So funny thing, two weeks have gone by and I’m still playing with dip-dying. This week, I am transforming a few sheets of paper into patterned placemats. The process is pretty easy and mildly messy (mostly if you don’t wear gloves). My favorite thing about it? Each mat is unique simply by the way you fold the paper, so have fun and experiment!
STEPS // 01 PREPARE PAPER To achieve the pattern effect when dying, accordion fold paper into sections starting at the short edge (similar to how you would if making a paper fan). Then, fold in half.
02 // MAKE WARM DYE BATH Select a shallow baking dish. Add desired dye (I used one half of a RIT powder packet), then fill dish with hot water till about a 1″ deep. Stir to blend.
03 // DYE FOLDED PAPER Dip one edge of the paper into warm dye bath. Soak for 1 minute. Repeat with each side of paper (the center fold will require a slightly longer soak since it is a bit thicker).
Once all sides have been dyed, set aside to drain for 1 minute. Gently unfold and hang to dry (I used my laundry line and clothespins). Dry for several hours to overnight. Once dry, iron paper flat on low setting to soften folds.
Don’t forget, mix-up your patterns by playing around with the number and size of your folds! Happy making!
very cool. i don’t know why i never thought to iron wrinkled paper until now!
hahah i thought the same, megan! :)
Oh cute! That’d be fun for cloth napkins! I just dyed a ton of baby onesies last week- it’s SO therapeutic to dye, I think. :)
oh that is adorable, mandie!
I LOVE THIS. I’m trying it immediately.
me too! :)
oh it is wonderfull,and dedicated effert of love yourself and find ur soul,really exellent effert, no matter the things is big or small. i apreceate you, god bless you.
dying is absolutely therapeutic, mandie! once my dye bath is mixed, i start to find things all over the house to dip in it! ;)
If I really loved a design that resulted from this activity I would most certainly laminate it to preserve it’s usefulness! Very neat!