How to: DIY Birthday Shirts (for Every Age!)

I love using words and type in my crafts (see exhibits A, B, C, D, E, and F...), so was super excited when Scribbles Alphabet Stamps arrived in a recent crafty care package! With a friend's daughter's birthday around the corner, and armed with the new letter stamps and fabric paints, I knew just what I wanted to make: a series of birthday tops, each to announce the birthday girl's age (and yes, there are actual number stamps, too, but I like to spell things out!). I made a series of three, but if you scroll all the way down, you'll see there's no reason why you have to stop at the single-digit ages!

DIY Stars and Stripes Scarf

This slightly nautical DIY Stars and Stripes Scarf is a fun way to revitalize an old scarf and also get you ready for Memorial Weekend.

There’s something so clean and fresh about a nautical look for clothes and accessories as we head into summer. I love the crisp white and blue stripes on this scarf, but I wanted to add a subtle touch of red with stamped stars to add more dimension and interest.

TOOLS & MATERIALS:

• Scarf
• Scribbles Fabric Stamp
• Tulip Fabric Paint
• Scribbles Fabric Ink

step 1 

Layout your scarf on a large flat surface.

I recommend putting some paper underneath your scarf just in case your ink or fabric paint bleeds through.

Press your stamp firmly into your fabric ink pad, make sure you have ink on the entire design of your stamp then press your stamp firmly onto your scarf.

You will need to reload your stamp with ink each time you want to stamp it onto your fabric.

As  you go check the edges of your stamp for extra ink and clean it with a wet paper towel to keep it from ruining your design.

TIP: To get really strong color with your Scribbles stamps you will need to make sure you have a lot of ink on your stamp and press firmly onto your fabric.

The great thing about the Scribbles fabric ink and stamps is that it really stays on your fabric and doesn’t fade after washing. Also the inks have a very nice hand feel on your fabric. You hardly know they’re there, they’re never stiff or sticky. That’s why they’re perfect for a soft sheer scarf!

step 2

When you have finished stamping your design, you can add an extra touch with your fabric paint. I painted 3 hearts onto a corner of my scarf.

This can be a great finishing touch to your scarf, make it your signature!

Be sure to let your scarf dry for a few hours or overnight to make sure all inks and paints are completely dry before washing or wearing.

To see more DIY projects and tutorials by Trinkets in Bloom please click here.

Fun With Fabric Stamp Pads

The other day I spent some more time playing with the Scribble Fabric Stamp Pads.  They are pretty versatile and they make a really easy project.

Today I'm going to show you two things I did with them.  

Scribbles also carries a ton of really cute foam stamps you can use with them.

I like press the stamp pad onto the stamp (instead of the reverse) so I can see what I'm doing.

I also recommend checking the stamp before you stamp it down to make sure you have enough ink on it.  Gently wipe the edges of the square so they don't mark up your project.

First, I created a personalized baby gift with them.  I stamped a burp cloth and a onesie...

...and then I wrapped it up for a super easy baby gift.

With the stamp pads you can also use any rubber stamps you have.  I have a thing for cute stamps and so I got out some of my own to use on a little library tote for the boys.  (I got both of these from Anthropologie a few years ago.)

And here's the bag front and back.

The stamping is kind of a nice, instant-gratification craft that anyone can do.  It's easier and faster than sewing or freezer paper stenciling.  Plus if you have (or make your own) stamps, you can use them over and over again.