripe of the pattern to avoid smudges.
Don’t want to use foam? What about wrapping the rolling pin in bubble wrap or yarn for texture.