Dye-Stained Parisian Wooden Heart Wall Plaques

Inspired by the streets of Paris, Melony Bradley created these collage-type plaques by dye-staining wooden hearts using Rit Petal Pink, Tan and Cocoa Brown. The dye colors the wood yet allows the beauty of the wood grain to show through. This attractive home decor project was  featured in the January/February 2012 issue of Crafts ‘n Things, published by Amos Craft Publishing.  http://www.craftsnthings.com

 Melony used painter’s tape to divide the hearts into sections before brushing on the dye. The concentrated dye was mixed with a small amount of hot water and then applied hot with a foam brush. It’s important to apply the dye hot for the best absorption. She also dyed buttons and silk organza ribbon in the dye solution. For embellishments, Melony used dyed buttons, crystals, glitter tape, tissue tape, stamped designs and a vintage ticket. Great for gift-giving, these hearts can be personalized for any occasion, and they’re so easy to make! Click here for the full tutorial.

Living in a small town in South Georgia, Melony has been designing full-time for the creative industry since 2004. Strapped to a cube in a marketing job prior to that, she dreamed of combining her marketing skills and talent for her love of all things craft! Her work has been published in national consumer craft and lifestyle magazines, including Women's World, Cloth Paper Scissors, Crafts ‘n Things, Create & Decorate, Somerset Life, Altered Couture, Green Crafting andStitch Craft Create. You can see more of her creative craftiness at her site, http://www.mel-designs.typepad.com/