Does your child like to color or paint? Do they like to display their works of art? Would they like wearing their art? If you have answered yes to any of these questions, then your child or children will also probably enjoy coloring in pre-printed designs on tee shirts.
On these shirts, the designs are basic drawings, allowing your child to easily color/paint them in, and to add their own creativity to the design. They can add in background features, shading, cross marks, or add their own toppings to a pizza shirt. They can add polka dots or stripes to their creation, or added details, like
I used to host birthday parties at a local craft store, and I was rather amazed and impressed with the children's creativity when they were just given basic designs to work with. A simple outline drawing, like this lizard outline, can spark your child's imagination. No two beginning designs ever looked alike once the children were finished their creations.
I recommend using acrylic fabric paint. I recommend the fabric paint that comes in the little bottles. It is a pretty good consistency for painting with. Check the labels for any additional instructions, like heat setting the shirts after they have dried. I have mainly used the Americana paint and have had good success with it.
It is best to pre-wash the shirts first, without the use of any fabric softener, to help the paint adhere better.
If you want to try paint markers, I have used the fabric paint markers by Elmer's before, and have had good experiences with them on painting aprons. Just be sure to recap the marker when shaking the paint up, and to pre-test on a rag or sheet of paper to get used to the amount of pressure to apply, first. Also, when you need to get more paint down to the tip, apply the pressure on a scrap sheet of paper or fabric and not on the creation. I also prefer the medium tip markers; they cover a wider area, and have a more controlled paint flow.
Whichever method you use, be sure to lay a sheet of flat cardboard under the fabric that is being painted on, to protect whatever is under it, from any paint bleed through. If the item is a tee shirt, you'll want to place the flat cardboard between the two layers of fabric.
Click below to peruse my outline drawings printed on tee shirts to inspire your child's creativity.
May you have a fun experience with your child/children and their painting project.
Like to have a birthday party featuring tshirts to paint, color? Read my blog: Tee Shirt Coloring Parties Ideas for party tips.
Cheryl Paton
