A few months ago, I thrifted the cutest Gap Kids pants in the kid’s section of Goodwill for under $5 (you can snag a cheap pair by taking advantage of Goodwill’s Color of the Week Sale!). Whenever I find pants in my size, I snag them immediately, even if they’re damaged, because I wear a unique cut. Being petite and over 30, bottoms that are the right length AND are designed for curves are few and far between.
So when this pair revealed themselves, the purchase was a no-brainer.
Although the wash wasn’t quite my style, I knew this pair could become a wardrobe staple. All it takes is a little time and creativity.
BONUS LOVE: By purchasing this pair from Goodwill, I helped the nonprofit provide free job training, education, and placement services to people faced with barriers to employment. And this piece was kept out of an area landfill. Win-win-WIN!
My Quick How-To:
After careful brainstorming, I stenciled these pants with a vintage-inspired graphic pattern, harkening back to the show Saved By The Bell. I love all things 1980s and 1990s, and I found this DIY to be a perfect way to pay tribute to that fashion history.
To create my stencil, I drew my preferred design on paper, cut it out with an X-Acto blade, and then ironed the final stencil onto my denim.
I then took a foam brush, paper, and $2 fabric paint from Michael’s and painted away! To give this pair an even bolder pop, I opted to use bright yellow paint. Check out my Instagram at @petite_punk to see how they turned out.
The next time you thrift pants that fit you like a glove but aren’t quite your vibe, I urge you to take a moment to consider how you could transform them into a true showstopper.
Stencil Method of Choice: The Freezer Paper Method
This is my frequently used way to create stencils. With this method, the design options are endless!
Warning: This is more of an advanced way of stencil design and application. It requires the ability to use a craft knife with precision. It also can become a multi-day process that requires many steps that have to be done correctly for the stencil to turn out nicely. I used this method for my jacket, showcased in this post. I also recommend using fabric craft paint for opaque designs.
To learn more about this stencil process, visit this useful guide: https://www.instructables.com/id/Stencil-Painted-Denim-Jacket/ and visit my 2021 project: Edit Post “Save Stained Pants With a Stencil” ‹ Finding Your Good — WordPress
