I’ve taken my creative ideas to a whole new level.  A handmade t-shirt designed by me!  And yes, I did wear this to the show last September.  Which reminds me, I never shared my pics, did I?  I promise a post this week.

Back to the shirt!  I went to see Motley Crue and KISS at Alpine Valley with a group of friends.  Knowing I was going to purchase a band shirt from the merchandise booth didn’t help me decide on what to wear to the show.  I really wished I had all of those in which I purchased from previous shows that I attended back in the 90’s.  I had looked around locally for one with no luck.  Online venue were selling out.  What’s a girl to do?

Make my own t-shirt!

Here’s what you need:

*Black t-shirt (I got mine at Michaels craft store for $2.00-it was on sale)

*White fabric spray paint (Michaels again.  Used a coupon so it cost me $6.)

*Stencils (I already had these on hand, but check your local Dollar Stores)

*Masking tape

**You may use any color you wish.  I’m just sharing what I used for this project.

The How To:

First wash the t-shirt.  This was my first time using fabric spray paint, so I followed the directions as stated. 

Using the ironing board I spread the t-shirt out flat.  Any flat surface will work.  I have a couple of t-shirts that have the stripes on the sleeves, so I thought I would create my own with this one.  I used six pieces of masking tape on each sleeve.  Three on the front and three on the back.  I simply eyeballed it when it comes to lining the tape up.  I don’t worry about perfection with stuff like this.  So, you may use a ruler if you want to make sure the stripes are evenly spaced.

I picked out the stencils that I needed to spell out the band name.  Using the masking tape I placed them on the front of the shirt where I thought they looked okay.  Repeat, I’m not picky with accurate placing.    

I applied the fabric paint to give it a blotchy look.  Make sure to shake the bottle well before using.  I let it dry overnight and then removed the masking tape. 

Both Motley Crue and KISS were using the hashtag #TheTour on Twitter, so I thought it was only proper to promote that on the back of the shirt.  I used a fabric pen for the wording. 

That’s it!  A simple project that cost me $6.  I was surprised at the quality of the t-shirt given the fact that I only paid $2. for it.  It’s still in great condition and I wear it a lot.

When you wash the t-shirt I recommend that you turn it inside out first.  And I only dry it for a couple of minutes in the dryer.  Enough to pull the wrinkles out.  

I have more shows planned this year.  Might just have to make another one.

Until the next word…

~Jennifer