Since hearing about the make your own silk screen system from Screen Sensations I have debating getting one.
I therefore hit the internet to figure out whether I should or shouldn’t.
The MYOS28 is pitched as a revolution in DIY screen printing technology and was launched on Create and Craft TV as would be expected.
This kit, priced at £399, is predominantly intended to work alongside the Screen Sensations screen printing kit however if you use an alternate screen printing system, as long as the screen fits the frame, I guess you would be able to use it.
I had a good old hunt around the interweb for more info and found various pages and videos. Most of these were from the manufacturer because, as you would expect, not many people have had the chance to review it at the time I am writing this post.
FYI, this video overview featuring the lovely Diane Peternal, who I haven’t seen in yonks!
Looks super simple to use!
Now, I will be honest, I am like you and I did go to the good old internet and see if I could do this for less.
The short answer is, yes – but…
The longer answer is, it’s hit and miss. Sure there are plenty of tutorials for DIY screens using silk stockings, old canvas frames, mod podge, vinyl and various other bits and pieces that you might have at home already BUT all of them have caveats attached.
One example showed DIY screens that did not need a light source or photo-reactive resist being applied to the screen BUT you don’t get fine detail as you were painting on the resist by hand and you will need a lot of masking tape.
Another showed an ‘easy and cheap’ method BUT you needed an electronic cutting machine to do it their way – which is not cheap.
There are other mid-range options BUT you will need a strong light source, photo-reactive paste and a few other bits and pieces possibly maybe.
Then, of course, there are the professional systems that I found that stretched into the thousands of pounds. I obviously didn’t look any further at those as this creative avenue is not a full-time business for me and I am not a fringe music band looking to make my own ‘merch’.
So, back to the MYOS from Screen Sensations. I asked myself a few questions.
Does the kit contain everything/What else will I need?
Well, the info that I found shows that you get the machine, 4 screens, cleaning tray/sponge brush and printable acetate.
So, whilst all of the equipment to operate the machine and make the screens are supplied, I would still need some way of printing onto the acetate.
Do I have or have access to the above ‘extra’ bits?
Yes. I have a computer and a printer already.
Over and above that, whilst these things are NOT required and thinking creatively, I have a LOT of rubber stamps and also some dies that I could cut out and place onto the screen to act as the pattern. I do also have an electronic cutting machine that I could use to cut vinyl sheet to make a design.
Also, I might be able to get the local copy shop to help out for a few bob.
In short, I [personally] don’t need to buy anything else. Phew!
Can I see myself using it?
Maybe. With my mission to get back into more sewing and mixed media crafts, I can see many opportunities and applications to use this system.
Can I afford it?
Even though various discounts and flexible payment options will make it more manageable I can’t strictly afford it at this time – I’m a struggling independent artist/designer you know – boo hoo, right, lol!
So, the all important question – will I get one?
In time, maybe. Who knows. Time is a funny thing and it brings us all sorts of surprises. I mean, it is something of interest but there are plenty of other things on my list that I would like to get first.
What are your thoughts? I would love to hear your take on it too.
Anyway, thanks for stopping by and listening to me try and justify spending money on myself, lol!
Bye for now.
J :)
GENTLEMAN CRAFTER 
I found this site while searching for tips for the MYOS machine. I already have the Screen Sensation kit and it makes a very clean, detailed print, but, the screens on sale are expensive and not what I want to print. So, I have splurged out on flexi pay for the MYOS. Flexi pay makes it seem less expensive, but the cost of the screens are pretty steep, Ill let you know if it will print as good using ordinary acetate. I’m hoping to recoup the cost by printing and selling items like T shirts and bags online. I’m going to try layers using the Screen Sensation kit today. Now to await the delivery and probably order yet more inks.
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Look forward to hearing how you get on Brenda
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Definitely would love ont but as my freehand drawing is not the best is it worth me buying. Also I have bought the scanNcut and I think I can do some of the same ideas on that. Although if it wasn’t as expensive I’d probably consider it. After all the scanNcut 900 has dropped drastically in price.
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Well I am a pensionaire so money is a consideration, but today I purchased the MYOS system on 4 flexis pays. Internet search convinced me it was a better option all round. I don’t craft as a business but do sell my makes for charity after deducting the costs of the goods. However my husband, 2 daughters, one son in law and daughter in law all graft, so I can see the MYOS being used at some point by most family members, including the 6 grandchildren. So it is like investing in a family tool that will benefit us all for years to come. I suggest that maybe groups should get together and purchase one between them initially. That way it becomes an affordable investment. At least that’s how my logic justifies its purchase at its current price.
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Hi John
For the little use I would get from this kit it really isn’t worth buying. Yes I would love to try it but I really can’t justify the high expense.
Does the kit warrant such a high cost? I don’t know but for everyday crafters that just ‘dabble’ in all aspects of crafting?? I believe it would need to be a cheaper option.
So i’ll watch the shows but I won’t be buying it. It would take a lottery win for me to have money to waste before I could buy it at the current price.
I’m sure there will be some people who will buy the kit. They could set up a business charging others to produce the bespoke screens at a cost.
Best wishes
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No there is an idea!
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I have a laser printer and l was thinking along the same lines as Liz Merriot … do l need an ink jet printer? So, l did a big of a look around on the internet and l did find printable acetate for silk screens for inkjet printers but ALSO found printable acetate for laser printers and photocopiers …. so … the question is can we use that in our laser printers to make our own screens on the Myos? I won’t be buying just yet … it is very expensive… as are the consumables which l believe can be bought cheaper elsewhere. We will see what the show at 7pm tells us.
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Not 100% sure but I am certain that Diane would have mentioned in the video if it required a specific type. My thoughts are that as long as it is a solid black outline that covers the light reactive screen, it could, in fact, be anything, like a die cut, stamped image – on acetate – etc. I think the reason they mentioned printable acetate as that it is a special type of acetate that you would need to use with a printer because the ink needs a ‘tooth’ to cling to. Hope this helps. You can, of course, pose your question on the Screen Sensations social media or send it to the studio when the show is on if this still doesn’t help.
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Hi John I just wondered you mentioned a printer. Do you need an inkjet printer as in the past I have had foiling machines that could only be foiled using an ink jet printer not a laser. As you print on to acetate I would have thought it has to be ink jet.
Do you have any information on this at all as if people only have a laser printer and want the machine it’s going to be an expensive purchase either way.
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Not 100% sure but I am certain that Diane would have mentioned in the video if it required a specific type. My thoughts are that as long as it is a solid black outline that covers the light reactive screen, it could, in fact, be anything, like a die cut, stamped image – on acetate – etc. I think the reason they mentioned printable acetate as that it is a special type of acetate that you would need to use with a printer because the ink needs a ‘tooth’ to cling to. Hope this helps. You can, of course, pose your question on the Screen Sensations social media or send it to the studio when the show is on if this still doesn’t help.
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I agree John. My take is that it might be for me at some point in the future but not right now…..
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Hi John, thanks for the info. I’m not thinking of buying it, but I am curious to see it working and will watch the shows. It may be something I consider in the future. I have only just got the Be creative screen printing kit and haven’t tried it out yet. TFS
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