If there's one craft activity that appeals to preschoolers and preteens alike, it's decorating clothes. Take tie-dye, for example. Just mix up a bucket of dye, and in no time your clothesline will be sagging from the weight of dripping T-shirts, and your kids will be rummaging through their dressers, searching for one more thing to decorate. Try getting that kind of reaction out of making macramé plant hangers or weaving pot holders.

So why are homemade fashions such a hit with kids? For starters, you don't have to be a topnotch artist or seamstress to end up with something great to wear--a real plus when the price tags on the lastest fashions exceed your allowance. Plus, there's the pleasure you get when a friend tells you what a cool shirt you're wearing and you can smile and say, "Thanks, I made it myself."

Inspired by today's most popular styles, the projects on the following pages feature a variety of innovative techniques and user-friendly products for sprucing up a whole wardrobe. Take a minute to check them out with your kids, and we bet you will be raring to roll up your sleeves and get started.

A former camp counselor, Debra Liebson has spent many a summer day tie-dyeing, coloring and appliquéing clothes.