Simple tie-dying crafts for kids

To me, growing families is all about work together and creating memories while learning. As my partner works full time it’s hard sometimes and I know a lot of mothers are in the same situation of struggle to be able to spend quality time together.  I love  simple yet fun crafts that we can all get involved with- especially the kids. So here’s a great craft for kids that doesn’t take a lot of time and everyone can help out with- tie dying.  

This is the modern take on tie-dying  so there is no worrying about dye getting all over your hands and clothes, especially with “little fingers” everywhere 🙂

Materials

• Variety of coloured permanent markers (you can get a bulk pack from $2 shop that work a treat)
• Rubbing Alcohol
• Something to tie-dye eg. white t-shirt, pillow etc
• Plastic Cups
• Dropper
• Rubber Bands

Method

1. Set up a work space or even better get an area outside that is spacious and has nothing too precious nearby that could get marker on it.
2.  Place the plastic cups, rim side up, underneath the t-shirt and secure with a rubber band
3. Use heaps of different coloured sharpies and draw pictures, lines, squiggles etc on the each ‘circle’ – the young ones can join in too and make as much mess as they want ;p
4. Use a dropper to apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol to each circle – be careful not to use too much as the alcohol will spread for a while
5. Now set the T-shirt aside (with cups still attached) to dry.
6. Once dry, you can remove the cups and rubber bands to see the finished product.

There is also a slightly different take on the good old fashioned tie-dying, which you could use in conjunction with the above for a mixture:

1. Grab different sections and wrap with several rubber bands
2. Add colour to each section, again with the permanent markers so everyone can get involved
3. Use a dropper to apply the rubbing alcohol (like above)
4. Put aside and allow to dry before you take the rubber bands off to reduce risk of dye spreading.
5. Once dry, take off rubber bands and there you have a cool tie-dyed garment made with everyone involved and minimal mess

You might also like to try some of our other ‘Make at Home’ crafts:

• Experimenting with baking soda and vinegar eruptions 
• Easy paper flowers