When my cousin Stephanie became pregnant several months ago, I dreaded the idea of having to visit baby stores to find the perfect shower gift. I knew it didn't exist. Stephanie is a quirky and whimsical person who, like me, takes delight in anything that sparkles, shimmers or shines. Hopefully, her soon-to-be bambino will follow suit.
So I ditched the obvious soft and fuzzy pastel collections and whipped up a flashy disco shirt for her new bundle of joy. I only went with hot pink because if she has a boy, I didn't think her husband would appreciate a son being dressed in glitter and rhinestones.
Thanks to the wonder of the Bedazzler -- a tool that costs less than $20 and is used to attach studs and rhinestones to fabric -- this application may be used on other baby items, such as a pillow, diaper bag, or bib. All the makings items can be found at local craft stores.
And just in case Stephanie reduces her sparkle meter after the baby comes, there's a boring gift ready as a backup.
Disco Baby T-Shirt
Supplies:
* 1 Bedazzler tool
* 1 piece of scrap fabric
* 122 size 20 clear rhinestones
* 122 size 20 rhinestone pronged clasps
* 1 baby T-shirt
* Sharp pencil for tracing
* Letter stencil (optional)
* Dimensional fabric squeeze paint (optional)
Directions: Read directions on Bedazzler and practice setting rhinestones on scrap fabric.
When ready to begin, lay the T-shirt flat, right side up. If using a stencil, use the pencil to trace the letters of the word you want to use (the shorter the better). Make it thick enough so you can see it through the other side of the shirt.
Turn the shirt inside out and retrace the word on the opposite side. This is where you will be attaching the rhinestones. Work slowly and steadily to ensure lines of rhinestones are straight and close together. If you space the rhinestones too far apart, the word will not be legible. Turn over the shirt occasionally to check on progress.
When finished, turn the shirt again and embellish with dimensional squeeze paint if desired and let dry. The rhinestones will be fastened securely in place, so even a persistent baby will not be able to remove them.
To launder: Turn shirt inside out and wash on gentle cycle, then lay flat to dry.
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Labels: wearable art