Dip-Dyed Napkins & Starfish Napkin Rings

Step 2:

4. For first color combination, prepare Dyebath #1 Orange/Peach #115: Wearing rubber gloves, measure and mix 1 teaspoon Scarlet and 1 teaspoon Taupe with 2 cups very hot water (140 F). Pour into 1-gallon container; stir well. Dip half of napkin into dyebath. Remove and wring out excess dye.

Note: If the color is too light, add more dye. If the color is too dark, add more water.

Also the dye/water ratio can be increased to dye more napkins at one time.

Step 3:

5. To dye napkin rings: Before discarding each dyebath, pour dyebath into a 1-gallon plastic bag. Immerse wood shapes into dyebath; seal bag. Let shapes soak for 10-15 minutes, moving occasionally to be sure wood is dyed evenly. Remove wood shapes and place on layered paper towels to dry.

Step 4:

6.For Dyebath #2 Blue Curacao #565: Measure and mix 4 Tbs. Aquamarine and 1/2 teaspoon Kelly Green with 2 cups hot water; stir well. Pour into 1-gallon container; stir well. Dip other half of napkin into dyebath. Remove and carefully wring out excess dye.

7. Wrap each napkin in plastic wrap, sealing the edges. Place in plastic bowl or on paper towels and heat in the microwave for 2 minutes.

8. Remove from microwave and allow to cool. Unwrap plastic wrap and rinse in cool water to remove excess dye. Wash in warm water with mild detergent, rinse and hang to dry.

9. For second color combination, prepare Dyebath #3 Margarita #476: Measure 1 teaspoon Kelly Green with 2 cups hot water; stir well. Pour into 1-gallon container; stir well. Dip half of napkin into dyebath. Remove and carefully wring out excess dye.

10. For Dyebath #4 Orange/Peach #464: Measure and mix 1/2 teaspoon Scarlet and 1/2 teaspoon Sunshine Orange with 2 cups very hot water. Pour into 1-gallon container; stir well. Dip other half of napkin into dyebath. Remove and carefully wring out excess dye.

11. Repeat steps 7 and 8 above.

Step 5:

1. When wood is dry, layer wood shapes together in desired color combinations and glue. Let glue dry thoroughly before handling.

2. To make tags: Select font of your choice on your computer. Insert inkjet cotton sheet into printer, following manufacturer’s directions. Type out guests’ names or sentiment of your choice. Print and cut out sentiments into long strips. Trim one end with scissors as shown, leaving at least 1” on opposite end for tucking under the wood circle.

3. Apply self- adhesive gem to center of starfish and glue tag to each ring under wood circle. Let dry.