Why printing on a White Shirt will save you money

A white 100% cotton shirt is the easiest type of shirt to screen print, therefore also making it the cheapest.  You can easily print any color or type of design on a white shirt.  Now if you print on a dark color shirt, for example: reds, blacks, purples, blues, it becomes more complicated to print and prices go up. 

Why is it more cumbersome to print on colored shirts? It’s all about the color of the shirt and the color of the design.  In order for the design colors to show up correctly on a colored shirt, the screen-printer needs to put down a white base under the design.  This white base acts as a barrier between colors and will allow the design colors to show up correctly on the printed shirt.  If a white base was not used, the color of the shirt will alter the color of the design.  For example, if you printed a blue design on a red shirt without a white under base, then the blue design will take on a reddish tint from the shirt.  The screen printer then needs to make sure that the following screens properly cover the base, so that the white base is hidden in the final product.   These extra steps raise the cost of printing on colored shirts, making it more cost-effective to print on whites.

Shirt Decorating as Entertainment for a Child’s Party

It’s that time of year, when your precious little baby turns one year older, and you know what that means, time for another birthday party!  There are so many things on your list that need to get done: making the food and cake, decorating, making party favors, cleaning (if you’re having it at home), and you need to think of a fun activity to keep the kids entertained, that won’t break the bank.  We have an idea for you, decorate shirts!  Here are some tips for a fun decorating shirt party:

Supplies:  An easy trip to your local craft store is all you need to pick up supplies for shirt decorating.  Some good supplies to get are: puffy paint, fabric markets, fabric spray paint, fabric glue, glue-on jewels, scissors, iron-on transfer paper or iron-on patches, shirt form boards, and tape.  Take a look in the clothing decorating isle at your local craft store to see if you can find some different decorating tools. You also want to protect the surface of the table where your kids will be working, so make sure you put down some other newspapers or an old table cloth.  You can also pick up shirts at a local craft store, or give your local shirt company a call to see if you can get a better deal. 

Iron-on Transfers:  It’s simple and easy to make iron-on transfer decals from your own home.    What you will need is an ink jet print, heat decal paper, an iron, and a blank shirt.  Find a design that you like online or through clipart.  Before you print it, make sure that you have the setting to print on a mirrored image (if you don’t, then any text will be read backwards).  Then print it on iron-on transfer paper and cut it to size.  Cut close to the image to avoid unwanted residue showing up on the shirt.  Place the design on your shirt, and grab a towel to place over the design.  Turn your iron on, making sure that the steam setting is off.  Then iron away!  You will have created a fun shirt in no time.

We recommend that you do this ahead of time to avoid having any little hands get burned at the party.  Then the kids can further decorate the shirt with paint and jewels.  Most heat transfer paper work best with white or light colored shirts, but if you want to go dark, make sure you get transfer paper that is made for dark apparel.

Spray Fabric Paint Design: Kids can create a fun t-shirt design by using spray fabric paint and tape.  If doing the activity inside, make sure that all of your working surfaces are covered, so that you won’t have paint everywhere.  If it’s warm, consider doing the activity outside.  Place the shirt over a shirt form board.  Next, place the tape on the shirt to create a cool design.  Now you are ready to begin spray painting!  First test the spray paint on the newspaper or scrap paper, and then move your way to the shirt.  Several light coats will work better than one heavy coat.  It’s best to start this activity at the beginning of the party, to allow time for the shirts to dry. 

Puffy Paint and Fabric Markers: These will be your friends if you don’t have time to prepare shirts ahead of time or you don’t want to be a helicopter mom at the party.  Have the work area protected with old newspaper or a tablecloth and set out a shirt on a shirt form board (or you can cut down a large piece of cardboard).  Next place puffy paint, fabric markers, fabric glue, and jewels in the middle of the table.  Have some paper plate hand, so the kids can test out the colors.  Then let the kids enjoy themselves, expressing their creativity.

No Dye Tie-Dye: Make super-easy tie-dye shirts without the traditional mess that comes with tie-dying!  Supplies needed are: shirts, permanent markers, rubber-bands or hair-ties, and rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover.  First take the shirts and scrunch/ball them up placing random rubber bands along the way.  You can do an internet search on how to create different designs depending on how you fold/ball up your shirt.  Next take permanent markers and color away!! After coloring, drop a little bit of rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover on the shirt, this will make the colors bleed together.  Allow the shirts to dry, then unravel and you will have a tie-dyed shirt!  Check out this video for video demonstration.

Check out this link for instructions on how to create different tie-dye designs. 

Cut-up Shirts: Have the kids put some originality into their shirts and cut it up!  Try cutting up the sides of your shirt by: 1^st cut the vertical seam of the bottom of your shirt up to below the armpit on both sides, 2^nd cut many horizontal slits over the area you just cut.  Next tie the horizontal slits.  This will give your shirt a new twist, and is a great solution if the shirt is too big. 

The options for creating unique fun t-shirts are endless.  Most importantly is that the kids have fun.  If some kids become frustrated, have some pictures of shirt designs available, so that they can get some inspiration.  Happy shirt designing everyone!!

Bachelor and Bachelorette Shirt Ideas

Great shirts are a must and a terrific idea for any bachelor/bachelorette party!  Whether you want to create DIY shirts or have them professional made, we have gathered up some creative ideas for you to make the perfect party shirt!

         Iron-on Transfers:  On a tight budget? Need the shirts fast? Then a great way to make custom shirts from your own home is to use iron-on transfer decals.  What you will need is an ink jet print, heat decal paper, an iron, and a shirt.  Find a design that you like online or through clipart.  Before you print it, make sure that you have the setting to print on a mirrored image (if you don’t, then any text will be read backwards).  Then print it on iron-on transfer paper and cut it to size.  Cut close to the image to avoid unwanted residue showing up on your shirt.  Place the design on your shirt, and grab a towel to place over the design.  Turn your iron on and make sure that the steam setting is off.  Then iron away.  Simple and easy.  Although not as high-quality as some other methods, these will do for the special night out!  Most heat transfer paper work best with white or light colored shirts, but if you want to go dark, make sure you get transfer paper that is made for dark apparel.

         Fun Sayings:  These are always fun to put on shirts.  An example might be: Last Fling Before the Ring, Sexy Bride, or Bachelor(ette) in fun colors.  Research the internet and come up with your own fun sayings.  Use rhymes or cool designs to make your shirt be the life of the party!

         Writeable Shirts:  This is always a good idea for bachelor(ette) parties.  Make a to-do list and print it on a shirt for the bride-to-be.  Then on the party night, she has to do everything on the list.  Examples may be: serenade a stranger, have a stranger buy me a shot, get a guy/girl’s phone number, or dance with a nerd.  Carry around a fabric marker and check off the list as they go.  This is sure to create some fun memories of the special night.

         Jerseys: Have professional shirts made for the bridesmaids by having jerseys made.  These can be easily made by applying vinyl with a heat press.  You can personalize the jerseys or make them all the same, the choice is up to you!

         Cut-up Shirts: Put some originality into your shirt and cut it up!  Try cutting up the sides of your shirt by: 1^st cut the vertical seam of the bottom of your shirt up to below the armpit on both sides, 2^nd cut many horizontal slits over the area you just cut.  Next tie the horizontal slits.  This will give your shirt a new twist, and is a great solution if your shirt is too big.  You can tie-up the shirt to give a more form fitting appearance.

                  There are so many options for creating amazing bachelor(ette) party shirts.  Use your imagination and have fun! 

How to make a “Zenful” shirt

Are you finding yourself stressed out with the daily grind of life and wish that you could feel a bit more Zen?  Feeling centered and in control are important skills in learning to handle feelings of anxiety and tension.  Of course you can visit a therapist, do deep breathing exercises, physical activities or mediate to practice conquering your anxiety, but we have developed a new idea to accompany these useful tools: make a Zen shirt. 

You are probably asking yourself: “What is a Zen shirt?” or “How can a shirt help my anxiety?”  The concept of developing a Zen shirt is transferring particular emotions and feelings to an object, in this case a shirt, which will be a helpful reminder of focusing on these certain emotions to be more abundant.  For instance, say you decided that you want to make a Zen shirt (keep reading to find out how), first you need to bring yourself to a calm and peaceful state.  You can do this through meditation, deep breathing, journaling, or whatever gets you to a relaxed state. 

Next, begin the process of designing your shirt through our online builder.  It’s important to remember to remain calm and peaceful during the creation of the shirt.  Try to develop a strong association with feelings you experienced while making the shirt and the shirt itself.  Down the road when you are feeling out of control and stressed out, simple put on your Zen shirt.  Visualize the feelings you but into the shirt, and feel calmness wash over you taking your worries away.  This may take practice, but this can be a great tool in accompany with other stress reducing techniques to help you de-compress and chill.

How do you make a Zen shirt? It varies from person to person, for example my Zen shirt maybe a picture of the ocean, but if you have a fear of water…that probably wouldn't be a good choice for you.  Here are some tips for making a Zen shirt:

Color:  Color can play an important role in changing your mental state and emotional feelings.  Many people find tranquil colors such as: teal, jade green, mauve or a stone gray calming and relaxing.  Others may find colors like red and black more appealing because they are grounding colors and help you feel in more control and centered. It’s important for you to find colors that will enhance the kind of mood you are trying to cultivate.  If you are having trouble choosing a color, try to get some inspiration from going for a walk or looking at different colors around you.  If you are drawn to a particular color or find a certain color soothing, they may just be the color that will work for you.

                Image:  Choose imagery that you enjoy and that envelops you in feelings of relaxation.  You may want to pick a realistic image that can virtually transport you to a place of peace, or you may pick an abstract symbol that you find comforting.  For some examples of symbols that enhances feelings of connectedness and peace are: the yin-yang, Enso (Zen circle), the olm, religious symbols, a peace sign, Reiki symbols, or a Celtic tree of life.  Whatever design you choose, it’s important to pick one that speaks to you.

                Words:  Some people may find that words are a better fit for their Zen shirts.  A quote from the Dali lama, Ghandi, or Deepak Chopra may resonate with you, while others might find using a personal mantra may work better.  Self-affirmations are also great ideas for a Zen shirt.

We hope that these helpful tips will aid you on the journey of making your perfect Zen shirt.  Everyone can use less stress in today’s society, and we want to do whatever we can to help.