PROGRAM: Sharpie Tie-Dye

My favorite crafting supply is the Sharpie. It is cheap, versatile, and relatively mess free.  This past week, the Teen Tuesday project was DIY sharpie tie-dye.  Each teen received a pair of plain, white socks purchased by the library.  During previous interactions, I shared with them that they could bring additional items of their own to tie-dye as well.

Supplies:

• Something to tie-dye (socks, shirt, scarf, etc...)
• Sharpies 
• Rubbing alcohol
• Small plastic cups
• Eye droppers or chemistry pipettes
• Lots of newspaper

Instructions:

Line your tables with a healthy layer of newspaper. This will make cleanup easier and should keep the messes to a minimum. Distribute additional supplies onto tables as necessary. We made sure each teen had a cup with rubbing alcohol, a pipette, socks, and some extra newspaper.  There was an assortment of Sharpies in the center of each table.

Make sure to have a few examples handy at the beginning of the program. Work with your teens during each step.

1. Grab a sock and let the creativity flow! Design a pattern on each side. Do the same for sock #2.
2. Stuff each sock with newspaper. (This step will soak up the excess rubbing alcohol and prevent seepage to the other side.
3. Using a dropper or pipette, drip alcohol onto the sock design where the tie-dye effect is desired.
4. Let dry!

Aftercare:

Doing research online, it is recommended that any of the items be heat set. I made little 1/2 sheets with instructions on how to wash and dry this items. The teens took these home to their parents. Per recommendation:

1. First, wash the items separately on the hottest washer cycle.
2. Then, dry the items separately on the hottens dryer cycle.

Here are some pictures of their creations!