Making Shirts-Need Help-Pictures Added 11/26!

[trodrigue]

Dear Friends,
I have googled, and I have searched, all to no avail...

I am trying to make those Mickey Head Swirl/spray paint shirts.

Basically, as I remember it, you make your design with elmer's glue, let it dry. Spray with Fabric paint, let it dry. Wait 24 hours, turn inside out and wash. The glue is supposed to come out, and you have your lovely design.

Well, I did the above, and the glue stayed on and the paint washed off!!

What did I do wrong??

I can' t find the original posts with directions, so if anyone has those, that would be wonderful!

Thanks so much.

Tracey

 

[Queenbillabong]

I've seen the one you're talking about, but I can't find it either. Your best bet is to try posting on the Creative DISigns board - one of the experts there should be able to point you in the right directio

 

[BELLEDOZER]

Hi, tridrigue, I tried to creat a long post, describing the directions, but I couldn't type fast enough, and got timed out. Have sent you a L O N G private message describing the techniques on how to make them. I did 6 t shirts over the summer, and they turned out very well. It doesn't matter on what colour of t shirt that you use, so long as you use bright colours of fabric paint, and use alot. I even did up on one of the t shirts "Grumpy's wife" , though not as heavy as the mickey mouse heads, and it turned out great (hubby is perpetually grumpy). Queenbillabong, if you want it as well, PM me and I'll pass on the directions on how to make them. They are easy to make, but it's a multi step process that takes a couple of days to complete. Have a great day!

Trish

 

[pixie twinkleberry]

Oh darn, I have the link to the post you are looking for, but because I dont have 10 posts yet, it wont let me put it in this message! Grrr!

I recently tried to make these and I have a few suggestions and pointers.

If you are making more than one shirt, you might want to try using a pattern or template so that your swirls come out somewhat the same on all the shirts. Its hard to draw the same design consistently!

Keep your design on the medium to small size. I made the mistake of making my Mickey swirl too big, and I didnt have enough room to spray the paint around it without getting it on the sleeves and collar. (what a mess!)

If spraying outside, make sure there isnt a breeze! I didnt, and the breeze also helped the spray paint get all over the sleeves and collar!

I used a fabric paint brush to smooth out my glue design. It tended to pool in areas, and the brush helped make it even. A stencil brush, or any small, stiff bristled brush will work great!

I used the aerosol fabric paint, and I would strongly suggest testing it before you spray it on the shirt. I used too much, and it looked like a big blob. I found pump fabric spray that I think will work better on my next shirts. Also, the aerosol pump clogged alot.

I found pump spray glitter for fabric, and it turned out great! In fact, thats probably the only thing that did turn out great on my shirts! lol

Im so glad I decided to do some "test" shirts. I would have been so upset if I had messed up my nice new shirts!

Another tip - the glue doesnt wash out well in cold water. So wash your shirts in HOT and it will come out just fine. Keep in mind though that your shirts probably will shrink!

Also, you have to let the paint dry for at least 72 hours before washing it. Thats what the instructions on the paint said anyway. Maybe thats why yours washed out? Its hard to be patient, I know!

Hope this helped! I cant wait to do my second batch of "testl" shirts! My daughter is going to have about a week's worth of messed up spiral Mickey shirts before I get done! hahahah

 

[trodrigue]

Thanks so much. I was hesitant to actually go to the disign board because those are some truly talented folks over there.

Anyhow, got some great tips. Think maybe part of it was not washing my shirts first. I will try another time. Also will apply more paint. Love the idea of sparkling glitter paint!

 

[tracer]

Oh you all must post pictures of your shirts

 

[Brady's Mom]

I tried some mickey heads on white chef's aprons for my test instead of a t-shirt. I spiraled the glue and it sort of globs and spreads as it dries, but I like the globby free-hand look so I kept it. I did a bunch of spiral tests on the apron first since the glue just washes out and I didn't like the first heads that I did. I just took the glue bottle and did spirals over and over til I was comfortable with the motion - washed and dried the aprons and then did it for keeps.

The one thing I didn't expect was how much the pump spray paint (tulip brand) leaves spots. It sprays then drips and leaves a drip/spot on the shirt. I didn't try the aprons vertical - they were laying on my lawn. I let them sit for longer than the 72 hours and they were really stiff and I was a little concerned about the paint coming out enough to wear them.

I washed them in warm water and the glue came out - the color stayed, the aprons are soft and now my parents have 2 mickey head aprons hanging around their house.

I haven't planned to make any for my upcoming trip - too busy ironing on transfers - it's just the paint not spraying smoothly and leaving spots that bugs me. Good luck!

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1210609 Here is the link for the thread. Hope it shows up!

 

[azlaura]

I agree.....the paint sprays and then drops. I did a couple that looked great but the rest looked like a bird got to them So I did the clipart iron on transfer things and they look fantastic for our upcoming Dec. trip.

 

[Queenbillabong]

IThe one thing I didn't expect was how much the pump spray paint (tulip brand) leaves spots. It sprays then drips and leaves a drip/spot on the shirt. I didn't try the aprons vertical - they were laying on my lawn. I let them sit for longer than the 72 hours and they were really stiff and I was a little concerned about the paint coming out enough to wear them.

I washed them in warm water and the glue came out - the color stayed, the aprons are soft and now my parents have 2 mickey head aprons hanging around their house.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1210609 Here is the link for the thread. Hope it shows up!

The link that you posted is actually for the tie dye Mickey head shirts - and uses dental floss..... Is this the same thing?? I thought the ones with glue were different?

 

[Showpony]

Oh Tracy, please don't ever hesitate to stop on by the Creative DISigns board! Those wonderful gals and guys are more than happy to help whenever they can!! I also believe there is a thread over there for making these shirts. I myself used the flour and water method followed by the pump spray paint to make some shirts 2 years ago before we headed to WDW. They came out fine, but just took a while to peel the 'glue' off of the shirts once they were dry.

Everyone is welcomed on the Creative DISigns board! You don't have to design, and you can get some fabolous ideas from t-shirts, autograph books, activity books, making your own 'tickets', and probably just about everything else you can imagine! As I said, those designers are more than willing to personalize, design, or help out in any way they can, just ask!

 

[tracer]

I will have to remember to check that out!

 

[Canyon girl]

I am in the process of making shirts for our next trip. I am not using that design. To complicated for me. I am simple minded, need one step techniques. I also am not very patient. I am drawing a Mickey head in glow-in-the-dark paint, ringed with black. There are circles of glow-in-the-dark and regular paint of a similar color in the main part of the head. Under the Mickey head in glow-in-the-dark paint, I have written "I (draw a heart) Mickey!" The heart is ringed with black, and the dot above the "i" and under the exclamation are little Mickey heads made of 3 dots. No glow necklaces needed here. We will be able to spot the kids from across FL at night! Have fun with your shirts!

 

[Brady's Mom]

Sorry!! Posted the wrong link. I don't have the spiral mickey instructions. I thought I had subscribed to the thread and now I can't find it!

 

[Brady's Mom]

Dear Friends,
I have googled, and I have searched, all to no avail...

I am trying to make those Mickey Head Swirl/spray paint shirts.

Basically, as I remember it, you make your design with elmer's glue, let it dry. Spray with Fabric paint, let it dry. Wait 24 hours, turn inside out and wash. The glue is supposed to come out, and you have your lovely design.

Well, I did the above, and the glue stayed on and the paint washed off!!

What did I do wrong??

I can' t find the original posts with directions, so if anyone has those, that would be wonderful!

Thanks so much.

Tracey

Okay, I think the instructions are in the Family Fun magazine. But, I think it is a sun or something like that and someone just adapted it for spiral mickey heads. I searched my subscribed list thinking I had the instructions, but posted the tye die shirts instead. Sorry for the mix up and hope your shirts turn out great.

Here is the family fun link. http://jas.familyfun.go.com/arts-and-crafts?page=CraftDisplay&craftid=11237 Hope it works.
Shannon

 

[trodrigue]

Sorry!! Posted the wrong link. I don't have the spiral mickey instructions. I thought I had subscribed to the thread and now I can't find it!

I saw your new link, and that looks like the right directions to me, except using elmers glue instead of the flour/water. Thanks!

I am in the process of making shirts for our next trip. I am not using that design. To complicated for me. I am simple minded, need one step techniques. I also am not very patient. I am drawing a Mickey head in glow-in-the-dark paint, ringed with black. There are circles of glow-in-the-dark and regular paint of a similar color in the main part of the head. Under the Mickey head in glow-in-the-dark paint, I have written "I (draw a heart) Mickey!" The heart is ringed with black, and the dot above the "i" and under the exclamation are little Mickey heads made of 3 dots. No glow necklaces needed here. We will be able to spot the kids from across FL at night! Have fun with your shirts!

LOL Your shirts sound complicated! But really awesome!

Oh Tracy, please don't ever hesitate to stop on by the Creative DISigns board! Those wonderful gals and guys are more than happy to help whenever they can!! I also believe there is a thread over there for making these shirts. I myself used the flour and water method followed by the pump spray paint to make some shirts 2 years ago before we headed to WDW. They came out fine, but just took a while to peel the 'glue' off of the shirts once they were dry.

Everyone is welcomed on the Creative DISigns board! You don't have to design, and you can get some fabolous ideas from t-shirts, autograph books, activity books, making your own 'tickets', and probably just about everything else you can imagine! As I said, those designers are more than willing to personalize, design, or help out in any way they can, just ask!

Well thank you for your kind words. I have been browsing on the DISign board, and am awed by the not only the talent, but the very generous nature of everyone. I had a few things customized for my 6 year old's bday party next week, and they were amazing! This just seemed more crafty or something?? Glad to hear that your shirts came out well. I am going to try again, with all the tips I have gotten.

I agree.....the paint sprays and then drops. I did a couple that looked great but the rest looked like a bird got to them So I did the clipart iron on transfer things and they look fantastic for our upcoming Dec. trip.

I don't mind the bird drop look I'm also going to give the iron on transfer thing a go as well. Did you find a particular brand of transfer paper and/or technique that you liked?

Oh darn, I have the link to the post you are looking for, but because I dont have 10 posts yet, it wont let me put it in this message! Grrr!

I recently tried to make these and I have a few suggestions and pointers.

If you are making more than one shirt, you might want to try using a pattern or template so that your swirls come out somewhat the same on all the shirts. Its hard to draw the same design consistently!

Keep your design on the medium to small size. I made the mistake of making my Mickey swirl too big, and I didnt have enough room to spray the paint around it without getting it on the sleeves and collar. (what a mess!)

If spraying outside, make sure there isnt a breeze! I didnt, and the breeze also helped the spray paint get all over the sleeves and collar!

I used a fabric paint brush to smooth out my glue design. It tended to pool in areas, and the brush helped make it even. A stencil brush, or any small, stiff bristled brush will work great!

I used the aerosol fabric paint, and I would strongly suggest testing it before you spray it on the shirt. I used too much, and it looked like a big blob. I found pump fabric spray that I think will work better on my next shirts. Also, the aerosol pump clogged alot.

I found pump spray glitter for fabric, and it turned out great! In fact, thats probably the only thing that did turn out great on my shirts! lol

Im so glad I decided to do some "test" shirts. I would have been so upset if I had messed up my nice new shirts!

Another tip - the glue doesnt wash out well in cold water. So wash your shirts in HOT and it will come out just fine. Keep in mind though that your shirts probably will shrink!

Also, you have to let the paint dry for at least 72 hours before washing it. Thats what the instructions on the paint said anyway. Maybe thats why yours washed out? Its hard to be patient, I know!

Hope this helped! I cant wait to do my second batch of "testl" shirts! My daughter is going to have about a week's worth of messed up spiral Mickey shirts before I get done! hahahah

Thanks for all the great tips. I am going to give it another go. Get to posting, so you can share all your good stuff with us

 

[Brady's Mom]

I don't mind the bird drop look I'm also going to give the iron on transfer thing a go as well. Did you find a particular brand of transfer paper and/or technique that you liked?

I used Wilton transfers from Michael's for Halloween shirts and they were terrible!! The recommendations are for HP or Avery. HP you can get online at hp.com and you get a free package if you order 3, plus you get free next day shipping. Use the transfers for colored shirts - they are a little more expensive, but work really well. I am about half way through my 36 shirts. There is a really good thread on the Disign part of the board that has really great directions and tips.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1772213 Here is the instruction link, in case it is hard to find on the other board. Sometimes it gets buried.

 

[trodrigue]

I still am not happy with how these turned out, but these are the salvaged shirts and I think will look okay on. I am going to try some different fabric spray. This is called simply spray.
The second time I used the flour mixture instead of glue. I think I did not let it dry enough, so when I sprayed it, the paint sort of got absorbed under the mixture, creating not as much contrast as I would have liked. Also the moisture in the shirts caused the water mark edge.

I will be trying some more, and will post those when I get them done.

I did discover yet another use for my Pampered Chef all purpose scraper. It works great with water, to get the flour mixture off. I spent a ton of time picking it off, and then hand rinsed in Vinegar, and then used the scraper. Next time I think I will just do the hand rinse in Vinegar and scrape it all off.