How to turn denim shorts into wearable art with fun fabric paint

It doesn’t take much to turn an old pair of denim shorts into a stylish work of wearable art. With a little time and some fabric paint, you can apply a floral upgrade to make those shorts look like new. There’s no reason to spend money at the store to replace shorts when a little color goes a long way in refreshing a pair of summer favorites.

Stick-on floral stencils make it simple to design a painted garden right on the fabric. Peel-and-stick stencils over the top of shorts pockets on front and back create an all-over new look. By adding painted stems, you'll also bring dimension to the design. Be sure to allow plenty of time for drying before pulling shorts on and heading out in your new, eye-catching attire.

-Denim shorts
-Cardboard square, 6- by-8 inches
-Stick-on flower stencils
-Yellow tulip soft matte fabric paint
-White tulip soft matte fabric paint
-Plastic paint palette
-Fine-tipped paintbrush

Instructions
 
1. Lay a pair of denim shorts on a flat surface with the zipper facing up.

2. Tuck a cardboard square inside the shorts so it rests behind the pocket to be painted.

3. Peel a floral stencil from the plastic backing and press it to the fabric above the pocket and below the waistline of the shorts.

4. Fill a plastic paint palette with yellow and white tulip soft matte fabric paint.

5. Fill the center of the floral stencil with yellow paint using a fine-tipped paintbrush. Fill the petals with white paint.

6. Peel the stencil away and allow the painted flower to dry according to the times indicated on the back of the paint bottle.

7. Turn the shorts over and create painted flowers using new stencils along the top of the left back pocket and the seam of the right pocket. Switch up paint colors as desired and add stems for a more vibrant final look.

8. Wear these newly painted shorts all summer long!