* They have to dress up to do it. We recommend kids kit up with mask and apron to make tie dye. This will protect their clothes from spills that stain. By far their favorite is the latex gloves they have to put on to keep their hands clean. I am told they make for very good water bombs when you are ten years old.

* It gets messy! Most kids enjoy activities that are messy…of course!?

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* They play with color. Most children love to play with bright colors. Color is known to stimulate the brain in a number of ways.

* They work with their hands. Tie dye improves strength and fine motor co-ordination in the hands. Children are forced to work with both hands using string and elastic bands.

* They have to follow a set of instructions from beginning to end, in order to achieve a desired result. This teaches children to read, concentrate, think logically and analyse their results. All skills they can use in later life.

* It gives them a sense of achievement and self-worth. Having successfully made something on their own fills a child with a great sense of pride which leads to more confidence in their own abilities.

* Tie dye lends itself to self-expression and uniqueness. Children learn about uniqueness and the beauty of a hand-made thing. These are old-fashioned values that have been lost in our mass produced society.

* The Wow Moment! Kids love the moment when the bindings come off and the end result is finally revealed. I call it the Wow Moment. After thirteen years, I still experience it every time I open a new tie dye.

* They get to wear what they have made. Kids get an even bigger boost to their confidence when they are praised for work well done. Every time they wear their tie dye, somebody will tell them how beautiful it is, or ask where they got it.

A tie dye birthday party goes down a treat for any child who loves colour. We have a kit that you can use to drive the activity. Contact me today for more information at

info@dyeandprints.co.za