How to Make a Parent's Day T-Shirt

Created to recognize the efforts and rewards inherent in parenting, Parent's Day on the fourth Sunday in July is an ideal opportunity to honor all the parents you know. Gather the kids to make a cute and meaningful t-shirt that the recipient will treasure for years to come.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Plain t-shirt
• Piece of cardboard
• Fabric paint
• Paper plates
• Brushes
• Stencils (if desired)
• Foam stamps (if desired)
• Puff paints (if desired)
• Fabric markers (if desired)

1. Purchase a plain, 100-percent cotton or 50/50 polyester-cotton blend t-shirt to fit the parent of your choice. Consider lighter colors that will best showcase your design.

2. Wash and dry the shirt without using a fabric softener, then place a thick piece of cardboard inside the shirt to prevent the paint or pens from dripping through the back.

3. Pour a few colors of fabric paint onto a palette, such as a paper plate or plastic bowl. Use colors that complement the shirt or one another.

4. Dip a brush into the paint, wiping the excess on the rim of the palette. Paint a design onto the shirt that represents the day, suits the recipient or reflects your personality.

5. Add interest by layering with additional designs. Try hand and footprints, images stamped with foam stamps, leaves or cut vegetables and motifs created with stencils. Consider using puff paint (sold in crafts stores like Michaels) to add dimension to your patterns.

6. Sign the shirt or add doodles, meaningful sayings, quotes or song lyrics with water-resistant fabric markers. (See Resources)

7. Consult the recommendations on your specific brand of fabric paint or markers to determine drying time and setting instructions. Make the shirt well in advance of Parent's Day to give it plenty of time to dry.

Resources

• Add detailed designs or signatures with fabric markers.