Things to Make - Sharpie Tie-Dye T-shirts

This was one of those Pinterest crafts that seemed perfect for the summer's beginning (click here for the link). But we never managed to try it until summer's end. Luckily, the kids really loved designing their t-shirts (all three kids loved it - which is sort of a big deal). And the results were pretty cute, F wears her shirt all the time. So sometimes Pinterest really does work out.

Here's the scoop:

Materials: Sharpie markers in different colors, plain white t-shirts, rubber bands, medicine droppers, a variety of cups and glasses, and rubbing alcohol.

1. Use the rubber bands to secure the t-shirts to the cups (see pics below).

2. Color designs on the shirt with permanent sharpie markers (we found that this project works best if you leave some white space in your design).

3. Use the medicine droppers to add a few squirts of rubbing alcohol to the center of each design. Watch the colors diffuse.

4. Move the cups to make as many circles as wanted/needed.

5. When finished, iron the t-shirt to keep the colors from fading.

6. Wear everywhere.

Things to Make - Paint-Your-Own American Girl T-Shirt

As a kid, I made an iron-on-t-shirt for my Cabbage Patch Kid, Cybil Lily. Nowdays when F plays with Cybil she loves to dress her in the t-shirt I designed. So I thought it would be fun to let the girls decorate t-shirts for their dolls. I purchased a pack of 5 American Girl sized shirts from Amazon for $22 (available here) and glitter fabric paint (similar to this). On the upside, all three kids LOVED this project. On the downside, the squirt paint was a little above their skill level. Both the girls started out making pretty designs, but then ended up smearing everything together. I thought this meant a failed project, but two days later the girls couldn't wait to dress their dolls in the one-of-a-kind homemade t-shirts. The paint ended up drying very hard and VERY sparkly (lots of bling), which made all three kids happy.

CREATIVE IDEAS FROM AROUND THE WEB:

*25 Indoor Activities to Keep Your Toddler Occupied This Winter.

*My pinterest Xmas folder has several seasonal craft ideas. Click here to view it.

*This construction paper sculpture looks easy and fun.

*Interview your kids every few months and see how things change.