1. Creative expression. How about the basic need for self-expression and an outlet for creativity? That's probably the number one reason out there. Call it wearable art. And not only that....it's practical art. Why just put your artwork on your walls when you can put it on yourself and wear it around? This self-expression could be something right out of your head, or maybe even something (obscure or obvious) from a musician, a song, a film or a book that you relate to.
2. Looking unique is another huge motivator. BEEN TO A MALL LATELY? Then you know what I'm talking about. The mall's terrific if you're looking for fake 80's style T's or ones for made-up camps and teams. What's interesting about that? Oh...looking for an obnoxious baby T that says "spoiled" or "slut" or "precious"? Great!!! The mall's got deals for you! Head on down! But if you want to say something just a wee bit more original and a lot less irritating to others, make your own. It's so hard to look original these days unless you buy only vintage clothing, or have lots of money to spend on chique designer stuff. I can't even find jeans that don't have fake fading on them. A couple of years ago it was even worse. At least now you can find jeans where the fading is subtle, but it's almost always going to be there. Same goes for T-shirts, especially for women. It's either verrrrry plain, or it's obnoxious and cutesy. Guy's T-shirts are less annoying, but there's not much variety. So if you can't find want you want in the stores, sometimes ya just gotta make it yourself.
3. It's fun. This one's simple. Any and all of the techniques you'll learn (in future posts on this blog, or elsewhere) to make your own t-shirts are absolutely entertaining and it's always satisfying to do something yourself. You can pick and choose from methods that are super cheap, super fast and super easy, to ones that require more of an investment of energy and time. It's an activity you can do on your own, or with friends and family. It could even be a good date. You can bond over a day of t-shirt making. With friends, you could make shirts that go together or compliment each other in some funny way. Or make shirts for your own band or sports team.
4. Save money. Once you have the basic tools and supplies, you can use them over and over again with cheap solid color t-shirts. You can even recycle old shirts that are dying on you by taking them apart and reconstructing, or printing or bleaching on parts you don't like.
5. Maybe even make money. Who knows? Once you become a pro, you can use your new skills to start a little business and sell your stuff on the internet, in a retail store, or at local craft shows or fairs. Also, you could print up t-shirts to advertise other ventures you have going. Maybe a band, a business, or a film. Spread the word by wearing it, give them away or sell them to create a buzz.
6. Totally unique presents. Who doesn't want to give really cool, original and personal gifts. It could even be something that really speaks to something you shared with that person, a special place or an inside joke. Or it could be something beautiful or hilarious that they will love forever.
7. A very useful skill. Don't forget that the techniques you learn to make t-shirts are totally transferable. You can use them to create or beautify lots of things, bags, jackets, baby clothes or bibs, bed linens, umbrellas. Basically anything made of cloth, even lots of things made of wood or paper and some other materials. Again, great for your own use and pleasure, but also there must be a gazillion more gift ideas here once we break from the idea of t-shirts alone. Learning to make your own t-shirts could open the door to new worlds of craftiness in your future.
1 comment:
cool article
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