Comic-Con Super Shorts

In case you didn't already know (like if you happen to live under a rock), Comic-Con took place in San Diego this weekend.  Not only have I been roped into super hero conversations at work and bombarded by a flood of Marvel related Facebook posts, but even a hand full of stores - places that sell ladies clothing - are getting in on the action.

clockwise: Hot Topic | Forever 21 | Wet Seal

With this bright, colorful screen printing  kit that was sent to me by My Next Style (thank you so much!),  I made comic inspired word patches to sew on the back of a pair of basic black shorts.  Here's a quick way to make your own super patches:

You will need:

- Next Style TM Fabric Screen Alphabet Letters

- Next Style TM Screen Print Fabric paint

- masking tape

- article of clothing 

- solid colored fabric

Begin by placing your fabric on a hard surface over a piece of cardboard.  To keep the fabric from slipping or wrinkling as you work, you may want to tape it in place.  Cut apart the letters, remove the plastic backing and carefully press them on the fabric.  I also put a strip of tape under the words to keep excess paint off the the fabric.

Each paint packet has a plastic squeegee attached. Smooth the paint away from the edge and carefully open the pouch.

 Gently slide the paint packet from top to bottom of each letter stencil, using the plastic squeegee edge to scrape away the excess paint.  Peel the stencils off your fabric and leave the paint to dry for at least an hour.  Rinse the stencils with soap and warm water, press the sticky side on the plastic backing, and save to use again in the future.

  To set the color, cover the painted area with a thin cloth and iron both sides for 3 to 5 minutes.  Now its time to cut the fabric into comic book inspired patches!

Transform anything you can find from bland to super by adding a patch: t-shirts, jeans, or sweatshirts!

For more fun DIY ideas, visit My Next Style's blog.