Dye-Stained "Vegetable Seed Pack" Tray

Step 2:

Lightly sand unfinished wood tray. Remove dust with tack cloth.

Dye Preparation: Shake all dye bottles just before measuring dye. Wearing rubber gloves, measure and mix 1 Tablespoon Scarlet, 1 Tablespoon Tangerine, 1 teaspoon Cocoa dye with 1 cup very hot water (140 F); stir well. This is custom recipe #143 (Chile red) from the Rit Color Formula Guide. The amount of dye has been increased proportionately.

Note: Test dye color on underside of tray. If color is too dark, add more water; if color is too light, add more dye. Dye will appear lighter when dry.

Using a foam brush, apply dye to tray. It may be helpful to have an old cloth to wipe excess dye. Let tray dye and reapply dye, if necessary, to achieve desired shade.

Note: When dye-staining wood, keep dye hot for better absorption. If dye cools down, cover dye solution with plastic wrap and heat on high in the microwave for 1 – 2 minutes. Dyes can be stored in jelly jars and reused several times. Stored dyes must be reheated before use.

Lay graph paper design on bottom of tray. Transfer wood burningdesign and seed packet placement guides to dye-stained tray using transfer paper and a dry ballpoint pen or other rounded tool.

Step 3:

Using the wood burning tool, follow the marked lines to create a wood burned, distressed pattern in the wood. Erase any remaining carbon transfer marks.

If desired, apply an additional coat of dye to achieve a darker color. Allow dye to dry completely.

Using foam brush, apply one coat of Mod Podge to seal dye.

Following your design layout, apply Mod Podge to back of seed packets and decoupage onto bottom of tray.

Apply 3 additional coats of Mod Podge to entire tray, drying between coats.

Using a clean foam brush, apply at least 3 coats of polycrylic to entire tray.