The 70s might be over, but that doesn’t mean your love for the decade has to be. In fact, what better way to teach your children about your own childhood than by taking them back there in the form of a retro project? I’m talking about tie dye. It’s come a long way since the days of disco music. While tie dye isn’t as prominent as other prints, it’s definitely one that kids enjoy creating with! Just take a look at these fun projects that are sure to take you back in time as your children learn to appreciate your “old people” ways.
source: Plain Vanilla Mom
1. Pillowcases
You probably don’t want tie dyed pillows in your bedroom, but for a teenager, they could be totally cool. If your teen wants to try tie dye, and wants to teach her friends about it too, what a fun project to do at a sleepover! And of course, tie dyed pillowcases would definitely add a pop of fun to your teen’s bedroom.
Check out the tutorial for this project over at Plain Vanilla Mom.
source: Michael’s
2. Tie Dye Book Covers
I remember when I was in school, I loved wrapping my books in fun covers. Who wants to look at those ancient style books all day? Bo-ring. Your older kids will have lots of fun making tie dye book covers that all of their friends will ask about! You might even want to make some for yourself. Book club has never looked so stylish!
Head over to Michael’s for instructions on making these.
source: Pink And Green Mama
3. Tie Dye Seashells
Don’t just put those seashells from your summer vacay in a jar somewhere. Bring them to life with colorful tie dye! Even younger kids can do this project, as it can be done using just paints and an imagination. Once you’ve dyed your shells, check out 7 Creative Seashell Crafts to try with your kids!
For the tutorial on dyeing your seashells, visit Pink And Green Mama.
source: A Pumpkin & A Princess
4. Sneakers
Using a tie dye kit and a pair of white canvas sneakers, you can create a totally fun rainbow set of footwear. How cool would this be for your teen? Heck, I would even wear these (although I’m a bit of a rainbow addict, so I’m biased). It would be fun to try and dye the shoes in seasonal colors to make them even cooler.
Stop by A Pumpkin & A Princess for the full how-to on this project.
source: Tie Dye Your Summer
5. Infinity Necklace
Did you know you can make an infinity style necklace from a tie dyed t-shirt? So cool, right? And since it’s fall, this would be a great way to add some extra warmth to your outfits. Creative teens will really enjoy tackling this project, and it’s awesome that they can wear their creations once they’re done.
Head over to Tie Dye Your Summer to learn how to do this.
source: Inspired By Charm
6. Tie Dye Embroidery Hoop
Turn some bed sheets and embroidery hoops into a piece of tie-dye wall art. You can keep the colors subtle enough to hang in your walkway, or do something really bold to display in your child’s room or playroom. What a fun gallery wall that would be!
Inspired By Charm has all the details on this project.
source: Joann Fabrics
7. Socks
Not only are tie dye socks super fun, they also make great party favors for a birthday party! In fact, this project could be done at the party, and guests could take them home! Even if your kids only wore these socks around the house, they would love creating these.
Head over to Joann Fabrics to get the full supplies list and directions.
source: SheKnows
8. Tie Dye Waffles
I know that waffles aren’t technically a “project,” but this is just too cool not to share! Can you imagine getting served a waffle in those colors? The kids would flip out! The only downside is that they’ll probably request tie dye waffles all the time, and you don’t plan on serving them on a regular basis.
Head over to SheKnows to learn how to create this morning treat.
source: Gingerbread Buttons
9. Jeans
This project is one that kids and moms can enjoy! Even though tie dye isn’t a big fashion trend right now (it’s coming back in style, I promise), it’s still cool to rock it if you’re brave enough. There are ways to make your jeans look more “natural,” and ways to be really dramatic with the tie dye. Next time your daughter asks for a new pair of jeans, just take a pair she already owns and give it a little makeover.
You’ll find this tutorial over at Gingerbread Buttons.
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Leena Kollar
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