This free-form technique is especially appropriate for young artists: With a flick of the wrist, they'll have a wearable masterpiece.
First, hang one or more prewashed white T-shirts outside on a clothesline with clothespins (be sure the clothesline is far away from unintended targets). If the day is windy, it's a good idea to slip a rectangular piece of cardboard inside each shirt to keep it rigid.
Next, pour nontoxic fabric paints into disposable containers, such as aluminum pie plates or plastic lids, and let your children (dressed in smocks or old bathing suits ) dip paintbrushes into the paint and flick it onto the shirts. Don't worry about giving much artistic direction for this part. The flicking will come easily to children and will no doubt be accompanied by other imaginative techniques--dribbling, splattering, smearing or long-distance slings--just stay clear.
When the shirts are covered with dots, blots and lines, leave them on the clothesline to dry for about six hours. If you don't want the paint to run even more, take them down and allow them to dry flat. Wait at least three days before machine washing. For best results, refer to the fabric-paint package for specific washing directions.
