PhatGrrl: Thermofax Screens Design Project

We were lucky at the adventure playground I work for, to be awarded some funding to enable us to run a design workshop throughout the year.

The project includes research into design, photography, learning how to use digital equipment with design programmes on the mac and also, drawing original designs and then burning them onto a thermofax screen and learning how to print using different mediums. I found that my own thermofax really came in handy for my business and as much as it was a great expense, it certainly was a gem for home.

So when the idea came about from the children that they wanted to learn new ways to create art work which involved using computer aided design amongst other things, the idea of the design project was born. Yes, they have been very happy since using all the equipment for all sorts of different designs to decorate old clothes, print posters, they've gone printing mad! During the time so far, they have learnt so many different new skills and are packed to the brain rafters with new knowledge.

Many of the younger children were happy to design images that can be printed onto t-shirts and to create their own fabric, of which will be used later in the year to make bags, aprons, skirts from.

The older children have started to work on their own logo’s to incorporate them into their own clothing.

One group of boys who began working on their own logo, have now shown interest in starting their own clothing line.

They have already bought hoodies and are now planning on printing their designs onto them with a view to starting a brand for sportswear. We'll see how this thing develops!

Business School was created.

Every week for four weeks the boys (and anyone who wants more information on starting their own business) meet with Lorna and gather relevant information to help them start up their business. from getting market research out there using Facebook, finding stock to print on at a low rate, what designs to use, who to market to and how to price up and cost things into the cost of the clothing.

I shall keep you up to date on how this goes.


Ricey - Dragon 1 rolls eyes

'I'm ringing Debra Meaden, you see if you can get Duncan'

Meanwhile here are some of the images that our children designed and which were burned onto the mesh screens. We used the plastic frame surround on these ones. We seal the sides with gaffa tape and this is enough for smaller screens to support them.


This one was a bit mucky, the graphite pencil can be a bit messy, but the image is easily cleaned up with a rubber. Putty rubbers do the job best or white bread!