DIY T-Shirts
- Written by
- Dyani Van Basten Batenburg
Reinvent your wardrobe
School holidays are on the doorstep, which means it’s time to pull on the thinking caps and muster up a few entertainment ideas to keep the kids out of trouble. With the weather still playing the unpredictable card, stashing a couple of indoor and outdoor activity options up your sleeves never goes a miss. So, why not get creative and tee up some painting!
Freeze! That’s My T-shirt
This is a fun DIY t-shirt stencilling activity that’s destined to put a proud smile on many a face.
What you’ll need
- Freezer paper (available at supermarkets)
- Stanley knife or scissors
- White cotton t-shirt/s
- Stencil designs i.e. star, butterfly, heart, your hand (click here for some free stencil designs to print off!)
- Acrylic paints – variety of colours
- Paint brushes or your hands!
- An iron (you’ll need a hand from mum or dad)
How to…
- First, take your freezer paper and trace your stencil design onto it. Because freezer paper has two sides – shiny and dull – trace onto the dull side
- Then, using a blade or scissors cut out your stencil design. Leave extra paper around the edges of the design.
- Now, take your t-shirt and lay it on a firm surface or ironing board. Turn your iron onto medium heat and nicely ask a parent to iron your stencil onto your shirt. Iron it shiny side down.
- Taking your paints – and possibly head outdoors – paint within your stencil design with your chosen colours. Be as creative as you like and use either your fingers or a paintbrush – your choice!
- Leave the paint to dry, then carefully peel away the stencil paper to reveal the design silhouette underneath. It’s not uncommon for freezer paper to come off in one piece – or 20 – but don’t worry, it will all eventually come off.
- Finally, call a parent back again and ask them to press your stencil design with the warm iron.
You’re done! Wear it at once or give it a wash – great work!
Click here to download the stencil designs!
Bleach Spray T-Shirts
What you’ll need
- A plain black cotton tee
- Bleach
- Cardboard
- Stanley knife to cut out your stencil
- Adhesive vinyl (for your stencil)
- Empty spray bottle (i.e. window cleaner)
- Stencil design ideas e.g. owl, skateboard, galaxy
- Paper towels
How to…
- Trace your chosen stencil design onto a piece of adhesive vinyl and gently cut out your stencil using your Stanley knife. Press onto a chopping board and secure surface when doing this.
- Next, head outdoors or into the garage – somewhere with space around you – and lay your t-shirt out on a flat surface.
- Take your cut-out stencil and gently peel off the backing paper and press the stencil onto your t-shirt. Press it down firmly.
- Then, gently peel the transfer paper up, making sure the stencil stays attached to your shirt. With the transfer paper removed – you’re ready to bleach.
- Now, measure approx quarter cup of bleach into your spray bottle. Set the nozzle to fine mist.
- Place cardboard in between your t-shirt – saves bleach sinking into the back of it.
- Gently spray a very light coat all around the stencil – less is more, aim for one or two sprays max. Straight after, blot the whole area with paper towels.
- Then give it two minutes to let the bleach work. If you don’t get the bleached results you want after two minutes, give it another spray – then blot with paper towel.
- Finally, hang your t-shirt out to dry – do not get it wet! Once fully dry, wash it once individually to be sure you don’t bleach your other clothes!
You are done! T-shirt bleached and ready to rock!