What was intended to be a simple print on a white t-shirt ended up in a full on expression of my son’s creativity.  Last time we printed fabric we encountered a few problems with smudging so this time I was determined to make a stencil. Stencils worked well in our previous Easter cards crafts project so I thought I had everything under control. One thing I failed to consider was the little involvement my son had in making the stencils and since cutting cardboard is quite tricky with a scalpel, it was not going to change this time round.

He waited patiently for me to cut out a little sail boat out of thick cardboard and finally adding colour to it seemed just a little too quick and didn’t quite live up to his expectations of fun. My simple idea just didn’t match his bigger vision of the sea. When I suggested making more stencils of starfish and shells, his discontent was vocal and direct: “it takes too long for you to make them and I get bored!” Yes I think he had a point. What’s the fun in that? So instead of paint we resorted to some great pens to use on fabric we bought last summer and I let him have fun turning an old white t-shirt into a creative canvas. The result is undoubtedly much more artistic than the simple idea I had in mind.