Have you ever tie dyed with Sharpies before? It’s so simple and fun if you have the right tools! Inside this post we’ll share all about this simple art activity that kids of all ages will love, from toddlers to adults!
Want to Sharpie tie dye with kids? Check out these simple tips!
This is such an easy art project. Kids of all ages will love this!
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Materials needed for Sharpie Tie Dye
- Spray bottle (I prefer to use the continuous spray bottles linked here, but any work!)
- Sharpies (variety of colors)
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Rubber bands (optional)
- Aluminum pans (from the Dollar Store)
Things to tie dye:
- White t-shirt (Walmart shirts are cheap!)
- White scrunchies
- White bandanas
- White head bands
Using a cheap aluminum pan from the Dollar Store can help make this a low mess activity! Always a bonus when you’re creating with kids!
Instructions for Sharpie Tie Dying
- (Optional) Use rubber bands to tie up the shirt, scrunchies, etc. in whatever design you want.
- Put alcohol in the spray bottles (and label them) so no one thinks they’re water.
- Decorate your white fabric items with Sharpies. Using large blocks of color can make for more vibrant colors. Leave some white space.
- Stick your items in the aluminum pan.
- Spray the items with alcohol. Experiment to see whether you prefer less alcohol or more. The markers will bleed more or less depending on how much alcohol you use.
- Flip the items over and spray more (or wait till the item is dry to flip it if you don’t want any color mixing). Use more/less dye depending on how colorful you want your items to be.
We like to Sharpie tie dye items on the grass or over a surface that is ok to get a little stained! Make sure kids wear old clothes when they’re dyeing so they don’t ruin anything they love.
- Lay the items out in the sun and let them dry for a few hours to heat set them. You can also squeeze out some of the liquid and heat set them in the dryer.
Now your items are ready to wear!!
*Pro Tip from a follower: Add a Shout color catcher for the first few washes so that you trap any loose dye.
More Art ideas for Kids!
Need more simple art ideas for kids? Check out our list of 65+ Toddler Art Activities!
Have you Sharpie tie dyed with kids before? Any other tips you’d add? Have any questions? Tell me about it in the comments.
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