Turn towels into crafty beach capes

As I walked from the lake with a group of eight, 5- and 6-year-old Sparks, I found myself repeating the same sentences, "Girls, please don't drag your towels!" and, "Careful, you're going to trip on your towel!"

Until Girl Guide Camp, where I was responsible for other people's children, I hadn't given any thought to the hazards of mixing little kids with big beach towels. But as I helped girls back onto their feet over and over again, I thought to myself, "There's got to be an easier way!"

Later that day, I came across a simple solution.  As a group of Brownies returned from their turn at swimming in the lake, I noticed they weren't dragging or tripping on their towels. They wore their towels like capes.

After a little nosing around, I found out this troop made and decorated the towels in preparation for camp. This is such a good idea that I knew I just had to share it. I've made a few adjustments that I think will make the towels last for several summers.

Whether you're at the beach, at the pool or running through the lawn sprinkler, these towels should come in handy. Children will really enjoy decorating their own.
 
What you need

-- Towel
-- Marker
-- Scissors
-- Washable fabric glue
-- Plastic table cloth, garbage bag or newspaper (optional)
-- Dimensional fabric paint (optional)
-- Glitter (optional)

Beach towel capes

Collecting your materials: Basically, a good-sized beach towel, a pair of scissors and some washable fabric glue is all you need. You can find this glue at fabric stores and arts and crafts supplies stores. To give the towels a touch of extra summer fun, buy dimensional fabric paint in colours to complement the towel. A touch of glitter is always great, too.

Step One: Wash and dry the towel. Fold the towel in half, lengthwise. Centered, at the fold, draw a half circle that tapers to about 2.5 inches deep and is 8 to 9 inches wide. You're making a neck hole. The size will depend on how large the child's head is. This measurement worked for my children and fit me, too.

Step Two: Cut out the pattern you've just drawn. Turn the towel inside out and refold as before. Make a small (about .5 inch) snip at the fold on either side of the neck hole. This will allow you to make a seam so the towel won't fray.

Step Three: Spread the towel out. You're still working on the underside. Fold the fabric at the neckline to make a seam. Keep the seam in place by gluing it with washable fabric glue. Use as much glue as needed to keep the seam held fast. Take a look at the close-up photo.

Step Four: Once the glue is dry, turn the towel over. Set it on top of a plastic table cloth (used for crafts), a garbage bag or some sheets of newspaper. Now the kids can get out the dimensional paint and decorate. (I recommend doing this step outside and be sure to have the kids wear a smock. This paint is permanent on fabric.) Dimensional fabric paint can be squeezed on or brushed on. I suggest brushing on when covering large areas. While the paint is still wet and tacky, sprinkle on some glitter, too.

Have a fun, and safe summer!