Dip Drip? Yep, because sometimes an accident turns out to be a wonderful thing. As I’m sure you’ve picked up by now… I’m loving the dip dye trend, and looking to add it wherever the heck possible in my life. I had a few grain sack tea towels leftover from a past project and decided they needed a dose of dip dye love and the drippy organic look of this one has stolen my heart. Now I want to go and replace every single tea towel I own with these guys, but we’re busy spending our money on other things right now… on a mini-van! What!? I know, we were planning to wait until closer to our due date but we got too excited. And got a deal, and you know… things moved quickly. So I only get a couple tea towels for now, and I’ll survive ;) And as for my little announcement on Friday? You guys are the BEST readers and friends out there. Thank you for all the love and encouragement!
Okay, so down to the how-to? You don’t have to tell me twice. To make your own dip drip dye tea towel, you’ll need:
- Grain sack tea towels
- Warm water
- Metal or glass bowl
- Rubber gloves
- Plastic bag to cover your surface
- Dye in your colour of choice (this indigo look came from a navy blue dye)
- Vinegar
Mix up your powdered dye and warm water in a bowl (plastic could stain, I’d stick to metal or glass) and using gloves, dip the end of the towel you’d like the darkest in the dye. Then walk away. I left mine for almost five minutes, then came back and dipped it in a bit further for a few minutes. By leaving the towel folded, you’ll get different levels of dye in each layer. I then used my hands (with gloves!) and squeezed the dye towards the undyed end of the towel… kind of like ringing it out but opposite. This is what helped give the ‘drippy’ look. You can also hang it to dry with the dyed end at the top and that will help the dye spread through the towel.
When it’s completely dry, give it a soak in water mixed with vinegar to help set the dye. Then, toss it in the wash before you use it! That’s all there is to it.
Then you can hang it in your kitchen and accept all the compliments coming your way, because trust me- they’ll come. So tell me… what do you think? I really am taken with the organic look of this method of dying compared to the cleaner lines of dip dye. I’m definitely going to have to play with it a bit more! Any suggestions as to what I should dye next?
Around Here: Big Things!
sharon garofalow
LOVE this project. I love things that are a little messy so this makes my heart so happy! Totally going to try this!
Colleen Pastoor
Thanks so much Sharon! I’m a little bit messy in everything I do… so I like when it looks purposeful ;)
Judith
What a great idea! This would make a great DIY housewarming gift!!
Colleen Pastoor
Thanks so much Judith! That would be the perfect occasion to gift it!
Theresa @DearCreatives
So pretty & love the shade of blue. I’d love to make some for gifts. Thanks for sharing at the Inspiration Spotlight Party. Pinned & shared.
Colleen Pastoor
Thanks so much Theresa! I’m so thrilled that I found this Navy dye… real indigo dye has always intimidated me.
Lou Lou Girls
Cute! This looks so amazing. Pinned and tweeted. Thank you for bringing such amazing creations to our party. We hope to see you tonight at 7 pm because we LOVE to party with you! Lou Lou Girls
Adeline Mills
Love it! I collect tea towels and I’ve always wanted to get into making them look pretty myself!
Colleen Pastoor
What a fun and practical collection! If you do get started making them… I have a fun bunny rabbit one over at Honest to Nod as well!
Cathy
What a fun way to make such a pretty little towel. I can understand why you would like a few more. Thank you for sharing at Share It One More Time. Cathy
Colleen Pastoor
Thanks so much Cathy! It’s definitely addicting :)
Shauna
So adorable! Where do you find your flour sack tea towels? Oh, and congrats on the big news!
Colleen Pastoor
Thank you Shauna! I found these ones at Target when we still had one (*sigh!*). I’m pretty sure my sister-in-law picked up some from walmart though.
Virginia Fynes
Fun and easy DIY!!
Colleen Pastoor
Definitely! I love an afternoon project :)
Tan of Squirrelly Minds
This looks so great! I don’t know why dyeing scares me so much. Oh, because I’m a klutz that’s why. I really need to give it a try though.
Colleen Pastoor
I’m a total klutz too. I almost included the story of how that one basket got dipped at the top (it involves a dog which we don’t have and a big puddle of dye on my floor). So if I can do it, you can too! Just not on carpet ;)
Ariel
Great idea! I think I may have to give some variation on this as a christmas gift to friends this year!
Colleen Pastoor
What a great idea! If you do, you know I’d love to see photos ;) Thanks, friend!