Spring T-Shirts

Taking daddy's t-shirts has become a bad habit in this house. Well...maybe not so bad when you end up with an adorable, colorful top like the one below!

The inspiration arrived from an art fair that sells some of the hippest, graphic t's we've ever seen.

I wanted to figure out a way that the girls could create their own one of a kind pieces with fool proof methods. That's where contact paper came in! Perfect for creating your own stencils, contact paper completely adheres to many fabrics leaving your art work with sharp edges and lines.
And it's the most inexpensive.

So how do you get started?

First, there's a couple things you'll need.

~ fabric paints

~ contact paper

~ scissors

~ marker

~ paper clips

~ sponges (cut into small cubes)

~ t-shirts, or white fabric

~ old jar lids, or apple sauce cups, or egg carton for the paints

~ plastic cutting boards or cardboard, so that your

t-shirts have something separating the 2 layers of fabric

Start by wrapping the t-shirt or fabric around the cutting boards. Fold taut so that your shirt lays flat.

Fold your contact paper in half. Since the edges can be stubborn and may naturally want to roll, use the paper clips to prevent your paper from moving. 

Next... remember making snowflakes?

Draw out a shape and cut into them with similar designs.

Keep in mind, that the relief, or negative space will become the actual image.

When finished cutting, unfold, and peel off the back.

Adhere it to your shirt and open those paints!

You can use a ton of household items for paint storage. Just remember

that a little fabric paint can go a long way.

Wet your sponges first and squeeze out any excess water.

Now you can begin painting your items.

When it has mostly dried, 'cause you'll be too excited to wait till it's completely dried,

start at a sharp corner or curve & slowly peel the adhesive sticker off.

That's it!

I'm pretty sure you'll love the image.

Hands down, this has become my favorite shirts and one of my favorite projects:) 

Made by my lovely ladies, it's packed with an authentic design and bright colors.

I guarantee that once you start painting, you won't be able to stop.

We ended up moving onto fabrics swatches too.

Ya' know, just to play around:)

Remember to allow a couple hours of drying before wearing your tops;)

Also....this makes a great party project for kids.

Could you imagine if you had white canvas bags and everyone designed a one of a kind tote?

Pretty good idea, wouldn't you say?

Happy Trails:)