Rit Dye + Paper Coffee Filters = Fab DIY Wedding Decor!

wedding

May 23, 2011

Rit Dye + Paper Coffee Filters = Fab DIY Wedding Decor!

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By Laura Bray

Laura created this colorful backyard wedding theme using Rit dye. The colors she chose were Honeysuckle and Aquamarine. Honeysuckle, Pantone’s color of the year, is made by mixing equal parts of Rit Fuchsia and Cherry Red dye. The result is a festive reddish color, which contrasts with the refreshing and more delicate Aquamarine color. After selecting the colors, Laura created lovely paper flowers from dyed coffee filters! Who would know? Coffee filters are available for pennies, but your wedding guests will never know your secret. This is the perfect solution for a bride who wants to easily color coordinate her wedding without breaking the bank.

Using the dyed coffee filter flowers, Laura created a floral centerpiece, a garland banner and a flower girl’s headband. The tutorials follow for each project. Gather your bridesmaids, get some Rit dye and create the wedding of your dreams. Remember, too, Rit can be used to color-coordinate tablecloths, bridesmaid dresses and crinolines. With a little imagination, the sky’s the limit!

Laura Bray is professional craft designer and lifestyle expert. Visit her blog, KatyDiddys and read about how she brings creativity and a nostalgic touch to her roles as a wife, mother and crafter. It's sure to inspire your next DIY creations!

On to the first tutorial...

FANCIFUL FLORAL CENTERPIECE

SUPPLIES:

• Rit Liquid Dye: Fuchsia, Cherry Red, Aquamarine

• White Paper Coffee Filters, 8 to 12 cup basket style (need 4 filters per flower)

• Green Duct Tape, 1” wide (12” strip per flower)

• Drinking Straws

• Scissors

• Dyeing Supplies: Measuring spoons & measuring cup, spoon, small microwave-safe bowl, jelly jars with lids, 1”paint brush (bristle or foam), latex gloves, paper

towels, plastic wrap, plastic table cover

INSTRUCTIONS:

Cover work surface with a plastic table cover.

Dye Preparation:

Note: I used two methods for dyeing the coffee filters: microwave method and dye-painting method. The microwave method results in deep, rich colors and the dye-

painting method results in lighter colors. Mixing the light and dark colors makes a more realistic flower.

Microwave Method:

1. Wearing latex gloves, for pink flowers, measure and mix ¼ teaspoon Fuchsia dye and ¼ teaspoon Cherry Red dye with 1 cup hot water; stir well. Pour into microwave safe bowl. For aquamarine flowers, use 1 teaspoon dye with 1 cup hot water. (Some flowers can be left white.)

2. Immerse coffee filters in dye solution (need 4 filters per flower). Cover bowl with plastic wrap. Line bottom of microwave with paper towels to protect against spills.

Place bowl in microwave and set on high for 2 minutes. Using a pot holder, carefully remove bowl from microwave. It’s very hot. Let cool and then remove plastic wrap.

3. Remove coffee filters from dye solution. Rinse in cool water. Squeeze out excess water and place on paper towels to dry.

Dye-Painting Method:

1. Wearing latex gloves, measure 1 teaspoon dye with 1 cup very hot water (140ºF); stir well. Note: If tap water is not hot enough, heat water in the microwave or a tea kettle. Pour dye into jelly jars so it can be stored easily and reheated as needed. Dye should always be brushed on hot.

2. Place coffee filters on sheet of plastic and use a brush to paint the dye onto the coffee filters. Then place on paper towels to dry.

Making Flowers:

1. After dyed coffee filters are dry, layer them into sets of three. Fold the set into quarters and cut out the center with scalloped edges. Cut the top edge of the filter with a scalloped edge as well.

2. Cut a 12” strip of duct tape and lay it face up on your work surface. Then twist the three small scalloped circles cut from the center of the coffee filter. Lay them, side by side, on the tape approximately 1” from the end of the tape.

3. Take the three remaining pieces of the coffee filter and cut through the circle to create a strip. Begin pleating the coffee filter strip onto the duct tape. Continue until you reach the end of the tape.

4. Take a drinking straw and stick it onto the one inch of unadorned tape you left when you began the strip. Wrap the tape with flowers around the straw. Once the entire strip of tape is adhered to the straw, “fluff” the flower and curl some of the edges until you get a flower look you love.

5. Repeat for each flower, making as many flowers and colors as you desire. Arrange flowers in a vase or create a bouquet that will last for a lifetime of anniversaries.