Today I have a super quick project. Now I know that normally I don’t do these quick projects, but in this case it was necessary. If you’re looking for a diy craft project for your old tshirts or other clothing, learn how to easily upcycle a t shirt into wall art.
My sweet daughter made this t-shirt years ago.
Oh did I ever tell you the girls had a t-shirt business? The older one was in charge of the finances and the younger one was the creative genius. She would sit there and painstakingly copy images onto t-shirts. It was a lot of work, and she burned out after a few months of doing it. But it was her first taste of running a business.
Back to the tshirt. Of course she’s all grown up now and she doesn’t wear it any more. She wanted to get rid of it. But I, being the proud mama, was not about to let her throw it out! Instead I did an easy tshirt upcycle and made fun wall art.
Just look at that cute face! No way was that going into the recycling bin!
I noticed a stain on the t-shirt and instead of doing the logical thing and washing it, I covered it up instead. In my defense, it was a nasty smudge, so I don’t know if it would have come out.
Instead I sewed some pretty buttons on top of the smudge.
How to Upcycle a Tshirt into Wall Art
I had this embroidery hoop lying around the house and figured I’d use that.
I used to do a lot of embroidery when I was younger (read before kids) but now I don’t have time at all. It was always a fun and relaxing activity for me.
I placed the tshirt through the hoop and tightened it. I didn’t even bother to cut it into a circle. But I did fasten the fabric in the back with a stapler. This ensured that it wouldn’t be flying all over the place.
I also added a brown cord and a black ribbon so I could hang the hoop on the wall. The brown cord matches the wood of the hoop and of course the black goes with her drawing.
You have to admit, I did a pretty good job of hiding the smudge on the tshirt.
How could she have thought I’d let her throw out this little masterpiece?
And so the day was saved and so was that awesome (according to me) tshirt that I easily repurposed into wall art!
Now spill the beans! I know your kids or nieces and nephews create masterpieces all the time. What do you do with them? Are you a hoarder like me or do you get rid of little gems like this?
For additional t shirt upcycle ideas, check out this easy upcycled tshirt bag as well as t shirt yarn you can make!
Deborah Sommerlot
Monday 9th of September 2019
Great Job Mary! I have chosen your project to feature for this weeks WNW
Mary
Tuesday 10th of September 2019
Thanks so much Deborah!
Cheryl
Wednesday 22nd of February 2017
I love it and think it is a masterpiece also! My daughter used to draw people in an interesting way and I wanted to preserve it so I had her draw on a little dresser I redid just for that purpose! My dad took a drawing of both her hands and cut them out of metal and I put them on the dresser as pulls to open the drawers! So glad you kept it. I still have the dresser and cherish it every day! Thanks for sharing, have a wonderful day!
Mary
Friday 24th of February 2017
Cheryl that sounds incredible. Do you have it posted on your blog? I would love to see that.
Marjan Hoebeke-Pfaff
Wednesday 22nd of February 2017
It would have been a shame to throw that pretty t-shirt away! How fortunate you came up with this idea and knew how to preserve this memory. Have a great day, Marjan
Mary
Friday 24th of February 2017
Marjan, I was lucky because I had that hoop just taking up space really. Till one day it hit me that I had to find a place for the t-shirt and then it all came together.
Lynn Spencer
Wednesday 22nd of February 2017
Mary, how perfectly charming! Not only the drawing, but that you were able to save it as a wall hanging. That girl of yours has some serious talent, so I don't blame you at all for holding on to it. Several of the pictures hanging in my home are art work that my children did in elementary school and that I framed. I never get tired of seeing their artistic adventures. Neither of them have pursued art since elementary school, so I'm glad that I didn't wait! Have a fantastic day my friend. Hugs, LYnn
Mary
Friday 24th of February 2017
Lynn, to me they are little moments in time. You are capturing a small window of how they were and will never be again. I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one. But I know your home is full of beautiful and heartfelt artwork.
krista
Wednesday 22nd of February 2017
It turned out nice. The buttons actually added to the texture appeal. Some day she will be glad that you saved it!
Mary
Tuesday 28th of February 2017
I hope so Krista. They don't appreciate anything till they get older.