Book Fan Shirts

Book Fan Shirts from thelunchboxseason
As I posted previously, Blaise launched his second book of poems earlier this month: Zeppelin (Nightwood Editions, 2013). Inspired by some gorgeous t-shirts made by the ladies at A Beautiful Mess, I decided to make my own “Fan Shirt” for the night of the launch, for National Poetry Month, and, well, for ever after.  My technique was slightly different than theirs, but the results were just as fantastic!

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DIY “Book Fan” Shirts

IMG_4007Supplies
Dark Coloured Cotton T-shirt
Gel Bleach
A clean and empty School Glue Bottle or other squeeze bottle with a small spout
[Alternatively, you can use a Bleach Pen]
A large piece of cardboard [Ours was from a pizza box]
[Optional] White Chalk
[Optional] Hydrogen Peroxide, Water &  Spray Bottle
The Book You’re A FAN OF as your model!
Black Permanent Marker

IMG_4013Method
Decant gel bleach into school glue container or ramekin.
Place a solution of 1 part peroxide to 10 parts water in your spray bottle.
Place the square of cardboard inside of the t-shirt [i.e. between the front and the back of the shirt].
Lay the shirt absolutely flat on the table or other protected surface.
Set up your book on the table so that you can use it as a model for your t-shirt design.
[Optional] Use white chalk to outline your design on the front of the shirt. [We didn’t bother!]
Use your home-made bleach pen [or paintbrush] to render the book’s title and basic design.
IMG_4032IMG_4033Let the image rest for 10-15 minutes until you have the penetration of colour you so desire.
Rinse the bleach off of the shirt.
[Optional] Spray with the peroxide and water solution to set the design and let sit for an additional 10 minutes.
Launder in cold water with a mild detergent.
Tumble or line dry.
If desired, use your black permanent marker to correct any “bleeding” or to perfect your image.
WEAR YOUR FAN SHIRT EVERYWHERE!!!

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You can purchase Zeppelin (Nightwood Editions, 2013) locally in Toronto (Book City is highly recommended) or online: direct from Harbour Publishing or via Indigo,Amazon (Canada)Amazon (U.S)Barnes and Noble.

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One Response to Book Fan Shirts

  1. プーマ ブーツ 新着 October 30, 2013 at 5:32 pm #

    Hey there! I’ve been reading your website for a while now and finally got
    the bravery to go ahead and give you a shout out from Porter Tx!
    Just wanted to mention keep up the fantastic job!