If you only have time to do one project for Halloween, this is the one! I saw this idea on Family Fun and found that it is indeed FUN and ends with great results! In fact, I brought the supplies over to a friend's house and we did it together. A tie-dye play date!
Don't be frightened off if you're not a tie-dyer. I'm certainly not. This was my first solo attempt and it could not have been easier. The directions on Family Fun are clear and easy to follow. Just have a few tidbits from my experience to add~1) I used RIT dye in color, tangerine.
2) The box gives you 3 dying methods. I used the stove top method for one and the bucket method for the other. Couldn't use the recommended method, the washing machine, as I have a front loader.
3) The RIT directions say it may take up to 30 minutes to reach the desired color. Using the stove top method, I found it took about 10. Actually 5 minutes would have been perfect.
4) For my second batch, I just used a bucket of hot tap water. This worked just fine too, but it takes longer to reach a deep color. The photos on this post are from the bucket batch.
5) I used fabric markers to draw the faces. I found Fabri-Mark markers smeared a bit. The Crayola brand worked better. I'm guessing fabric paint would give the best result, though. *Don't use a sharpie!! The line will bleed and you will be sad.*
6) My 4.5 year old attempted to draw the jack-o-lantern faces on herself. This was too difficult. I suppose you could iron freezer paper to the back of the pumpkin shape to provide drawing stability.
7) I've washed the girls' shirts multiple times and they do not bleed!
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2) The box gives you 3 dying methods. I used the stove top method for one and the bucket method for the other. Couldn't use the recommended method, the washing machine, as I have a front loader.
3) The RIT directions say it may take up to 30 minutes to reach the desired color. Using the stove top method, I found it took about 10. Actually 5 minutes would have been perfect.
4) For my second batch, I just used a bucket of hot tap water. This worked just fine too, but it takes longer to reach a deep color. The photos on this post are from the bucket batch.
5) I used fabric markers to draw the faces. I found Fabri-Mark markers smeared a bit. The Crayola brand worked better. I'm guessing fabric paint would give the best result, though. *Don't use a sharpie!! The line will bleed and you will be sad.*
6) My 4.5 year old attempted to draw the jack-o-lantern faces on herself. This was too difficult. I suppose you could iron freezer paper to the back of the pumpkin shape to provide drawing stability.
7) I've washed the girls' shirts multiple times and they do not bleed!
These shirts turned out so bright and festive! I love projects like this - easy with great results. Here are a few more tie-dye pictures. My favorite is this onesie for my little niecelet - front & back.
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I feel bad about the date mix up for the Halloween Challenge. I assure you that I've been collecting your pictures and links and will post them all on Monday, October 20th. I've seen such creative ideas. I'm really looking forward to seeing the rest!
HALLOWEEN CHALLENGE: OCTOBER 20TH
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Hugs to Dawn, Julie K. and Cassi for your tech help. I spent some time (too much!!) fiddling around and, well, let's just say I'm still in the fiddling stage. Thanks!
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My baby spent the night in her big girl toddler bed last night. Apparently she didn't get the memo about not growing up.
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HALLOWEEN CHALLENGE: OCTOBER 20TH
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Hugs to Dawn, Julie K. and Cassi for your tech help. I spent some time (too much!!) fiddling around and, well, let's just say I'm still in the fiddling stage. Thanks!
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My baby spent the night in her big girl toddler bed last night. Apparently she didn't get the memo about not growing up.
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