Tie-Dye, Sharpie-Style

At our weekly co-op (Friday Fun Classes),  one of Ella's classes this year has been chemistry.  

Recently,  tie-dye was a class project (studying solutions).  But not in any way I've ever tie-dyed!  And this new way is sooooo muuuuuuch fuuuuun!!!!

We had to come home and re-create the fun with the boys.

Materials Needed:

Sharpies

Rubbing Alcohol

Droppers

White pre-washed fabric

cups 

(we used plastic but the next time I'll just use our regular mason jars)

rubber bands

 

Directions:

Place cups at odd intervals inside the shirt.  Secure with rubber bands. Use sharpies to make simple patterns in the center of each ring (a ring of alternating colored dots works really well---see the green and orange circle above).  Use dropper to drip alcohol in the center of each ring.  Watch the colors spread to the edge of the cup!  So many variations!!!!  Repeat.  To overlap circles, let the first ones dry, then re-place the cups at desired spots and repeat.  

Washing instructions:

Let the alcohol dry completely, as it is flammable.  Once the alcohol is dry,  put the shirt in a hot dryer for at least 30 minutes so the color will set.  Then wash and wear as usual.  Colors may fade slightly with each washing.