MATTAPOISETT — Sea life and seascapes were the most popular designs participants chose during the Mattapoisett Free Public Library’s screen printing program on Saturday, July 22. 

According to reference librarian and program instructor Michelle Skaar, screen printing is the process of using a screen to transfer paint onto a fabric or any surface.

Skarr said that although the library has hosted the screen printing program in previous years, it was the first time that they used “official” screen printing material.

“When we started we couldn’t afford screens at the time,” said Skarr. “I thought it was really cool and simple so I made screens to use with window screens.”

Skarr said that the new screen printing materials were purchased using grant money from the Richard and Ann J. Prouty Foundation.

Participants began the screen printing process by flattening out their chosen fabric and selecting their stencil design to tape on to screen. Skarr instructed the artists to cover any area on the screen that they did not want to have paint on with the tape.

“You think you can control the paint but sometimes you really can't,” said Skarr.

It was Beth Coleman’s first time creating a screen printing design. 

“I love t-shirts so I figured I would try to learn how to make my own,” said Coleman.

Coleman chose a design with a starfish, dolphin and seahorse to add to her red shirt. 

“I love Mattapoisett and the water so I thought it would be a nice theme,” she said.