How to Make a Rock T-Shirt

A rock T-shirt can be easily made at home using iron-on transfer paper, widely available in office supply stores, a plain T-shirt and an iron.

Things You'll Need

• Iron-on transfer paper
• Iron
• Printer
• Photo imaging software
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Find an image for your rock T-shirt. Use the "images" or "pictures" option on any Internet search engine to find pictures of your favorite rock star or band, concert images, album cover art or logos of your choice.

2. Follow the link to the full size image you want on your shirt, right click on the image and click "Copy." Some images may not allow you to do this, in which case you will have to find an alternative image.

3. Open Adobe Photoshop or any photo imaging software and open a new document. Right click on the page, and click on "Paste" or use the "Paste" options for your program. Your image should appear on the page.

4. Manipulate your images(s) as desired to fit. Any photo imaging software should allow you to alter the dimensions and colors of your image(s) and use special artistic effects. If you are unhappy with changes you have made just start again by closing the document and re-opening the saved file.

5. Check the dimensions of the image and compare to the size of your T-shirt to make sure it will fit in your desired position.

6. Print a test page on plain paper to ensure that the size and resolution are suitable for your shirt. Check "Grayscale" under printing options to save your expensive color ink. Make adjustments and print another test page if necessary.

7. Print your document on a sheet of transfer paper. Follow the instructions on the package to set the correct printing options, and make sure your image prints on the correct side of the paper. Do not touch the image, as you don't want to smudge the ink.

8. Cut out your image with scissors, leaving a small border around the edges.

9. Iron your T-shirt well, then iron the transfer paper onto the T-shirt as directed by the packaging. It will involve pressing the paper down in position on the shirt and ironing the back of the paper.

Tips & Warnings

• *There are transfer papers available specifically for light or dark colored backgrounds, so check the package before you purchase it. *If your home printer gives you disappointing results, save your image file on a disc and take it with your transfer paper to a copy store. They will print it onto the paper for you for little cost. If you don't have any photo imaging software, copy the file into a Microsoft Word Document. You will not be able to do any advanced manipulation of the image but will be able to change the size and print it.

• To wash your rock T-shirt, follow the directions stated on the transfer paper packaging.