I did it my friends. I gave into Martha and her crafty ways – and I liked it. I made a DIY ombre t-shirt known as the “ombre applique thing-a-ma-bobby.” The reason it ended up that way is a long story . . . but you’ll see the progress as we move along through the tutorial. Before I begin, I want to let you know that I made said t-shirt with the new Martha Stewart Decorative paint line by Plaid Crafts. It’s a new line of paint, stencils and tools that have debuted at Michaels in the last week. And they rock.
My favorite part of the line is the paints. They are Martha approved colors and they work on all surfaces – including fabric. Hence the t-shirt I made. I want to give you more details about the product, so let’s do that while I walk you through my crafty steps. Shalln’t we? Yes, I know that isn’t a word.
Gather These Supplies
White t-shirt
Mod Podge Fabric
Paintbrush
Die cutter – or a way to cut your applique shape
Stencil tape
Embroidery thread
Needle
Martha Stewart Supplies including:
Satin Finish Acrylic Paint – Pool and Sweet Pea
Stencil Brush Set
Cathedral Lace Stencil Set
Paint sprayer
Here’s Roxie posing with the paint sprayer. I am not sure why I took this photo, but it’s cute so I wanted to share.
The t-shirt. Sitting there nervously. “What is about to happen to me?” it wonders.
The lovely MS stencils. I’m not a stenciler, so this is kind of exciting.
I began my adventure by using the sprayer. It’s easy to use – simply mix a 1:1 ratio of paint and medium. Though I do recommend carefully reading the instructions before beginning.
I did a test on that piece of paper you see on the floor, then I went to town on the t-shirt. I started at the bottom and moved up – spraying as evenly as I could. It’s pretty easy to get an ombre pattern by simply spraying more lightly as you work your way up. Ombre is also forgiving in that it’s a pretty loose style, which is good for sloppy ol’ crafty me. Let your t-shirt dry and set according to instructions.
I decided that my t-shirt needed a bit more than ombre at the bottom, so I went for stenciling. I selected a white piece of fabric and (after a test), taped it down with stencil tape.
I used the fancy stencil brushes to tap in my design. I only painted a small area, but if you paint a larger area, I recommend using the fabric medium.
The big reveal turned out fabulously! I’m loving Martha’s stencils. Let the stenciled pattern dry.
After it dried I painted Mod Podge over the top (and about 1/2″ around the edge). Why? So that I could stiffen the fabric to go through my die cutter. Yep – Mod Podged fabric goes through a die cutter amazingly well. It also enables fabric to be used as an applique without fraying.
Did I mention I sent the fabric through my die cutter? I used a scalloped die.
To enhance the applique, I added some loose stitching around the edge with embroidery floss. When finished I cut the ends and Mod Podged them to the back.
I then decided where I would put the applique on the t-shirt. I Mod Podged the back . . .
Flipped it over and smoothed it out. Let it dry and you’re done. Yes this project is no-sew and yes you can wash the t-shirt (though I would hang it dry).
Here’s a closeup of the applique.
And here’s the modeling routine once more. I’m so happy with my new tee. Happy also that I got to play with Martha’s new goodies AND try my own version of ombre. Everyone wins!
I’ve got more Martha Stewart paint projects to do; this is just the beginning. I will say that if you want to try this new line, you should visit a Michaels in the US or Canada and take a peek. You’ll definitely find something you like and all of it can be used with Mod Podge. To get you going, here’s a coupon for 50% off a regular priced item. Now do it, and share with me what you make.
Blogger who loves the color blue and sock monkeys. You can find me in public easily— I'm wearing glasses and lots of stripes.
Love it!! I was in Michael’s buying MS paint a few days ago and trying to resist the spray painter. You ruined THAT plan. LOL! I must try ombre! So, Mod Podge material before I put it in my die cutter? GENIUS! Thank you for that too. My favorite part of your article? “Shalln’t we?”
Thank you for the awesome tutorial.
Great project, Amy! I never thought to spray paint a t-shirt! duh! lol. AND I never knew that Mod Podge fabric stiffens up fabric and allows it to easily run through a die-cutting machine. Genius. Now I have more reason why to be on the hunt for Mod Podge Fabric!
You are fabulous!! Thanks for the tip about Mod Podge fabric and die cutter. All your awesome projects has made me a Mod Podge lover!! I have been using it everything!
Amy — can you name names about what die-cutter you have? I’d love to know I can try that with my Silhouette!
I never would have thought of that — GENIUS!
Oh you clever, clever girl! The Mod Podge stiffy thing . . . who knew? And the ombre! I think ombre will be the next chalkboard-paint-burlap-chevron-stripes trend. And if you can do it w/Martha’s sprayer . . . wow! (I had a few ‘issues’ w/it, btw)
Waaaay back when I worked in crafts there was a product called “Stiffy”. By Aleene, I think. Can’t find it now. But I’m a thinkin’ MP will work just like it. If so – I got some craftin’ to do.
Looks great! I actually bought my first MS paint yesterday but I started small- 1 bottle of glitter paint to kick off a few Halloween projects.
What a great project! I love that you can get the tie dye ish look without all the mess. Very cool~
Amy–I love the way your shirt came out. Might have to try this out for my daughter…
You are the coolest
I LOVE how you spray painted the bottom of the shirt, too cool!
Love it!!
ooh waoo..the most cute idea
Amy the shirt is gorgeous! The ombre effect was so easily done with the sprayer!
Wow!! So cute and I didn’t know you could use mod podge with fabric like that. Thanks!
I think this would work on a purse or a hand made wallet.Maybe even a belt.Humm jewelry? oh gosh you got me going.Love the idea,thanks
What a crafty t-shirt project! I was in Michael’s the other day and saw the Martha Stewart Paint on sale and bought a few and also bought some MS Glitter paint. Gonna have to give this a try…. and all you needed was fabric medium? Love it.
Thanks everyone! And Michelle, I have several die cutters, but the one I used with it is the Sizzix BigShot. It’s a manual crank one. But I have a Silhouette – I will have to give it a go and then let you know how it works out!!
Looking good Amy! Love the fun color, Martha is a pro at making beautiful paint colors.
I love how that turned out! So cute!
How cute is that?! I would have never thought to spray paint a shirt, but I love it! These Martha paints ROCK!
I have had such a hard time getting my fabric to go through the cutter, I can’t wait to ry Mod Podge fabric!! So glad someone posted this on Pinterest. They said you were amazing!
Oh, I so so love it! Great colors too! Thanks for the great tutorial. Stop by my site too if you like, I’m having a little giveaway right now:
This is simply FABULOUS! Wow, Amy! I see a new site…MS Rocks”
Great t shirt but I have to say my favorite part of your post is Roxy and the paint sprayer. You know I’m a sucker for a good dog posing with your project photo
Hey, Amy! Gave you a little link love today – you & DecorHacks – on my post about Ombre.
Have a great weekend!
Very cool shirt! I’m loving the colors. Found your tutorial from Colleen’s.
Brittany
I’ve totally been loving this ombre thing-a-ma-jiggy style! I’m not much of a stenciler either but you have me convinced to give these new MS products a try. The shirt came out great!
Very pretty! I want this set soooo badly! Can’t wait to get it!
What a great project! I love that you can get the tie dye ish look without all the mess. it is great!
Hi! I’d like to paint a knit dress with acrylic paint. I’ve heard that I should also use Modpodge. How should I use it before or after painting? I’m planning to use SoSoft paint.. Thanks for any advice!
Hi Kimberly – I’m not sure about using Mod Podge? I would either use fabric paint or regular acrylic paint with fabric medium, personally.