T-Shirt Decorating Ideas

This week we wanted to give you a few ideas for decorating t-shirts so you can transform something boring into an exciting new outfit.  Making your own shirt is also a great way to de-stress because it’s an easy and fun activity to do with friends.  Try some of these out for an upcoming concert or big event and you’ll definitely stand out in the crowd!
 
Tye-dye
Supplies: dye, rubber bands, plastic bag (also gloves if you don’t want to get dye on your hands)

First, tie your t-shirt with rubber bands-the way in which you do this will effect how the pattern comes out.  If you want a spiral design, pinch the fabric in the middle of the shirt and spin it in one direction until the whole shirt is twisted into a circular form.  Then stretch rubber bands around the sides to hold the shirt in place.  You can also divide the shirt into sections with the rubber bands to establish different areas for dye.  You can make multiple spirals as well by tying several twists.  For a less-organized, spontaneous effect, twist or scrunch the shirt in a random manner and bind it with rubber bands.  Either squeeze the dye onto the designated sections of your shirt that you have created with rubber bands, or randomly apply it, and let it rest for a few hours.  Once the ink has set, remove all rubber bands and soak and rinse the shirt until the water runs clear.  Then hang the shirt up to dry and admire your work!

Splatter paint or Puffy Paint
Supplies: paint and/or puffy paint, paintbrush

This one is one of my favorites because it is so fun and quick to make-simply load your brush with paint and splatter it across your t-shirt and leave to dry.  Try using different colors, or even neon or glow-in-the-dark paints!  You can also buy puffy paint and use it for easy lettering.  

Stencils
Supplies:  scissors, spray paint/paint, cardboard/paper/poster paper

In order to make stencils, sketch out the images or letters on a piece of cardboard or poster paper and cut them out.  If you only have paper it will work, but your lines might not be as precise so the outcome will look messier.  Once you cut out the stencils, place them on your t-shirt and spray paint/paint over it, then remove and let the shirt dry!  Remember to cover up the areas you have already done with paper when working on other sections so you do not accidentally paint over a finished part of your shirt. 

Sponge painting
Supplies: scissors, sponges, paint, water

Cut sponges into creative shapes for simple homemade stamps!  All you need to do once you cut the sponge is soak it with water and wring it out, and then gently dip into a puddle of paint so that the bottom of the sponge is covered in a thin layer.  Then stamp the design onto your shirt and let dry.  This is a great activity because once you cut the sponges, you can clean them and let them dry for later use.

Beading/Braiding
Supplies: scissors, beads

You can give your shirt a fringed bottom or sleeves with these easy steps.  First, make cuts of similar lengths and even spacing around the bottom of the sleeves and/or bottom perimeter of the shirt.  You can then thread beads through each or every other strip, and tie a knot at the bottom.  You can also cut certain strips into three smaller sections and braid them together with a knot at the end.  Weave beads into the braids or alternate between braids and beads for even more creative ideas.  

Cutting
Supplies: scissors

This requires the least amount of supplies, but you might want to practice first on an old shirt that you don’t care about before trying to cut the shirt you are making.  The possibilities for cutting your t-shirt to make it more exciting are pretty much endless, but here are just a few ideas.  You can trim some fabric off the neck of the shirt so that the cut is not so high and the sleeves can hang down off your shoulders.  You can then cut slits along the sleeves if you want and give the shirt a careful stretch.  You can also make slits in the sleeves, cut the slits down the middle, and then stretch them and tie them together to make ties all along your sleeves.  Or, use this technique on the sides, especially if you have an over-sized t-shirt and want to give it a tighter fit.  

What will you be wearing?