As you know–because I’ve been writing about it incessantly lately–there aren’t nearly enough bee-themed apparel items in the market currently. Bees are amazing, folks, so even if we can’t figure out why they’re dying, can we at least take some time to appreciate who awesome they are? When I found the crisp off-white Madewell button up* I’ve been eyeing on sale, it seemed like a good opportunity to take control and just make my own hive-related clothing.
I already had fabric ink for another project, and the only other equipment needed was a pencil to sketch the design, and a small piece of cardboard to keep the ink from bleeding through all the layers of fabric. I started by sketching on paper, then just copied my favorite bee onto the shirt pocket, first in pencil and then in ink. It needs to dry for 24 hours, then be heat set for 30 seconds on both sides with an iron–supposedly after that my shirt will go back to being completely washable, and even more fantastic.
If I were to do this again, I would probably use a brush with a finer tip and thin the ink with some water, since I’m much more experienced working with very small brushes and very watery paints. I think the little fellow turned out pretty nice, though!
*It’s out of stock in the cream online, but if you live near a Madewell, check there–my store had plenty! Or get this one, or any other white button up (though I’m adamant that Madewell’s are the best).
PS–Have you voted in this year’s Minted + West Elm challenge? Check out my entries right here and cast your vote–I hope you’d to see more Striped Cat Studio artwork at West Elm as much as I would!