When I was a teen, I was obsessed with this book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0761154108/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_3FREWAJVTKWW34HJKMQ0
There are several "no sew" options. I would say if you only had one shirt to alter, the book wouldn't be worth the investment. But if you think you might adapt shirts regularly, it could be very helpful.
Most anything you can make with fabric, you can make out of a t-shirt or five. But I agree, your best bet for memorializing the designs is to make a quilt.
If you're looking for non-traditional ideas, I recommend checking this book out at the library, though many of them (but not all) involve cutting up the shirt in ways that would destroy the printed design. https://www.amazon.com/Generation-Beyond-Fashion-Transform-T-shirt/dp/0761154108