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Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Kid's Corner..."T" Time

An idea came to me one day to create a box filled with permanent fabric markers and inexpensive white t-shirts in an assortment of sizes. When I'm at Target I buy a 10 pack of Hanes t-shirts for $12. If you've ever used plastic stencils throw those in the box as well. I keep an eye out at craft stores for stencil shapes my kids will like (i.e. sports, princesses, etc...).

Now imagine the kids are getting fidgety and you just don't want them to jump to the next media option. Some of my suggestions to them have been to create a t-shirt for their "secret club", for an upcoming holiday, make-up their own "kids camp", or design a shirt as a gift for a friend. Last year during a family reunion in Missouri all of the cousins spent a day working on t-shirts to celebrate our time together.


You know those dress up days at school that sneak up on you?! It's great to have the shirts on hand to put something quick together. Last year I forgot about International Day at school where every student is supposed to come dressed in something representing their heritage. It was during breakfast the morning of the event when my daughter reminded me. In 15 minutes three children were wearing Danish flags on white t-shirts, and they were thrilled to show off their art work at school.

Another way I've used this idea is to keep my kids safe. When they were really little I'd create a t-shirt they would wear when we would venture out to amusement parks, swim meets, anywhere where they could easily get separated from me. On the shirt I would write..."If I'm Lost Call 222-2222". I know it seems funny, but with your cell phone number written right there in plain sight, it could save you and your child from having a panic attack!

Grandparents love getting handmade gifts. Some of the grandparent gifts have been custom hankies, "I Love You" pillowcases, colorful aprons...really the possibilities are endless!

Sleepovers
are also a great time to use this fun activity. The great news is that after the project is over, the kids have something they can actually use. These shirts often end up in my kids pajama drawers, and as they pull them out to sleep in at night. They often comment on the memories they bring back. I hope this idea brings a bit of fun and creativity to your family. Let me know if you come up with another great way to use the t-shirts. I'd love to post your ideas in an article in the future.


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21 comments:

JennyMac said...

Super cute! We did this at a family retreat this summer. I think the little kids got the biggest kick out of it.

MJ said...

I LOVE this idea!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sleep overs, birthday parties, gifts - oh the possibilities!!!

This would be so much more fun and heartfelt then the cheap clearance gifts I find and hoard!!!

Have a wonderful day!

MJ of Dirty Little Confessions

Lee said...

Very cute! I have often thought of that...but then thought...nah...with my kids, I would end up doing all the work!!

Tattoos and Teething Rings said...

How fun! We silkscreen shirts and the like as a side business, so our daughter always had super cute tees and onesies, but we've slowed down on it recently. I like the fact that in your set-up the kids can do it themselves.

Ducky said...

Awesome idea! Love that you posted about it because it reminded me of the time that I had my nieces over for a slumber party. We did this with aprons and then baked cookies. Of course we took tons of pictures and used those printed on cardstock as 'gift tags' for the cookies we handed out around the family. Yes, I am the COOL AUNT (and proud of it!)

Fun stuff - fun times - GREAT memories!

Unknown said...

I think when my gals are a little older this will be a fabulous idea---and so much better than tossing them in front of the television (which I am known for doing, esp. by the end of the day). Love the Denmark flag shirts!

Sharon said...

Great idea!! Love it!!

Raoulysgirl said...

I love this idea! We live across the street from my sister...I have 2 girls ages 8 and 3...she has a girl who turned 10 today. This would be something that they would LOVE!!! Thanks for the idea!!!

Purple Flowers said...

What a great idea - so creative and filled with fun and laughter!

Ally Wasmund said...

I LOVE this idea!!! You are so creative :)

PS: I love that fireplace in the background. Holy Wow!!

ScoMan said...

I can't wait til my niece is old enough to do this stuff.

In the mean time I could enjoy it myself. Looks like fun.

Tracie said...

You are too creative! I couldn't do that with my kids because they would write on each other and/or make weapons out of the markers. But with normal kids, this is a great idea!

Life Laugh Latte said...

Y'all are so sweet.

Allyson - My family sold upper-middle class homes in California and moved to Missouri and built mansions. The fireplace is in my sister's home. It truly is magnificent. I'll tell her you loved it. The area they live in is just outside of Branson. Beautiful countryside. We spend two weeks there in the Summer hanging out with my siblings/their kids/my mom. So fun!

Kyslp - I love making the markers into weapons when I lead the boys group in children's church. They insist the boys should color, but I always ditch that and say..."let's play the armour of God!" I like to believe I'm their favorite substitute:)

Daffy - All my nieces live far away, so I never get to do the cool aunt thing:( You Rock!

MJ - Never, I mean it, Never underestimate the value of a cheap clearance gift! I love them!

Tatoos - Silk Screening...you are amazing!

Love, Holly:)

MJ said...

Miss Holly, I am ransacking your comments to say I wish I could respond you to your comments on my site by email!!!!!!! Thank you, Thank you, THANK YOU for all your kind words.

MJ - OH and I don't under estimate the clearance gifts, but the T idea is a great thing if that closet is empty!

Sue said...

What a great idea. My daughter used to love to make shirts at camp, I only wish I'd thought to do this at one of her parties or sleepovers. The kids are darling...makes me wish mine hadn't grown up so fast. You know this would be fun for a "girlfriend" night. A little wine...a few markers...some chocolate. Imagine those t-shirts.

Sue

Jenni said...

LOVE that idea!

Carrie @ Cottage Cozy said...

Great idea...a fun and lasting craft! Think of the possibilities.

Stay Cozy, Carrie

People Who Know Me Would Say: said...

You guys have covered all the bases! Excellent! When the kids outgrow their favorite 'art work' t-shirts, you can make a quilt out of them.......

said...

This is a fantastic idea that you all executed beautifully. The kids look like they had a blast!

Jenn Erickson said...

Love it! Oh, the possibilities! Wish I had some fabric markers handy during the blackout!

Jenn @ rookno17.blogspot.com

Quirky Momma said...

Great idea!!! I'd love to re-post it for you (attributing it to you guys). Let me know if you are interested in guest posting.

Here's our site:
www.quirkymomma.com