I am going to show you ideas and tricks into making your own "Alternative Clothing"...Be it from scratch or front an old, stained white Micheal Stars top you just cannot throw away. Alternative clothing is what, you ask? It is an independent fashion statement created by or exhibits your persona, your essence, your aura. Who knows...you may even branch off into your own, private clothing label!

It is ART...walking, breathing, flirting, dancing, sexy, rocking-out ART.

Plus, when you get good at it, it makes a great personalized gift. Be creative.

I have been doing this since my teens. Now at 21, I just get more and more inspired everyday. Selling on eBay has been my gateway to my fashion/business side. Okay, Let's get started.

Starting out

Picking out what you want to doodle is your choice. Start out with and white top. As it gets easier and you get more inspired you can branch off to jeans, pants, skirts, and other crazy things like purses or other color shirts. I am a misses size small so I take a trip to Walmart or Target and buy a pack of boys white undershirts Hanes size XL. For larger size, I recommend a mens small or medium. They're just as cheap. They come in 3-5 per pack so you will be set.

Now, go to the craft store (or stay at Walmart or Target) and get the crafy stuff...Fabric Scissors, Ribbon, Fabric Paint, Fabric Markers, Thick Needles for stitching and sewing, 1/4 yard of fabric you like (for patches), Jewel-It or Tacky Glue, random buttons, rhinestones, appliqué’s, iron-on paper...or anything you find that would be cute. I found some little wooden ladybugs with leaves for 99 cents I used on one top shown below. Also, pick up some tie dye for expert fashioning. Start off with a few colors (like green, blue, and red...no black or white, pleasepleaseplease). Bedazzlers are also great!

Also, you can find little iron-on treasures that are awesome for this stuff. I have a couple in my store right now that are hot. Fantastic rhinestone studs make up the picture...about 10 by 8 inches.

You got the goods...now what?

Lay out a plan for the clothing first. Here are some things to consider...Do I still want this to be white (in case you are redoing an old stained top)? What inspires me (crosses, fluer de lis, initials, or other symbol)? What is cute to me? Have I seen anything recently that I wanted but was too expensive but seem like it would be easy to recreate? Who is this for (if you are giving it to someone)?

How to Tie Dye...This is how I do it without problems.

Boiling a large pot of water with 1/4 cup or so of salt and the same ammount of the dye. Get the shirt completely wet and either tie knots in the clothing itself or tie thick ribbon or fabric strips around the spots you want lightly colored or white. Put in the stuff after the water starts boiling...Turn off the heat and stir until they are saturated. Cover the pot and stir occassionally for 30 minutes to an hour depending on how rich you want the color (like coloring hair). Take it out, untie, and rinse till its clear or throw it in the wash to rinse only. No soaking. Detergant is fine. Cold water only.

To do double colors, untie the clothing and stick it in the other color dye for only a little bit. Make sure you color it with the darker one first. Or just rinse and throw it in the washer for a one soak and one rinse cycle.

Time to PLAY!

Now, everything is dry. Get some cardboard and cut out enough to slide the shirt onto it. Now you have a hard surface to stick stuff on and write easier.

Paint, bedazzle, tie, cinch, cut, and color away!

Here are some more of my creations...

Wear it with PRIDE!

You made it, you love it, now wear it everywhere! Make more for friends to make some money for college tuition. You are bold, beautiful, and creative. Your grandmother would be so proud! FREE SHIPPING for everything in my store if you tell me my guide sent you! Happy Holidays - Amy Atkins (owner of Ocean*Avenue)