See this fun childrens art activity: How To Turn Childrens Art Into Tea Towels!
A kids craft idea that’s fun to make with the kids and give to grandparents and family!
Do you have piles of artwork that your kids have brought home from school, daycare or made at home?
Want another way to display their artwork other than hanging it on the fridge or framing it? Â
Here’s a fantastic way to display your kid’s art in a space we spend a lot of the time in – the kitchen!  Turn your kid’s art into DIY tea towels: your kiddos will feel so special and proud to see their drawings on display.
This would also be an excellent gift idea for grandparents, aunts, uncles and teachers! Birthdays, Christmas or ‘just because’!
Fun Home Decor Idea and Childrens Craft- Turn Kids Art into Tea Towels:
I’m sharing with you how to make it!
Turn childrens art into tea towels:
Below is the picture I used for my tea towel project.
Our youngest son Rowan drew this picture of our family when he was 9 years old…
This picture just makes me smile every time I look at it and now I can have it in my kitchen to admire too!
Isn’t he a terrific artist?
( He’s really been enjoying reading the comments on this post so say Hello to Rowan if you can!)
Look at all the love arrows we have going on here, and the cheery sun with sunglasses! So adorable!
 (apparently I have a very long torso and tiny short legs!! Even that makes me smile!)
Supply List – Turn Childrens Art Into Tea Towels
– White flour sack towels.
– Â black marker
– Childrens artwork
How to Make Childrens Art Tea Towels:
1. Wash and dry the towels.
2. Place drawing under towel and tape down with painter’s tape so it doesn’t shift.
3. Trace the drawing with the marker. The towel material allows you to see the drawing underneath.
Now let’s see how to properly wash and dry your tea towel!
Washing tips:
– I have washed mine and the print didn’t disappear or ‘bleed’ at all. The towels take on a lovely slight faded appearance as they are washed.Â
– I use Woolite detergent for HE and regular washing machines.
– Certain detergents containing powerful stain fighters may cause the print to fade excessively.
– I choose to wash mine in cold water but the towels can be washed in hot water but make sure to read the laundry instructions on the towels! Â
I hope you enjoyed this DIY project : Turn Kids Art Into Tea Towels!
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Elise says
So cool! I love this idea. I have a laser printer, does it only work with an ink copy?
Laurel @ Ducks in a Row says
So so cute – can’t wait to try it!
Chrissy + Nate says
Such a good idea! “Pinning” it!
Sarah says
This is so adorable! I need to make one!
Becca says
This is so cute Heather! Such an adorable idea! I never would have thought of it- but I can think of a million people who would love to receive it as a gift! Great job!
How have you been? Did you have a good holiday weekend?
xo Becca
AmieAnn says
How stinking adorable is this!?! What a wonderful way to showcase kids artwork.. I love it! Amie
Annie says
That is really really cute!
Steph @ Crafting in the Rain says
What a cute idea–could be great for a teacher gift!
Hope says
ABSOLUTELY love this! What a great idea!Hope
Karen of Little Red House Designs says
no, I am your newest follower! LOL Found you on Pinkapotomus. 🙂
kelly says
Fabulous idea. The children would love their artwork shared like this.
Kelly
Melanie @ bear rabbit bear says
Aww…how cute!
Sarah Jenkins says
This is such a neat idea! I’m a new follower from naptime delights. I have a new linky party on tuesdays. I hope you’ll stop by 😉
Sarah
Toodie says
I love this idea! Out come the boxes of artwork!
Catrin says
Oh! These are darling. It’s such a cute way to appreciate your kid’s artwork. Thanks for sharing this.
Greetings from Germany
Catrin
Elisabeth says
What a terrific idea and so simple!! Definitely a great gift for the grandparents! Thanks so much!!
✿ⒹⒺⒺ✿@ A Lapin Life says
Adorable idea and so easy to do 🙂
Dee
Stacey says
Very cute idea Heather! My in-laws would love this!
Thanks for linking this week!
Stacey of Embracing Change
Chiwei says
So cute! I’ll have to wait until my little one can work a pen – I can’t imagine this works as well with fingerpaint creations 🙂 But when that day comes, someone’s getting some tea towels!
Kathy says
So cute….I’m pinning! 🙂
Amber says
Oh dear me! That is simply adorable! What a great way to display some kids art! I’m absolutely pinning this!
Emily Morgenstern says
Such a sweet, clever idea!! I’ve pinned it and now I’m sharing on FB!!
Geri O says
I can’t wait to try this with my granddaughters artwork.
Karla says
Oh my gosh! This is adorable. What a great way to keep your child’s art work. I need to remember this for when I have kids. Great Great idea. Thanks for sharing!
Cherished Bliss says
This is just too cute! I’m featuring you today!! : )
Kimberly says
Love this idea!
Your newest follower. Kimberly
Becca says
I just saw you’re featured at Tip Junkie’s top 10 today! Congrats- this project is so unique- it deserves to be spotlighted! Great job, girl!
xo Becca
mommyof4 says
So cute! How do you wash the towels? Thanks!
Sarah says
Thanks so much for sharing this at The Winthrop Chronicles, this will be featured at tomorrow’s link party!
Michelle says
Precious and clever. What an amazing gift idea!
Sue says
Wonderful idea!! It’s so creative and unique!
Lisa says
I Loved this so much I tried it myself. IT WORKED. Thanks for sharing.
Maria says
Awww what a cute idea and great way to keep and “display” the art work!!! Thanks for sharing! :o)
jessiekays says
This is great and I will be doing it! But does the sharpie come out in the wash or is it permanent? What temperature do you wash them at?
Thanks!
Jessie
melissadd says
This comment has been removed by the author.
melissadd says
Just give the kids the towels to decorate ~ colored sharpies work great also.
Trisha says
Will the sharpie come off after washes?? Awesome idea!!
Heather says
Thanks Trisha!! The permanent marker holds up when washed. I have washed mine many times and it still looks great! No bleeding at all.
hervin02 says
PLEASE answer the questions about washing…
Heather says
The sharpie is a permanent marker, so the graphic will be permanent…the graphic on my towels do not disappear or bleed out in the wash. I wash mine in cold water and hang to dry since they dry so quickly there is no need to dry them in the dryer! Good luck!
Heather says
Thank you!
Two Shades of Pink says
Just pinned this today and wanted to stop by and tell you how much I love this idea! I think it will make great gifts for the grandparents too! Thanks so much for sharing this!
Heather says
Thanks for the sweet comments! Grandparents will love this DIY!!! Have fun making one or two or three!
Rebecca Fraser says
Cant wait to try this. It’s so cute. I wish I had saved old pics that my niece drew for me, I have all her old coloring pages, just none like this. But I will find something to try this with! 🙂
Heather says
So glad you like this Rebecca!! Send me a pic of it when you are finished – I would love to see how your version turns out! I love mine and my son is so proud that his art is now in our kitchen!
HanoverGirl says
I have 10 grandchildren and 1 more on the way. This would be a great idea for a Christmas present for the parents! Thanks so much!
Heather says
It really would HanoverGirl! Both the parents and the kiddos would enjoy seeing their art in the kitchen! You are so lucky to have 10 grandchildren!!!!
Genie says
would work well for Magnadoodle creations too. I take pictures of those… this would be better! Great gift idea…
Heather says
What a great idea Genie to use Magnadoodle creations! Great suggestion!
copelandnation says
I have kept some artwork thru the years of my kids. Now they are married. I am going to do this for my daughters in law of their hubbys childhood art. I am thinking of embroidering it as well. Thanks for the idea. How does the permanen marker do in the wash?
Heather says
Great idea!! Your daughters in law will love that – how sentimental! The permanent marker holds up really well when washed. I have washed mine many times and it still looks great! Send me a picture of your version, I would love to see how it turns out!
Vicki says
Hi Heather,
What a testament to a loving family!
R drew so much love into his art!
Heather says
Awwwww, Vicki! What a sweet thing to say!! I will pass on to R your sweet comments, he will love to hear that! Thank you 🙂
Heather says
Your welcome! I am sure the grandparents will love it!
ar719 says
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Heather says
The permanent marker holds up really well when washed. I have washed mine many times and it still looks great! No bleeding at all. I purchased the flour sack towels at Wallmart – but have also seen them at Target…hope this info helps!
Natalie, the Chickenblogger says
Marvelous!
Your tutorial is thorough, and inspiring.
I know this is something I will be trying.
R, you show a lot of love in your art!
I’m so glad I saw this, so we can share
our children’s art this way too.
Thank you!
Heather SettingforFour says
So glad you like this tute Natalie! Have fun making them! I did and smile every time I see them in my kitchen! I will pass on your sweet compliments to my son ‘the artist’!! Thanks for dropping by my blog! Heather 🙂
Kaysi says
I love this idea!! He is a great artist
Heather says
Thanks Kaysi…I will pass your compliments on to my son!
Kaci says
I just made one- it’s adorable! Can I iron it?
Heather says
Yes you can! Email me a pic – I would love to see how your’s turned out! Yay!!!
Margo says
Very cute. However, I got plain undies for my son and I drew things that he liked on them with Sharpies to make potty training more fun, and they really faded in the wash. Has this happened for you?? I don’t want to spend a lot of time tracing if it’s just going to fade and look bad.
Heather SettingforFour says
Margo, that’s too bad that your profect faded! That’s a fun ida to add drawings to your son’s underwear for potty training! My towels just lightened ever so slightly on the first wash and are virtually the same as when I first made them…
Barilyn94 says
If you iron them you will heat set your marker…which is probably why her tea towels have not faded…iron Rhodes undies..it should help
Roelofs says
Cute idea! Sharpie is not archival, which means that over time, you will get a yellow halo around your marker lines. I would suggest trying an archival marker, or maybe a fabric marker instead of a standard sharpie if you want your towel to last for a long time.
Heather SettingforFour says
I’ll keep that in mind Roelofs….mine have not shown any yellowing.
gzarbok says
This month I used this wonderful idea for gifts to friends and family. Love it. I blog about it and shared your link! http://www.create-with-kiddos.blogspot.com
Heather SettingforFour says
They turned out great! Love your little artists’ drawings! So cute! Thanks for adding the link to my post that inspired you! I am sure the grandparents will love these as gifts!
Jaclyn N Lil M says
Aww what a great idea 🙂 Thanks for sharing! And R.. amazing drawing 🙂
Heather says
Ooo….so exciting! I love this idea! R, you are a great artist! Good job! 🙂
Heather SettingforFour says
Thanks Heather for your sweet comments 🙂 I will pass on your compliments to my son! He loves to draw and I am always encouraging him!
knittingaddicted says
Great idea! I think I will do something like this for myself using artwork I have been saving for many years!
the_new_melissa says
Could you use colored sharpies?
Heather SettingforFour says
I believe that would work! I have only used black but the ink type is the same…so it should work!
Its So Very Cheri says
R has inspired me to make some. Thanks so much for the fabulous tutorial.
Cheri
Heather SettingforFour says
Have fun making them Cheri!
Patti K says
I just found the Christmas Gift I will do with our 10 year old niece when she visits this Thanksgiving Weekend….Her and I do Christmas Gifts for others in her family….She will love doing this, as she loves to draw and share her drawings with others….Thanks so much for sharing this….Patti
Heather SettingforFour says
What a sweet idea to make some with your neice for family! Such a thoughtful gift! Glad you like these!
Unknown says
Can they just draw on the towel?
Heather SettingforFour says
Yes, your kiddos can draw on the towel with a sharpie marker!
Rachel R. says
We’ve actually found that regular permanent Sharpie lasts BETTER through the wash than laundry markers (which largely washed out, for us).
Jeanne says
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
A Vintage Industry says
What Jeanne Said!
Heather SettingforFour says
Jeanne and A Viintage Industry – If you feel confident in your drawing skills you could draw it right on to the towel otherwise you could try tracing it!
Rose Family says
Do you mean laying the artwork under the towel and tracing it that way? Is the towel thin enough that you can see through it? Sorry, I am trying to figure out the whole “tracing” thing too. 🙂
Heather SettingforFour says
Hi Rose – you can freehand trace or trace the way you mentioned..whatever works for you! Thanks for visiting!!
:D says
Hi Heather,
This is an adorable idea–but what I am REALLY in love with is that yellow and grey patterned fabric! Can you tell me what it is, where it’s from?
cheers!
Deirdre
Heather SettingforFour says
Target!
Le Mom says
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Heather SettingforFour says
I used a regular tip!
Gabby says
I just found your blog today through Pinterest….I love this idea and I think i would like to try and make some for my mom (great-grandma) and my daughter….My grandson Xavier loves to draw and I think this will make a really fun gift that we can update every year for Valentines Day….
Heather SettingforFour says
Great idea!!
workboy53 says
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Jacque @ theDIYvillage says
AHHH I love these! I just figured out this years mother’s day gift craft idea!
Elise says
Can anyone recommend where to buy towels like these? Thanks!
Cristyn says
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Heather SettingforFour says
Elise- I included a link in the post where you can buy them online!
Y vearl says
Love this!!! Way to go, Heather and artistic son!! 🙂
Vivian says
Awesome!!
Amy Nordgren-Ditz says
Thanks for sharing this idea! My daughter and I just made some this weekend for Mother’s Day gifts. We even used a few colored sharpie markers on a few .. BTW the grandma’s loved them!! 😉
LisaRBellski says
Heather, what a great project and I’m loving the artsy one very much! Re: your comment about your apparent long torso and short legs, actually if you picture where your waist is in the picture, it’s fairly proportionally correct to the rest of the body AND he’s got you all in the latest fashion!!! :). Very impressive! Thanks for the post, I love it!!
LisaRBellski says
Heather, what a great project and I’m loving the artsy one very much! Re: your comment about your apparent long torso and short legs, actually if you picture where your waist is in the picture, it’s fairly proportionally correct to the rest of the body AND he’s got you all in the latest fashion!!! :). Very impressive! Thanks for the post, I love it!!
Mimmi says
That drawing is awesome!
Heather SettingforFour says
Thanks Mimmi – I’ll pass your compliment onto my artist son who drew it! He’ll be thrilled you said that!!
Marti @ SewLicious Home Decor says
So easy! Thanks for sharing it, great idea!
Marti
Elena Sullivan says
Beautiful!!
marymactavish says
One could also make cloth napkins with corners or borders done with features from this same drawing, so they coordinate.
Kellie says
This is such a fun idea! Thank you!
Michael Barton says
What a great idea! Can’t wait to get busy on this one! Great artwork on yours by the way!
Heather SettingforFour says
Thanks Michael! Have fun!
maureenatmodecouses says
can’t wait for my grandson to start doodling….i would so put those adorable doodles on a tea towel
Inspire Me Heather says
I love that idea Heather and I think I’m going to do this with my Son as a Grandparents gift – they’ll really like it!! Thanks and Pinning too.
Daniela Duriavig says
What a great idea! Lucky you have such a talented artist in your family 🙂
Jelli B. says
This is wonderful! I saw this from Tip Junkie and just had to stop by and say “great job!” Love it. Pinning.
Nici @ Posed Perfection says
This is an absolutely darling idea! Your little budding artist is quite talented! I’d love for you to link this up to my new Creative Ways Link Party! Hope to see you there! Have a Happy Mother’s Day!
Blessings,
Nici
Rachel Kathyg says
stopping by from tidy mom linky (we are onlinesisterhood). These are wonderful tea towel! Pinned.
As requested…”R” if you are still reading the comments….this is a great project AND just in time for mothers day! I have an 8 year old daughter (and a 5 year old daughter and 3 year old son….and we live way down here in the country of Brazil) who will just think this is the funnest project to make for me. Thank you for sharing your art work:) Have a great weekend.
Shana says
I used recipes in my grandmother’s handwriting for family gifts.
heather says
Fabulous idea Shana!!
Jessie says
You have wonderfully creative children… such a blessing! I love the detail of his pictures thanks for sharing will do this with my 6 year old son’s artwork.
heather says
Thank you Jessie – you are so sweet and thoughtful to say that! My boys are my world and yes they are so creative and talented – my husband and I are truly blessed! Have fun making this tea towel with your son’s artistic creeations!!
Belinda says
What a great idea! R, I love your picture and the great way you show all the love your family has for each other. Keep up the awesome artwork! 🙂
heather says
Thanks for leaving such kind supportive compliments Belinda!
Emma says
Hi i saw your tutorial about drawing your kids art on to tea towels.. I gave a question which I hope you can answer.. Do you think I can use a red permanent pen rather than black would it work just as good?
Regards Emma
P.s Hello R I love your drawing… ☺
heather says
Hi Emma – I’ve never tried a pen, I’ve only used permanent markers, so I’m not sure it would work or not to be honest! You can use a red permanent marker though! I hope that helps!
heather says
Oh my gosh Jennifer! That’s awful that they bled! I’ve made several of these towels and none of them have bled in the wash – I’m wondering if maybe the marker you used – was it a permanent marker?
Shelly says
Ok, I think I must be missing something,…. how do you see the pic if the towel is on top?
heather says
The floursack towels are light enough that I could see the drawing underneath Shelly!
Nicolle says
Love this idea! I used fabric markers and let my toddlers draw directly on the tea towels. It was a great present for their great grandma! I was able to find high quality tea towels at my local quilt shop. So far, they have held up wonderfully and other family members are asking for some some kid crafted towels. Great way to preserve their artwork!!
Mommy of four too says
Great work R. I just knew mom did it, until I read more. Very creative. You must be an amazing son to capture Love this way. Job well done mom and dad!
Yvonne Davis says
Way to go kiddo!
What a fun idea!
I pinning now to save for later!
Thanks!
heather says
Thanks for pinning Yvonne and I’ll pass on your compliments to my son the little artist!! 🙂
Rebecca says
This is only my second time to EVER post a comment in my long time of reading blogs, etc., but I just had to for this! I have 4 daughters and a whole lot of “art work” with no idea (besides the framing, but that is A LOT of framing!) what to do with all of them…this is perfect! And with a 5 yr old who wants to be an artist like her mommy, I only expect more to come! Lol
As for you….well you have your very own artist in your house. How fortunate for everyone there! And, I love his drawing! It makes me happy to look at it… So much happiness, satisfaction and love bursts from it! Does he know that people make money for their art? (I do!) He even could with his mom’s tea towels 🙂 (Or whatever else he and Mom comes up with lol)…
Rebecca says
Btw, my previous comment wasn’t meant to push the little guy out start earning a living LOL After rereading my post the last part aimed at the artist himself, may not come across as lighthearted as I had intended, to some folks. Apologies!
heather says
Hi Rebecca!! You didn’t offend me at all – thanks for visiting my blog and leaving such kind comments!! I’m so glad you are living your passion and have a great career as an artist! 🙂
Gloria says
Great idea, thank you for sharing. I know this is an old post so R I hope you are still being very creative with your drawings! The picture your mom used for this post is adorable.
Minta Boggs says
Hi, this is adorable. Did you trace the drawing?
heather says
Hi Minta – all the directions to make this are in the blog post! Enjoy! 🙂
Lorraine says
Awesome idea – thanks!
Krystle Lynch says
Love this idea! Sometimes I feel bad about getting rid of the artwork but this is a fun way to keep it and make each child feel special!
heather says
I agree Krystle – it’s a fabulous way to make each child feel special!! Have fun making these adorable tea towels! xo Heather
Aubrey says
Would this work if I had the kids draw their picture directly on the tea towel?
heather says
Hi Aubrey! Yes it will work – as long as they use the marker I linked to in the post! Have fun!