As a craft expert with years of hands-on experience, Jennifer Perkins shows how to repurpose that unused rolling pin from your kitchen drawer into a versatile printing tool for stunning, organic designs.
Jennifer Perkins
Roller printing delivers quick, full-coverage patterns with a natural, handmade look—perfect for family crafting. Experiment with stickers, foam shapes, and paint colors for endless unique results every time.
Watch this episode of DIY This with Jennifer Perkins for expert tips on roller printing techniques, and follow our step-by-step guide below to create your own cactus-print tea towels.
Jennifer Perkins
Jennifer Perkins
Select your cactus design and apply foam stickers or cut custom shapes from adhesive craft foam. Arrange them randomly around the rolling pin for an organic pattern.
Jennifer Perkins
For added detail, carefully use a wood burning tool to etch textures into the foam—these will transfer beautifully to your print. Supervise children closely with this step.
Jennifer Perkins
Apply fabric paint evenly to the roller using a sponge brush.
Jennifer Perkins
Lay out your tea towel or fabric. Start rolling from the bottom edge, moving upward slowly until the paint fades. Reapply paint, align seamlessly, and continue rolling for full coverage.
Jennifer Perkins
Let the print dry, then enhance with small sponge brushes—add colorful flowers around the cacti for a vibrant finish.
Jennifer Perkins
Once flowers are dry, secure pom-pom trim along the towel edge with hot glue or fabric glue for a polished look.
Jennifer Perkins
This versatile technique opens up countless creative possibilities. Jennifer Perkins recommends trying potato printing next for more fun projects.
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