DIY Towel Superhero Capes

My oldest is turning 5 soon.  FIVE.  How did that happen?  Like most little boys he's currently into all things superheroes and has requested a superhero birthday party.  Because his birthday is in July and because it is usually 100 degrees it will be a superhero pool party.

What is a superhero without his cape?  Just a newspaper reporter named Clark and last time I checked there is not a big demand for newspaper reporter birthday parties in the 5 year old circuit.  I searched for superhero towel capes but because they run upwards of $20 each I decided to try to DIY them.

Materials (I bought everything off Amazon):
-Towels - I bought a 24 pack of towels that look like they're marketed towards spas.  The smaller size is much better for 5 year olds and the real estate in my dryer. Or go the free route and use a towel you already have (affiliate).
-fabric paint (affiliate) and a cheap brush,
-freezer paper (affiliate)
-Iron on velcro strips (affiliate)
-Iron & ironing board
-An old rag, towel, t-shirt that you don't mind getting ruined

Steps:

1. Wash and dry the towels to get rid of the loose lint
2. Determine where you want the velcro strips.  The towels are as tall as my children so I folded the top under and then ironed on the strips so they don't trip on them.  Place a rag or old t-shirt you don't mind ruining between the iron and the towel to prevent any discoloration.  Be patient.  You must hold iron for the full 90 seconds.  60 will result in velcro that rips off.
3. Do a google images search for the logo or image you want on your towel.  I chose Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, The Green Lantern and some generic lightning bolts and stars.  Copy and paste the image into a Word doc and print on the freezer paper following the instructions on the package.
4. Cut the image (leaving the white space, removing the ink space).  This is very tough with the  Superman logo.
5. Iron the template (glossy side down) onto the towel (5-10 seconds max).
6. Paint the open spaces.  Be careful of the surfaces around you (the paint is permanent)
7. Carefully remove the freezer paper and let dry according to the instructions. 

The templates can be reused but I'd alternate stencils giving each a chance to dry before you placed it on another clean towel to avoid a messy towel and a ruined iron.

I let the 3 boys use their towels before the party to see how everything held up and so far so good!  Seriously why don't all beach towels come with velcro strips to wrap?!