Tie-dyeing is an absolute blast, but can be such a hassle! There is a lot of mess and stained hands involved when it comes to traditional tie-dyeing methods. Although it is fun to get messy while you are being creative, it is not always the most convenient. Thankfully there’s an easier way! This week we are going to be tie-dyeing without dyes and a lot less mess. Let’s get to it!  

Necessities: 

  • 1 White T-Shirt in your preferred size (could be tank-top if preferred)
  • Permanent Markers (color(s) of your choice)
    • 1-5 colors recommended
  • Rubbing Alcohol or Nail Polish Remover
    • Rubbing alcohol is more cost-effective
  • Hair-Ties OR Rubber Bands 
  • Old towel or blanket that you don’t mind getting dirty (for tie-dyeing on)

Optional:

  • Iron 

Step 1: Take your white T-shirt, grab it in the middle, twist it, and then with your rubber band tie it off. Continue this on the entire T-shirt until it looks similar to the last picture above.

**There is no right or wrong way to do this, and every twist and tie is going to be different from person to person.


Step 2: Take your permanent markers, and color in the white areas. You can mix colors and make designs in different spots. Color on the front, back, sides, and between the rolls of the shirt to get color on the front and back! Ensure that there is some white between colors so that the colors have room to seep.

Step 3: Take the rubbing alcohol/nail polish remover and pour it over the T-shirt. Make sure you flip the shirt over to ensure that it is soaked through, or pour more on the dry areas that the rubbing alcohol did not get. This is where your towel will come in handy to avoid mess and protect your other surfaces.

**I folded my towel in half for extra absorbance. 

Step 4: Dab the T-shirt with your towel a little bit. 

Step 5: Take off the rubber bands to reveal your T-shirt! 

Step 6: Put on a hanger and air dry it out! If possible, try to let it hang outside. 

Step 7 (optional): Once it is dry, iron the T-shirt to lock in the permanent market effect. 

**This step will help the color to not come out as quickly when being washed. With that said, be cautious of what you wash your shirt with just to be safe. 

Vwaaa-la! You now have an easy and beautiful tie-dye creation! No time, and no mess – not bad for today’s project. Summer is the best time to show off your bright colors and new masterpiece, so enjoy! Crop it, style it up, or style it down, no matter what, you are sure to rock it. 

Roberta’s Art Gallery Kid’s Corner

This week in Roberta’s Art Gallery Kid’s Corner, we’re making bracelets! Little bit simple, but a WHOLE lot of fun! This craft needs hardly any materials, offers a wide array of options to fit every child’s style, and won’t make a grand mess.

Necessities: 

  • 2-3 Different Colored T-Shirts (ones that can be cut up)
  • Scissors

Step 1: Cut strips of T-shirt about 12-14 inches long with a 1 inch width. 

**Cut a minimum of 2-3 strips per color to make multiple bracelets. 

Step 2: Double check that none of the strips have a seam on them, and stretch them out.

Step 3: Pick a bracelet style below. 

Braided Bracelet

To braid, you will need 3 strips of T-shirt. 

  • Tie your 3 strips together at one end and leave 3 inches of strips left. 
  • Separate your three pieces. 
  • Take your piece on the right, and fold it over the middle piece so that your right piece becomes your new middle piece. 
  • Take your piece on the left, and fold it over the “new” middle piece. 
  • Go back to your piece furthest to the right, and fold that over the middle. 
  • Take your piece on the left and fold it over your middle piece. 
    • While you’re doing this, pull the pieces of T-shirt as tight as you can. 
  • Continue these steps until you reach the end.
  • Tie off at the end and leave 3 inches of strips left. 
    • You can do this in a knot, OR take one of your strips, wrap it around your braid, and tie it off with another strip. 

Fishtail Braid Bracelet

To fishtail braid, you will need 6 strips of T-shirt. 

  • Tie your 6 strips together at one end and leave 3 inches of strips left.
  • Divide your 6 strips in half – two groups of 3. 
  • Holding each group in each hand, take one strip from the right group, and cross that strip over to the left side. 
  • Take a strip from the left group, and cross it over the side you just added.
  • Take another strip from the right group, and cross it over to the left group. 
  • Continue this process all of the way down until you reach the end. 
  • Tie off at the end and leave 3 inches of strips left. 
  • Cut off the ends of 2 strips on each side. 
    • You can do this in a knot, OR take one of your strips, wrap it around your braid, and tie it off with another strip. 

Double Braided Bracelet

To braid, you will need 6 strips of t-shirt. 

  • Tie your 6 strips together at one end and leave 3 inches of strips left.
  • Separate your three sections, each having two strips. Each of these sections will act as “one piece”. 
  • Take your section on the right, and fold it over the middle section so that your right section becomes your new middle section. 
  • Take your section on the left, and fold it over the “new” middle section. 
  • Go back to your section furthest to the right, and fold that over the middle. 
  • Take your piece on the left and fold it over your middle section.
    • While you’re doing this, pull the section of t-shirt as tight as you can. 
  • Continue these steps until you reach the end.
  • Tie off at the end leaving 3 inches of strips left. 
    • You can do this in a knot, OR take one of your strips, wrap it around your braid, and tie it off with another strip. 

Step 4: Using the remaining ends of the strips, tie a knot where it hits the perfect fit on the child.

These bracelets are perfect for any kids in your life! They make for a perfect accessory, or gift for their BFF. Mix and match colors and designs to create a nice, layered look as well. 

Keep it creative! 

Your Craft Corner Guru,