DIY 101 Days of School Dalmatian Shirt for Kids

Celebrate the 101st Day of School with a Fun Dalmatian Shirt Craft

Looking for a creative and educational way to celebrate the 101st Day of School? This DIY 101 Days of School Dalmatian shirt is the perfect activity for kids! Not only is it fun to make, but it also helps children practice counting with a 100s chart as they paint the Dalmatian spots.

My son and I had so much fun making this Dalmatian shirt together. Using just a few simple supplies, we turned a plain white shirt into a unique and memorable craft for the 101st Day of School celebration.

Looking for more fun ways to celebrate the 101st Day of School? Check out our other 100 Day of School crafts and activities for kids to keep the celebration going!

Supplies for Your 101 Days of School Dalmatian Shirt

Before you start, gather the following supplies:

• White shirt (child-appropriate size)
• Black craft paint
• Clothespins
• Pom poms
• Paper plate
• Cardstock paper
• Foam poster board
• Printable 100 chart (add an extra box for 101)
• Optional: oversized t-shirt or smock to protect clothing

Adult supervision recommended while children work on this project.

Tips for a Successful 101 Days of School Craft

• Protect clothing: Use a smock or oversized t-shirt to avoid messes.
• Use washable paint: Black craft paint works best, but washable paint is easier to clean.
• Make it educational: Incorporate counting, patterns, or even spelling the number 101 as you add spots.
• Add personalization: Kids can write their name or decorate the shirt with extra craft supplies.

Printable 100 Chart for the 101st Day of School

To make this craft even more fun, include a printable 100 chart and add an extra square for 101. Your child can mark off the dots as they paint, making it a hands-on counting activity.

Final Thoughts

This DIY 101 Days of School Dalmatian shirt is a fun, hands-on craft that kids can enjoy while learning to count and get creative. It’s simple, inexpensive, and perfect for making memories on the 101st Day of School.

How to Make a DIY 101 Days of School Dalmatian Shirt for Kids

Directions: 

Set up the workspace.

For this project, I set the white t-shirt on top of a foam poster board to protect the table.

I added sturdy cardstock in between the shirt and sleeves to avoid the paint from seeping through the shirt. 

Attach the pom pom to a clothespin. This will be the ‘paint brush’ that we used to dab the dots onto the shirt. 

Pour a small amount of black craft paint onto the paper plate.

Have the child dab the clip with the pom pom attached into the paint. Then, dab the shirt with the pom pom. 

The child will dab 10 dots at a time. Each time a set of 10 is completed, he/she will mark off 10 spaces on the 100 chart.

Allow time for the front of the shirt to dry before turning the shirt over and completing the dots on the back. When complete, allow the shirt to dry completely by hanging it up in a well ventilated area. 

*Try to add about 50 dots on the front and 51 on the back. Add the extra dot where desired.

I recommend adding a shirt underneath the Dalmatian shirt when ready to wear.