Button Necklace

Step 1:

Dyeing Buttons

- Cover work surface with plastic table cover.
- Dye Preparation: For bright, intense colors, measure and mix ¼ - ½ teaspoon liquid dye with ¼ cup very hot water; stir well. Note: If water is not hot enough (140º F), heat water in the microwave or in a tea kettle. - - Dye colors listed above. If cups will not hold all the buttons of one color, dye small and large buttons separately.
Designer Tip: Coffee cups have ridges on the sides, so you can use the lines to easily measure the amount of water you are adding to the dye. Initially add ¼ c. water into a cup and note the level of the water. Use that as your guide for mixing additional dye baths

- Immerse white buttons in dye bath for 2 – 10 minutes, depending upon the type of button and the desired color. Stir buttons in dye occasionally.
- Rinse buttons, wash in warm soapy water; rinse again. Dry buttons on paper towels.
If desired, nylon stringing cord or pearl cotton can be dyed to match the buttons. Add 1/8 tsp. salt to the cup. Immerse the cord in the dye or use an eye dropper to place multiple colors on the thread. Wrap in plastic wrap and heat set in the microwave for a minute or less, being careful that temperature is not too high to melt plastic. Rinse and dry on paper towels.