In honor of April being Autism Awareness month, I thought I’d make t-shirts for the boys to celebrate diversity. Do you know that 1 in 50 kids will be diagnosed with Autism? So much more money, time, and resources need to be focused on Autism research! Along with that, we also need to work on community-wide acceptance, understanding, and assistance. And what better place to start than with our kids!
I thought I would upload the free printable files just in case you also want to make a t-shirt!
I used my Silhouette Cameo to cut out the design on stencil vinyl and then painted with Tulip Soft Fabric Paint. The process was a bit lengthy but I love the results! One suggestion though, block off the black words with some transfer paper or tape while you paint the colors. Much easier and forgiving of mistakes!
I’m also offering a color PDF of the image just in case you don’t have a Cameo. Print off the pdf onto iron-on transfer paper and follow the instructions to apply to your tshirt. Don’t forget to reverse the image if necessary!
Celebrate Differences Free Printables:
Celebrate Differences PDF (can be printed out on iron-on transfer paper)
Celebrate Differences STUDIO (use this Silhouette file with stencil vinyl and fabric ink)
I’m planning on using this t-shirt as a way to lead into a mini-lesson on the diversity of the human condition. He may not fully understand now but one day he will and I’d like to think that the world will be better because of it. *fingers crossed*
- Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. -Margaret Mead
This project is a part of The Silhouette Challenge hosted by The Thinking Closet . Stop by each month for a new and exciting free tutorial and studio file. Here are my projects from previous months:
January: Martin Luther King Window Art
February: We’re Better Together Card
March: Montessori Sandpaper Letters
Check out all the other TSG projects for this month:
Budget-Savvy Spring Sihouette Make – We Love Cards
D.I.Y. Canvas Date Art – The House on Hillbrook
Paint Chip Spring Ornaments – Coley’s Corner
D.I.Y. Vertical File Folders (Martha Stewart Home Office Knockoff with Free Cut File) – Whole New Leaf
Anchor’s Away! A Fabric Applique Silhouette Tutorial – Lil’ Mrs. Tori
D.I.Y. Subway Art Canvas & Free Cut File – The Thinking Closet
A Gift! – For ‘Just a Little Nutty’ – An Elegant Touch
Mother’s Day Celebration – Creative Turn
Parties: Keep Calm and Link Up
Adriana says
This turned out amazing! Awesome work.
Vanessa Brady says
Thanks, Yana! Jack was more than happy to take these pictures…for a lollypop. 😀
Tiffany | offbeat + inspired says
What a great idea and an awesome way to show support and spread awareness. So many people don’t know much about autism and how it affects families, and I’ve appreciated so much shows like “Parenthood” where families with autistic children are highlighted and their struggles shared. It’s such an important issue! Thank you for this post!!
Vanessa Brady says
Oh man, I love that show! It makes me cry so much that I’ve started calling it my weekly therapy session. 😀
Lauren @ The Thinking Closet says
I love how so many of your projects have such a deep significance behind them, Vanessa…and I know this will have an impact on your son and how he views the world…even if that’s hard to see at this age.
Your design is beautiful and these photos of your son are too cute for words. What a wonderful creation!
Vanessa Brady says
Thanks again for hosting the challenge! I’m hoping a bit more ahead of the game next month and not have to work on the project until the last minute! We’ll see. 😉
Lauren @ The Thinking Closet says
You and me both! I confess, I was actually taking a few last-minute photos this morning in the hour before our posts went up. Yikes! I need to be better about not procrastinating. It’s so not worth the stress! 😉
Laura Beth says
I love the support for Autism! As a teacher I see the reality of how many kids are effected, and the joy they bring to so many lives. Beautiful work!
Vanessa Brady says
Thanks, Laura Beth! You are so right about the joy they bring!
keri @ shaken together says
I LOVE that print! My husband’s cousin has 2 boys who are Autistic, so I love your support of this caus!
Vanessa Brady says
It seems like everyone is directly affected by Autism, huh? It’s no wonder, with such high rates. Glad you liked it!
Jessica Lucas says
Obsessed with this post 🙂 We need more people to think this way!! I teach a self-contained autism classroom and I plan to incorporate this print in an upcoming project, so thank you for sharing!!
xo
Jessica
Vanessa Brady says
I’m so glad you liked it and will be able to use it in your classroom. Keep up the good work!
Lynne Fenbert Neumann says
That is really neat how you put that on that shirt. It is a real attention grabber. Really nice. I”m going to send a shirt to my niece whose son is autistic.
Vanessa Brady says
Thanks, Lynne! Hope your niece likes it!
Carolyn Smith says
Love this…I’m going to make two shirts for my granddaughters….thank you for sharing.
Carolyn
G-ma to one autistic granddaughter and one with ADHD….
Kim says
Thanks for sharing this:-) I shared this on my blog. Blessings~Kim