DIY:Zen-doodled T-shirt

BushcraftZ 2014

I have always enjoyed drawing but have never taken it seriously just a few doodles here or there or a quick sketch to note a new idea. Recently I discovered the art of zen-doodles or zen-tangles online. The numerous beautiful artworks are a real inspiration. A few instructions to get one started can also be found. Doodling has become my new addiction. After years of not really drawing anymore I now spend any free time with a notebook and black pen and doodle away. To me it is inspiring relaxing and challenging all at the same time.

This new obsession of mine inspired me to update a T-shirt with a free-hand zen-doodle.

Materials:

• washed T-shirt
• sturdy sheet of cardboard
• permanent marker or clothes marker
• soft pencil and paper
• fabric paint extender and brush if using a permanent market

Method:

1. Cut a sturdy sheet of cardboard to size of the shirt and insert into the T-short. Allows the fabric to stretch slightly over the cardboard to make drawing easier. It helps to secure the fabric with pegs.
2. Draw a zen-doodle on a piece of paper to practice and get the size right.

   

   BushcraftZ 2014

   
   

   

   BushcraftZ 2014

   
   

   

   BushcraftZ 2014
3. Mark the position of the doodle on the T-shirt with pencil marks. Either copy the zen -doodle onto the t-shirt or draw it free hand using a marker pen. Once the doodle is completed fix the ink according to manufacturers instructions if you are using a fabric pen. If you have used a permanent marker seal the doodle with a layer of fabric paint extender on both sides of the doodle and allow to dry. Fix the fabric paint extender with heat by following the manufacturers instructions.

TIP: Test the marker to check if it is colour-fast: When using a permanent marker on the T-shirt instead of a fabric marker first do a colour-fast test on a piece of scrap fabric. Draw a few lines and paint the fabric extender over the lines. Ensure that the marker lines do not bleed. Also do a wash test fabric to ensue that your zen-doodle is colour-fast does not bleed during the wash.