A Tie Dye Tutorial

Hello there! Over the weekend, I taught a crafting class to a few preteens and teenagers. The craft we worked on was tie dye t-shirts. If you haven't heard of or tried your hand at "tie dye", the name is a dead giveaway. 

The "tie" part of the process is folding a t-shirt in different patterns, then tying rubber bands around it to secure the pattern. Dye {in different colors} is then added to produce another layer to the design. The result is a handmade, one-of-kind t-shirt that will surely impress friends when you say, "I made this!"   

If you're curious, here's what we did:

There are many tie dye techniques available, but a tie dye kit makes the process a breeze.

Here's what you'll find inside: plastic gloves, squeeze bottles filled with pre-measured powdered dye, rubber bands, and an instruction manual.

The ideal t-shirt to use are the light colored ones with natural fibers. But go ahead and experiment with old t-shirts {blah to TADA!} or fabrics to give them a new look. 

It's also suggested that the t-shirt be washed beforehand to remove sizing. Also, don't apply any fabric conditioner or dryer sheet on it. These may prevent the dye from adhering to the t-shirt.

Now it's time to tie! There are many ways to fold and create patterns on the shirt. Here are some of the ones I used:

Here is the bulls eye. 

This is the stripe.

Here is the swirl.

And this is the crumple.

There are many more folding techniques that you can look up. Just make sure to tie the bands tightly.

And now the messy part.

Cover your work space with a plastic tablecloth or an inexpensive/old shower curtain because a lot of tinted splatter is expected. 

As an extra precautionary layer, I used a plastic tub {ex. basin or shoe box} or large bowl that I lined with a big plastic bag {ex. garbage or shopping bag}.

Put the tied-up t-shirt inside the tub.

Then, wear the plastic gloves. 

Open the squeeze bottles carefully and add lukewarm water. The more water added will yield a lighter color, the less water used produces a more intense shade.

Replace the cap tightly and shake until the dye is dissolved.

Carefully remove the cap covering the spout of the bottle. Then apply the dye to the t-shirt. Make sure the dye has penetrated into the folds. Turn the t-shirt every so often to get color on all sides. 

Add the colors randomly or add a different color per section. Also, it's not necessary to dye the entire shirt. The dye will eventually spread and it's also alright to have the original color of the shirt appear in some parts.

Once satisfied, wrap the shirt in the plastic bag lining the tub/bowl. Roll it up and let it sit in a secure area {away from pets, kids or food}. Leave this alone for 6 to 8 hours {or overnight}. Allow the t-shirt to absorb the dye.

After 6 to 8 hours, you can now rinse the t-shirt under running water. You'll have to pick-up the shirt to move it around and wring it so keep you gloves handy.

You'll notice that dye will flow from the shirt. You have to rinse the shirt until no dye is present and the water runs clear.

Once the water is clear, wring the t-shirt and remove the rubber bands with scissors {these can be untied so that they can be used again}.

An important note on laundry: wash and dry tie dye projects separately from other clothes. Make sure to wash separately for the first few washes.

And now I present, a tie dye t-shirt!

Here's another one. 

Each one unique, each one TADA!

Naturally Dyed Fabric and a Utensil Set

Hey guys! Thank you for hanging out with me today.

I saw this at a coffee shop -- it's a kit containing a set of stainless steel flatware (fork, knife, spoon) in a carrying case that doubles as a napkin. Isn't this awesome? Use these instead of disposable utensils and help save our planet...TADA!  

 

I was so inspired with the idea, I had to make one myself. Why buy when we can D.I.Y.? But to make it my own, I decided to dye my own fabric.

Did you know that if you boil avocado pits in water, the water turns into a pink liquid? Instant natural dye!

I used white fabric and cut them into rectangles measuring 12 inches by 8 inches. 

I tied the fabric with rubber bands, the same way you would when making tie dye t-shirts.

Then I placed the fabric in the tinted water. I let this simmer on a low flame for about 30 minutes. Then I took the pot off the heat and let the fabric sit in the water overnight. The next day, I took them out of the water, removed the rubber bands, rinsed the fabric, and let them air dry. After ironing, this is what they look like: 

Unique prints in a subtle shade of raspberry...TADA!

I want to showcase them individually, too:

I took two sheets and sewed them together to make my cutlery case:

This is the back.

The flip side with divided slots.

Put the utensils in each slot (chopsticks or a reusable straw can also be included).

Roll it and secure with a ribbon closure...TADA!

I got to use avocado pits to make natural dye and I'll be bringing my own reusable utensils whenever I can. Score for the planet!

If you want to learn how to extract dye from avocado pits, you'll find a detailed tutorial here. And if you want more of these "blah to TADA!" ideas right in your inbox, please subscribe here.

A Round-up of Easy Crafts While We Are Social Distancing

How are your feeling? This Coronavirus has undoubtedly thrown the entire world a curve ball, leaving us vulnerable. We are encouraged to stay home to avoid getting or spreading the virus.

To keep you occupied and productive, I'd like to share a list of crafty ideas.

I've combed through my archives and chose the easy ones using materials that many of us already have at home. Do these crafts alone, with your kids, and even roommates. They help to distract from anxiety, keep the kids busy, and in the end, you'll have created a little piece of art to use or share.  

1. Paper Flowers

This is a Japanese Kusudama flower fashioned from pages of an old book, but you're welcome to use whatever paper you have available. The repetitive folding can be very relaxing and the flowers that you make can be used as decorations or tokens for your favorite gals for Mother's Day. You can find the instructions here.  

2. Pompoms

If you have some yarn handy, why not make a few pompoms? This tutorial makes use of empty ribbon spools but you can use cardboard or a fork. Use your pompom to embellish a beanie, create a bag charm, or use it to make your gifts pretty.

3. Ribbon Embroidery

If you have fabric (ex. cloth napkins, old t-shirt, etc.), needle, thread and ribbon, try your hand at ribbon embroidery. Frame it and display it, or use it to make greeting cards.

4. Stencil-decorated T-shirts

You might have some plain t-shirts in your closet. Give them new life with paint, a paintbrush, and stencils! Here is where you'll find the instructions. The same technique can be applied to bags, pouches, and folders. 

5. Tie Dye T-shirts

This project requires more specific materials like white t-shirts, rubber bands, gloves, a basin, and fabric dye or a tie dye kit. In case you have these on hand, you can make t-shirts for the family. You can find the tutorial here. 

6. Bookmarks

One of the things we can do while we're at home is to read. Get through that "To Be Read" pile or re-read your favorite books. And why not make a few bookmarks? These are made from recycled cardboard, stickers, washi tape, and string. 

7. Recycle Your Broken Crayons

Do you have broken crayons? Well, broken crayons can still color! If you melt them in the oven and use a mold, you can produce these colorful crayons in unique shapes.

8. Make Your Own Oven-Baked Clay

This is a simple recipe for Salt Dough. You can use it to form a jewelry dish, and many other things like jewelry, ornaments, and more ornaments.   

9. Make Your Own Jewelry

This was made from an old necklace. By painting the beads a new shade, I gave it a more modern look!

10. Make Your Own Gift Bags

This one uses a plain brown paper bag and markers. Hopefully, life gets back to normal soon and we can gather, go to parties again, and give presents inside these homemade gift bags. 

11. Sketch and Paint

Find inspiration at home or on-line. Use the materials in your drawer: pencils, markers, crayons, paint, a Sharpie, a notebook. Sketch something daily to calm you down. Use colors to express your frustrations. Draw the little things we take for granted but are now very grateful for.

12.  Pressed Flowers

Go to your garden or backyard and pick some flowers and leaves. Press them in between books and use them for greeting cards, gift tags, and pendants. 

13. Blackout Poetry

Try blackout poetry: take an old book or page from a magazine, find words or phrases that appeal to you and block out the rest of the text with a black marker. The words that remain reveals your poem. More samples here. 

14. Brush Calligraphy

With just pen and paper, you can master brush lettering and calligraphy. Practice your penmanship using a mantra like "This, too, shall pass" or "We will overcome". Write down a favorite song or prayer that helps you keep positive.

15. Put Together a Happiness Box

Fill a box with little treasures. They don't have to be expensive but they must have great value to you -- the ones tied with good memories, the ones that make you feel safe, make you feel giddy, make you feel confident. Fill it with more things in the years to come. Whenever you open the box, you'll feel a surge of happiness and hopefulness.

The quote, "Making time to make things is good for the soul" is from the book "Craftfulness (Mend Yourself By Making Things)". Let this period of community quarantine and social distancing become our permission to try something new, revisit old hobbies, or begin a project we've always wanted to start...this way, we can turn blah to TADA!

Five Things for July

How is it July already? Let's relish every day with a good mix of work and leisurely activity! 

 

The beach we frequent in the Jersey Shore always puts up this installation during the Fourth of July. It's the American flag made from painted red, white, and blue seashells...TADA! I applaud the creativity and patriotism for all beach-goers to admire and enjoy. 

There's no such thing as too much ice cream and gelato, would you agree? A visit to our local ice cream shops like Dairy Queen and Van Dyk's help beat the heat and are always a welcome treat...TADA!

At home, I like brewing iced tea by mixing different tea bag flavors (this one is pomegranate and cranberry with black tea and honey). Sometimes I add some fresh fruit like berries and peaches for some natural sweetness (or tartness)...TADA!

Summer reading! Don't you love it? I borrow most of my books from the library and sometimes they have a library sale (for as low as $1). When I'm done, I donate my books to The Little Free Library...TADA!

If you're looking for a summer craft with the kids or your friends, try tie dye t-shirts...TADA! You can find the tie dye tutorial here. Make summer memories with cute souvenirs to keep.

May your July be calm, cool, and creative!