ChickSpeak

Ever find yourself rifling through your closet looking for the perfect shirt to go with a skirt or pair of jeans before a night out on the town? Once you’ve picked out something comfortable, then do you find yourself worrying that your girlfriend or a perfect stranger will show up wearing the same thing? The best way to guarantee that your outfit will be an original is to put your personal touch to it.  If you have a little bit of time to prepare for an outing, rather than hitting up the malls consider this one of-a-kind alternative.

Look for an old plain or bold colored tank top (stripes and or polka dots would make for an overly busy design) or girly tee. You may have one in your wardrobe. If not, go to the store of your liking (I went to Target) and pick up a new, yet affordable shirt.  Cost: $0 – 6.99 Next, go to your local arts and craft store (I ended up at Michaels) to pick up a few things:

1. Gemstones/rhinestones (I picked up a few packs to stock up, but only one or two packs are needed, at most, for one shirt).  Of course, pick out the size and color of your choice (prices may vary but typically run along the same dollar value), keeping in mind the color of your tank or tee.  Cost: $2.99 per pack
2. Glue or permanent adhesive to bind your gems to the fabric.  Do not use the Elmer’s Glue that’s been sitting around from an art class you took in grade school.  Instead, pick up Gem-Tac (or a product that is similar).  It dries clear, so it won’t show up on your shirt and is made specifically for gluing rhinestones on fabric.  Cost: $5.99 (4 oz. bottle)
3. A pair of tweezers is needed to place the gemstones on your tank top or t-shirt with precision.  You may want to use an old pair in your make up box, but I highly recommend buying the 4-pack variety pack of tweezers from a local craft store so you can get a feel for what type of tweezers work best for you at an affordable rate. Cost: $4.99

Estimated grand total for items included in list items 1 and 2 (tax is not included): $20.96 (this includes a new shirt from Target, a pack of rhinestones, a 4 oz. bottle of glue, and a variety pack of tweezers).You should be all set. 

The next thing to do is to pick out who or what you want to profile on your shirt. It’s best to start with a shorter word as a beginner. I picked the name of my favorite band, Electrocute.

After this is done, open your pack of gemstones and place one within your pair of tweezers.  It’s best to work with a pair of tweezers that has prongs that remain closed unless you apply pressure.  On the flattened, back side of the gemstone, dab a small amount of glue. One this is done, apply the glue-covered backing to the fabric of the shirt in its place.

As you are placing the gemstones on your tank, remember to be patient. If it helps to measure out how many rhinestones fit into your desirable inch space, feel free to pull out a ruler and a pencil.  If moving from the inside and making your way outward or if following the traditional route of moving left to right across the shirt seems to work best – go for it. Whatever works best for you will be the most comfortable, effective way to completing the project.

Give yourself 2-3 sittings to finish applying the rhinestones on your shirt. It should only take a minute or two to clean up after each session (which is awesome).

Once everything is applied, allow 12 hours for your shirt to dry or let it dry overnight. 

Your new shirt is ready for you to wear! Keep a few gemstones handy in case one happens to pop off after the first few wears. If your first shirt doesn’t come out “picture perfect,” don’t give up on yourself completely. Consider using your first shirt as a dry run.  

As the saying goes, “practice makes perfect.”  Obviously, there is no need to go out and create an entire wardrobe of personalized tank tops in order to make a statement.  Variety of color, cuts and style of the pieces in your closet is just as important as having more than one type of drink in the refrigerator! But one or two shirts with your own personal touch may do the trick at a fairly affordable price. And what better way to shine then to put the sparkle on you! Or a friend! The materials you pick up are enough to make a handful of shirts, and what better gift to give than a personalized item to one of your best friends.