Learn how to reuse an old shirt with this easy DIY tutorial. Using Mod Podge glue for glass and resin, transform a thrift store shirt into a beautiful, functional vase. Perfect for those seeking how to recycle old shirts and creative ideas on how to repurpose.
I went to Goodwill and I was looking for an interesting cheap shirt. When I say interesting, I don’t mean fringes, weird cuts, or bizarre textures.
I did find plenty of those.
I was on the hunt for an eye-catching pattern and a bargain. I zeroed in on the orange sale tags, knowing they were the deals of the day and a whopping 50% off! By the time I got there, it was late, and the pickings were slim, but I scoured every rack to find what I was looking for!
How to Reuse and Old Shirt Video Tutorial
Click HERE for link!
Materials Needed
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- Vase ($1.99) – You might even have one in your cabinet.
- Old shirt (Originally $5.99 – but was discounted 50%)
- Scissors
- Mod Podge Multi in gloss
- Resin (8 oz, Promise epoxy recommended)
- 6 small cups
- Measuring cups
- Glitter (fine blue and purple)
- Pigment powders (blue, green, purple, and black)
- Something to elevate the vase – I used a tower of cups
- Tap lights
Directions
Step 1: How to reuse an old shirt
Select an old shirt with a fun pattern. You can find one in your closet that you no longer wear or head to the thrift store.
Before I show you how to reuse an old shirt, we need to cut it into pieces of random shapes and sizes.
Step 2: Apply Mod Podge to the Vase
Pour some Mod Podge Multi into a small bowl. Apply a layer of Mod Podge to a section of the vase.
Immediately place a piece of fabric onto the coated area, wrapping it over the vase’s upper lip. This gives the vase a finished edge and looks nice and clean.
Smooth the fabric and apply another layer of Mod Podge over it.
Continue applying fabric pieces, overlapping them slightly, until the entire vase is covered.
Place the vase on a piece of parchment paper or raise it up and let it dry completely.
Step 3: Prepare the Resin
Mix 8 oz of resin according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Divide the mixed resin into 6 small cup,,or if you are using fewer colors, use fewer cups.
Mix blue and purple fine glitter to two of the resin-filled cups. Add pigment powders and resin dyes (blue, green, purple, black) to the remaining cups.
Make sure they are all well mixed with the resin.
Step 4: Apply Resin to the Vase
Place the vase on a tower of cups or some other way to elevate it
I like to use a level to ensure the vase is level.
Start pouring the resin onto the vase, alternating colors and glitter. Eventually, it will begin to flow over the edge and down the side of the vase.
It is very likely that the resin won’t flow to certain areas. Use a stick, a spatula, or your gloved hands to help spread it. Resin likes to go where resin has been, so it might need a little bit of your help.
Watch the colors flow together.
Step 5: Final Touches and Curing
Check for and eliminate any bubbles in the resin. Allow the resin to set and cure before handling it.
Once cured, carefully remove the vase from the support cups.
Finished Product
Your recycled shirt vase is now complete! You can use it as a functional vase for flowers, a unique candle holder, or even a decorative piece with a tap light inside. This project is a great way to recycle old shirts and add a touch of personal creativity to your home décor.
It turned out differently than I expected. I thought the colors would be bolder than they ended up. Lots of people still loved it and my sister claimed it, so it all worked out. I feel like the tap light really made it.
Tips
- If you want to experiment further, try adding an opaque white layer between the resin colors for a different effect. The colors should be bolder.
- For those new to working with resin, check out my FREE Getting Started with Resin guide available now!
This DIY project is a fun and creative take on how to reuse an old shirt and turn it into a beautiful home decor piece. Whether you’re looking to recycle old shirts, or find new ideas on how to repurpose an old shirt, this tutorial offers a simple yet effective solution.
I might try this project again sometime in the future.
Other Resin Projects that Don’t Require an Old Shirt
Here are some other fun resin projects you are going to love!
- Acrylic Paint Pouring on Vases DIY
- Color Shift Paint Resin Coasters Black Background
- Stunning Sunflower Basket Table DIY You’ll Love
- How to Color-Blend Coasters
Thanks for stopping by! Remember: Life’s too short not to shimmer, so grab your glue gun and your glitter!™