Paint-by-number kits are one of the most timeless guilty pleasures of art projects. All of us have been there. It doesn't matter what age or skill level you are at, with a bit of numbered direction, even the worst of us can create a rockin' velvet or cardboard wall hanging that consists of a tiger, sad clown, fantasy face or, my personal favorite, the happy jumping unicorn. OK, so maybe it's not the classiest decor, but when you morph the idea into a wearable version, it can become a very hip party activity.
The concept is to apply the outline from a paint-by-number kit to a T-shirt and then give it as a gift along with the paint set from the kit. Better yet, whip up a batch of the shirts and let party guests decorate their own. While you're at it, make one for your own wardrobe. If you ever tire of it, you can always hang it on the wall.

Paint-by-Number T-shirt
SUPPLIES:
* 1 T-shirt, pressed
* 1 sheet of transfer paper, ball-point pen, masking tape and black squeeze paint OR
* 1 iron-on transfer sheet from computer
* 1 piece of cardboard to slide inside shirt
* 1 paint-by-number kit or coloring-book page
DIRECTIONS: Iron the shirt and then decide on one of the two methods to complete this project.
* TRANSFER-PAPER METHOD: Make a copy of the paint-by-number outline and set the hard copy aside. Slide the cardboard inside the shirt. Lay the sheet of transfer paper facedown on the front of the shirt. Lay the outline on top of the transfer paper, faceup. Use the masking tape to hold it in place. Trace over the outline with the ball-point pen hard enough so the design goes through to the shirt. When finished, lift the papers and go over the outline with black fabric pen or squeeze paint.
* COMPUTER-PRINTER METHOD: Scan the design and print it out on T-shirt transfer paper. You will need to invert the image on your computer screen so the numbers do not come out backward on the shirt. Apply to the shirt according to package directions.
To give the shirt as a gift, attach the paints that came with the set. They are water-based acrylics and will work on fabric. To wash, turn inside out and hang-dry. If using for a baby shower or children's party activity, put assorted paints/pens in the center of the table so your guests can decorate the shirts.
* TIPS AND VARIATIONS: Use coloring-book pages or draw the outlines freehand instead of using a paint-by-number kit. The transfer-paper method produces a longer-lasting design than the computer-printer method. Instead of a shirt, design a canvas tote bag, lampshade, pillow covering or hat.

* For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: back to school, kids, wearable art