Dyed Button Ornaments

Step 1:

- Cover work surface with a plastic table cover.

- Decide what colors you like and prepare dye according to the basic recipe. Liquid dyes are more concentrated that powder dyes so use half as much dye. Always test color with fabric scrap or paper towel before dyeing buttons. If color is too light, add more dye; if it is too dark, add more water.

- Basic Recipe: Measure and mix 1 teaspoon liquid dye or 2 teaspoons powder dye with 1 Cup HOT Water. Shake liquid dyes before measuring. Water should be about 140 F. If your tap water is not hot enough, heat some in the microwave or a tea kettle.

Note: For Chartreuse, mix ¼ cup Lemon Yellow liquid dye with ½ teaspoon Kelly Green liquid dye and 1 cup hot water. For Cherry Red and Kelly Green, 2 teaspoons liquid dye were used with 1 cup hot water.

- Pour dye and water into a plastic container; stir. Make sure container is deep enough.

-Immerse buttons in dye solution for 2 to 5 minutes. Stir occasionally and check color frequently. Remove buttons when desired color is achieved. Rinse buttons. Then wash with soap and water, rinse and dry with paper towels.

- Fill glass ornaments with assorted dyed buttons.

- Make a ribbon loop hanger: Fold ribbon in half. Insert folded end through metal hanger on ornament. Insert cut ends of ribbon through ribbon loop and pull to tighten.