Summary of the Process ...
- Order FREE Artwork Kit containing full easy-to-follow instructions.
- Children draw their 'Self Portraits' on drawing paper provided in the Kit.
- Paste down drawings on template provided.
- Return Kit to us.
By post or arrange collection by Art Screen Prints - We print and despatch your printed designs … within three weeks for Tea Towels, Aprons and Bandanas/Scarves … within 4 weeks for Bags and Pillowcases.
- 21 days to pay from receipt of your order.
(Full instructions are included in the Artwork Kit)
How many drawings can I include?
We do not recommend more than 300 portraits onto any one Tea towel design. Should you have more than 300 children, then consider splitting them into groups of, say, years or classes, etc.
How long does it take?
The length of time it takes to complete the drawings, signatures or handprints, etc., is up to you. Some organizations finish their drawings in one day whilst others may take days or plan it over a few weeks. Once your artwork is finished, return it to us flat in the folder supplied with the Artwork Kit. When we receive your completed artwork, we will print your Tea towels and deliver them to you within 2-3 weeks.
How are the drawings positioned?
Your Tea Towel can be in either "landscape" or "portrait" format. Individual drawings can be arranged at random or grouped together in classes or years, etc. We have seen some very imaginative arrangements over the years. It is advisable to arrange your portraits on the layout board, supplied with the Artwork Kit, prior to final gluing. You will need to leave a space for your school title.
How do I create handprints for my Tea towel design?
Brush each child's hand with washable, BLACK, undiluted poster paint and then press their hand onto white paper. The paint should not be too thick, as we want to try to capture as much line detail of the hand as possible. Write the child’s name underneath the print in black ink. Handprints can be enlarged or reduced on a photocopier later if you need to alter the size.
Can the children colour in their drawings?
No. All drawings/artwork must be in BLACK ink for reproduction purposes. Drawings should not be done in pencil as this reproduces unpredictably. Any pencil lines that have been used for planning purposes, should be carefully rubbed out.
Can I do a design without drawings?
Yes, you can create a design based on your crest, logo, ink sketches or signatures, etc., to celebrate an anniversary or special event. We also see designs created from lists of student names. Some designs are composed entirely of children’s drawings of their favourite animals! We have also helped many corporate clients, small businesses, sporting clubs, animal shelters, theatres, churches and social groups to design a unique Tea towel for fundraising, promotions or as gifts. (Remember all artwork MUST be in BLACK ink.)
What size paper do I give to the children?
The table below is a basic guide to sizing. You can choose your own proportions if you wish, though the area must be the same of course:
| Number of portraits onto one layout board/design |
Size of drawing paper to give to each child. The drawing paper supplied with the kit is squared on the reverse to assist in cutting to size. |
||
|---|---|---|---|
| SQUARE FORMAT | RECTANGULAR FORMAT | ||
| 25 Portraits | 4" x 4" | 5" x 3.25" | |
| 50 Portraits | 3" x 3" ** | 4" x 2" | |
| 75 Portraits | 2.5" x 2.5" ** | 3" x 1.75" | |
| 100 Portraits | 2" x 2" | 3" x 1.5" ** | |
| 125 Portraits | 1.75" x 1.75" | 2.75" x 1.25" ** | |
| 150 Portraits | 1.5" x 1.5" | 2.25" x 1.25" ** | |
| 200 Portraits | 1.33" x 1.33" | 2" x 1" | |
| 250 Portraits | 1.25" x 1.25" | 1.5" x 1" | |
| 300 Portraits | 1.25" x 1.25" ** | 1.5" x 1" ** | |
** Some trimming of excess white paper may be required
To calculate a more accurate sizing or for numbers of children not on the above chart, use the following formula: divide the number of children participating on each layout board into 420 sq. ins., press equal sign on your calculator, then press square root sign. For example, 420 divided by 140 portraits equals 3, then press square root sign which gives answer of 1.73, therefore round up and cut paper to approx. 1.75" x 1.75"¯ square. (You may need to use this formula if you have a very big logo, which takes up more than the 30sq. ins. that we have already allowed for. OR if you need to resize drawings on the photocopier before gluing down!!)
What is the size and quality of the Tea towels?
Our Premium Quality Tea Towels are made from 100% cotton (white) and are approx. 31" x 20". The print area, which includes the printed border, is 28" x 17"¯. Print quality is excellent and mirrors your artwork superbly. We never print on cheap imported tea towels, as we have been told many times these have given a disappointing result to the customer.
When is a good time to order?
Any time is a good time to organize a fundraiser. Our products can be used as a special way to celebrate occasions such as a final year at school, anniversary, open day, sports day and are popular as gifts for Mother's Day, Easter or Christmas. (Remember to plan well ahead as delivery can take up to 3 weeks from our receipt of your artwork.)
How many do I need to order?
The minimum order quantity for Tea Towels is 50 per design. If your organisation is creating 2 or more designs, each design will be treated separately in regard to pricing, e.g. 100 Tea Towels each on two layout boards would be charged at £1.85 each (+VAT) and not at the 200 rate of £1.70 each (+VAT). On average we have found that each parent orders 1½-2 Tea Towels. We do not wish to encourage over-ordering as reprints can be ordered at a later date.
What colours are available?
There are 12 colours in our range - orange, red, burgundy, fuchsia, violet, mid blue, dark blue, emerald green, sea green, olive, brown and black. Printing is in a single colour, which is colourfast and hard-wearing. Click here for Print Colours
What borders can I have?
There is a choice of 13 borders, which are illustrated on our layout boards. If you wish to break the border with the name of your organisation say, you can do this when you paste down you artwork on the layout board. Click here to see choice of Borders. or Click Here For our Special Event borders
Can I supply my own border?
Yes, but it must be in black and pasted down on our layout board. If you wish to supply your border, or any other artwork digitally, this should ideally be supplied in pdf format.
Can I supply my own lettering and logo for the School Title?
Yes, many schools prepare their own Title Lettering on their computer and paste this down on the layout board. When we receive this, we always check that it is horizontal, and adjust it if it is not … do not worry if you are a little bit out with this. We can also do your title lettering for you, if you wish, at an additional charge of £10 irrespective of how many layout boards you send.
School badges should also be presented as black on white images. But please note, to promote your school image as the best quality finished print, it is important that you send us the highest quality image that is available to you, whether it be digital, copied from a letterhead or a photocopied badge. These important little details all help to maximise your sales.
How long does delivery take?
Delivery of your finished printed Tea Towels, Aprons or Bandanas is usually within 3 weeks from receipt of your approved artwork. Delivery of Bags and Pillowcases can take up to 4 weeks. Please note: if you require a ‘proof’ of your finished artwork prior to printing, this is likely to extend the delivery period of your finished order by the number of days it takes you to approve the proof.
Our normal delivery service of the Artwork Kit and your printed order is FREE OF CHARGE to a UK mainland address