Candle Wreath From Recycled T-Shirts

Step 1:

INSTRUCTIONS:

Note: These instructions are for making a 6” mini wreath. To make a larger wreath, you will need to dye 2 or more T-shirts and purchase a larger craft ring. You can use a new T-shirt, but you should launder and dry it before dyeing to remove any finishes that may interfere with dye absorption.

1. Cut sleeves from T-shirt. Set aside.

2. Dye remaining T-shirt Deep Emerald Green (#582). This is a new custom color that can be found in the Rit Color Formula Guide on color palette Green 3. The original recipe was doubled as follows to account for the weight of the fabric. Wearing craft gloves, measure and mix 2 Tablespoons Lemon Yellow and 4 teaspoons Evening Blue with 2 cups very hot water; stir well. Pour into 8-cup plastic container or bowl.

3. Wet T-shirt (with sleeves removed) in warm water and immerse in hot dye solution for approximately 10 minutes. Press down on T-shirt with spoon to be sure dye penetrates fabric. Wearing craft gloves, remove T-shirt from dye and rinse until water runs clear. Hang dry or place in dryer for speedy drying.

4. Cut dry, dyed T-shirt into squares approximately 2 ½” x 2 ½”. Fold each square in half diagonally, then bring edges together again (similar to folding for a paper snowflake).

5. Use scissors to cut slits to create ragged edge approximately ½” down from top of folded squares. Unfold each square and set aside.