How to Make an Art Not War T Shirt

by Aksana Nikolai

Overview

Whether you are passionate about global warming, genocide or other cause, t-shirts are a creative medium for displaying inspirational messages. But why limit yourself to the way commercial t-shirts portray them? Making your own "Art Not War" t-shirt will provide you with both a creative outlet and a way to get the word out about your views. Staying true to freedom of expression, you will be free to select the materials, colors, design and arrangement.

How to Make an Art Not War T Shirt
Using Puff Paint

Step 1

Sketch possible designs on paper. Experiment with different ways of writing the text and incorporating meaningful images such as a peace sign or a paint brush (see Resources for examples).
Step 2

Cover your working area with newspaper.
Step 3

Lay the t-shirt onto a flat surface and smooth it out to remove wrinkles.
Step 4

Use a paint brush to write "Art Not War" in puff paint and add any other details onto the t-shirt.
Step 5

Select the medium heat setting on the hair dryer. Not allowing the dryer to touch the paint or t-shirt, use it to dry the design for two to three minutes.
Step 6

Wait approximately an hour before moving or touching the t shirt.

Using Markers

Step 1

Follow Steps 1 to 3 from the previous section to prep the t-shirt for the project.
Step 2

Use fabric markers or permanent markers to transfer onto the t-shirt the design indicated by your plan.
Step 3

Leave the t-shirt to dry for the amount of indicated by the instructions provided with the markers.

1
Paper Pencil Newspaper Solid colored t shirt Puff paint Paint brushes in various sizes Hair dryer Fabric markers or permanent markers
Paper
Pencil
Newspaper
Solid colored t shirt
Puff paint
Paint brushes in various sizes
Hair dryer
Fabric markers or permanent markers
For a neater application, use puff paint pens that dispense the paint when you lightly squeeze them.
For a neater application, use puff paint pens that dispense the paint when you lightly squeeze them.
Permanent marker ink may begin to fade after several machine washes. Hand wash any t-shirts decorated with permanent markers to maintain the shirt's appearance.
Permanent marker ink may begin to fade after several machine washes. Hand wash any t-shirts decorated with permanent markers to maintain the shirt's appearance.