Elementary students use a fabric paint t-shirt activity to surprise the world's best dads on Father's Day .
Children love to make Father's Day gifts, but it can be difficult to come up with inexpensive crafts that dads will actually enjoy well after the holiday. This year help your students to make personalized Father's Day t-shirts that dads will be proud to wear!
Materials:
A good quality plain t-shirt to fit dad (100% pre-shrunk cotton is always a good choice)
A box or board to place inside of the shirt while painting. Ideally it will allow the material to lay straight without stretching.
Clothes pins
Masking Tape
Stencils or shaped sponges in a motif that fits dad's personality
ABC sponges
Fabric paints
Paper plates
Paper bags (one per student)
Markers, tempera paint and brushes, or crayons
One-hole punch
Colorful ribbon in 10-12" lengths
Activity:
Wash the t-shirt to remove any sizing that may be in the material.
Place the box or board inside of the t-shirt. Use clothespins and masking tape to secure the t-shirt so that the fabric on the front lays flat but not stretched.
Pour various colors of fabric paint onto separate paper plates.
Dip ABC sponges in the paint and then onto the t-shirt to create a message such as "World's Best Dad", "Best Dad Ever", "Hugs for Dad," or "This Dad is Loved by Aaron and Robby." Hint: Children might want to practice on an old t-shirt or on a piece of paper before starting on the gift t-shirt. Be sure to plan out your letter spacing in advance and leave room for a painted picture!
Next, use the stencils or shaped sponges to create a picture that fits dad's personality. Does dad golf? Fish? Hunt? Watch NASCAR?
Allow the front of the t-shirt to dry (see paint instructions for drying guidelines).
Re-tape or pin the shirt over the box in order to work on the back of the shirt.
Ask students to paint the palms of their hands in a favorite fabric paint color.
Next, assist students as they place handprint "hugs" on the back of the shirt. They should be careful to place their hands flat on the material without wiggling any fingers.
Students may want to use the sponges to write another message on the back of the t-shirt (Example: "Hugs from Aaron and Robby.")
Allow the back of the shirt to dry (again, see paint instructions for drying guidelines).
Homemade Gift Bag:
While the t-shirts are drying, provide students with plain paper bags to decorate. Students may want to use tempera paint, stampers, or markers for this part of the project.
Have students fold their dried t-shirt and place it neatly in the bag with tissue paper or colorful shredded/recycled paper on top of the t-shirt.
Finally, punch two holes on each of the long sides of the bag, and string ribbon through the holes to create two handles. You may want to use tape on the inside of the bag to reinforce the holes.
The copyright of the article Father's Day T-Shirt Craft in Curricula/Lesson Plans is owned by Susan Hyde. Permission to republish Father's Day T-Shirt Craft in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
