Make a Personalized Art Apron

Painting is so much fun, but can make a big mess! Need a solution to keep stains from happening? Before you start painting, use some fabric paints to decorate a sweatshirt that will transform into a colorful art apron! Not only is it useful, but this funky and personalized piece of clothing makes a great addition to any messy art project.

What You Need:

• Small, adult-size sweatshirts
• Piece of sturdy cardboard
• Fabric paints
• Sponges
• Small paint brushes
• Fabric scissors
• Fabric glue
• Optional: large stencils

What to Do:

1. Insert the sturdy cardboard into the sweatshirt.
2. Set out the fabric paints, sponges, and brushes. Invite your child to use the tools (or her hand prints!)  to make designs on the front of the shirt. You can let her exhibit her artistic freedom as she creates her own pictures and designs, or you can help her use a stencil.
3. Offer to help her write her name on the front of the sweatshirt.
4. Set the sweatshirt aside to dry; once dry, remove the cardboard.
5. Use the fabric scissors to cut the back of the shirt in half, so there's an opening in the back. Then cut off the sleeves.
6. Cut two 6" fabric strips from the cut-off sleeves. Use the fabric glue to attach one strip to each side of the back opening. Let them dry.
7. Next time your child paints, have her slip on the apron and tie the strips in the back. You won't have to worry about staining clothes any longer! The fabric paints won't come off in the wash, so cleanup is as simple as throwing the shirt into the washing machine.