Don’t spend money on cheap store bought present sacks for your kids this year – make your own personalised version by following these simple instructions.
YOU WILL NEED: One large, blank hessian sack, black block ink, fine paintbrush, alphabet stencil, ruler, a few sheets of newspaper, 60cm length baker’s twine or ribbon.
Measure the width of your sack and width of any letters you wish to print, and write down the measurements. Insert the newspaper inside the sack – this will stop any ink from leaking through to the other side. Subtract the width of the letters on each line of stencilling from the width of the sack, and divide by two. This will give you the measurement needed on either side, so you can work out when the letters are perfectly centred.
Dip brush in block ink and carefully blot around the inner outlines of the stencil. Dab brush firmly but evenly to avoid any paint seepage beyond the letters (you can fill in the centres with a less cautious stroke).
When you reach the tree motif and “caution” lettering, simply paint free-hand, but take care to measure the centre of the bag once again and centre your letters in the middle.
Lay out to dry in the hot sun or use a hairdryer to dry ink. Fill sack with treats and secure opening with a length of ribbon or twine.
