Top 10 Big Ticket Items Every DIYer Should Own: day 5

February 24, 2011

I know some of you might disagree but I have found this device to be invaluable. Now, if you are already knowledged in the art of screenprinting then of course you do not need one but for those of you who have never picked up a squeegee, it's a great way to learn. And it really does beat freezer paper stencils. You can get all those inside details that are a pain with freezer paper.

Now, there are some drawbacks to the Yudu which I address here. If you can overcome these hurdles then you will have no problem with the machine. I'll admit that I almost gave up when I first attempted to use it. The instructional video addressed none of the issues I encountered and I had to figure out how to remedy those problems on my own. But after I did it was cake.
I also talk about how to save on costs with the yudu in my previous article. If you buy strictly Yudu materials it might be cheaper to do your project with companies like Zazzle if you are doing one tee at a time . Of course, having your own personal screen print shop can be handy if you want to print on items not sold on Zazzle, like fabric.

For the book I'm authoring I'm going to be printing my own fabric for one of the dresses. What I had in mind could not be found anywhere and I have to use close to five yards so I didn't want to pay for the cost of using a service like Spoonflower. Although if you're doing one or two yards they can be a great alternative to making your own fabric or compromising on your fabric choices.
Photo Source
I have used my Yudu for all kinds of projects outside plain tee shirts. And if you are the kind of person who likes to make their Christmas gifts, look no further. Custom invitations are great too. Looks a lot better than a laser printer ink.

Another alternative to a Yudu is a Gocco. I wouldn't recommend a Gocco because it is smaller and about the same price as a Yudu plus you have to buy new bulbs everytime you make a new print. But it can be a lot faster to print with a Gocco as the prints are 'stamped' rather than 'pulled'. But more importantly, Gocco is no longer producing machines and no longer making supplies so I would not recommend buying one. If you already have one, then great! No problem. I just wouldn't go out of my way to purchase a used one.
Photo Source
If you are considering purchasing a Yudu I highly recommend checking out my review. It isn't easy for everyone but once you get the hang of it, it can be quite rewarding.

To see all Top 10 Big Ticket Items Every DIYer Should Own SEE HERE! 

More fun links:
Wouldn't this make the perfect little girl space?
Do you like heart shapes?
How rich do you think I'd have to be to call this mine?

11 {comments}:

Erica @ Acire Adventures said... Best Blogger Tips

I love this series, although it only makes me wish I had the money to afford to have any of these items. You must be one lucky DIYer if you own all ten of these big ticket items, I can't even imagine the pricetag for all of these things.

Ana said... Best Blogger Tips

I don't have this, but then again, I haven't done any freezer paper painting or screening. Good to know though!

Victoria at Party Puff said... Best Blogger Tips

I was thinking about getting one of these awhile back, but then passed. I enjoyed reading your review.

Jenarcissist @ the closet narcissist said... Best Blogger Tips

I agree, there's definitely a learning curve to the Yudu. If you can make yourself be patient and keep trying, and if you know where to buy cheaper supplies (dharmatrading.com has some good deals), it is so rewarding! One thing that helped me was when I read someone's suggestion for placing the screen on top of the emulsion sheet, rather than the other way around. You set it on top and mist with water from a spray bottle, and it's so much easier.

the narcissists' diary / the closet narcissist

Audie said... Best Blogger Tips

I got a YUDU for Christmas this year and I recently just made 22 tshirts to tell our family that my husband and I were going to have a baby. (yes we have a big family)
My advice would be to skip the emulsion sheets entirely. Not only are they expensive, but I found that the liquid emulsion was easier to use in both set-up and clean-up and had better results.

krayman said... Best Blogger Tips

I bought mine from a dealer that was selling her stock. Got the Yudu, lots of ink, emulsion & some other stuff for less then the machine itself. As of yet I haven't used it...I'll have to read up before trying it out.

BluBabes said... Best Blogger Tips

I like everything you show and do. And it's great to know what to one day shop for.

Anonymous said... Best Blogger Tips

Sold! I have been eperimenting with printing alot lately and have come to realise I need some sort of screen printing system, now I know which one. Thanks.

Heather said... Best Blogger Tips

looks like so much fun and I'm now wishing I could befriend a Yudu! I was actually looking at one this morning...maybe Santa will be so kind to me this year! :)

Abigail said... Best Blogger Tips

I wanted to ask you tonight, but forgot. Can this dodad be used on material other than fabric. I want to make a custom swing for our wedding with our monogram painted on it. I couldn't find any stencils that I liked and I don't feel confident trying it free hand.

Anonymous said... Best Blogger Tips

As of late I'm fascinated with printing on fabric, yet hardly know where to begin. Thanks so much for sharing this!

 
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