Last week I took some of the grandkids to the craft store and we bought solid color tees, colorful sharpie markers and rubbing alcohol. Did I mention that my grandkids love making things? I’m happy to see that some of my creative genes have passed on. You can use solid color shirts that the kids or you already have or buy new shirts from one of the big craft stores. We usually only pay a few dollars apiece.
This is a fun and easy DIY craft project that both boys and girls will enjoy. Truthfully, I wasn’t sure that my grandson liked the t-shirt although I knew he enjoyed playing around making designs with the markers and the alcohol . But when he wore the shirt he made for the first day of school, picking it out himself, I realized that he loved his handiwork.
Materials You Need:
- t-shirt, solid color
- permanent Sharpie markers
- rubbing alcohol
- eye dropper
- cup for alcohol
- cardboard to insert into shirts
What to do:
- Wash and dry shirts prior to starting your project.
- Insert cardboard into each shirt to guard against color bleeding to the back of the shirt.
- Create designs with the markers by making dots and or dashes on the shirt. The more colors used, the more vibrant the designs will end up.
- Designs can be added to the sleeves also but be sure to use cardboard in the sleeve area before starting.
- Once you have completed your design, use the eye dropper to make drips of alcohol over all of the design. Do trial small drops to start and then progress to dropping more alcohol, depending on the look you are trying to achieve. More alcohol will give a bigger bleed of color.
- Let the shirt dry and then rinse gently, by hand, with cold water.
- Let dry.
Encourage creativity … there is a bit of artist in everyone.