Dyed Coffee Filter Flower Headband

Step 1:

Cover work surface with a plastic table cover.

DYE PREPARATIONS:

Note: I used two methods for dyeing the coffee filters: microwave method and dye-painting method. The microwave method results in deep, rich colors and the dye-
painting method results in lighter colors. Mixing the light and dark colors makes a more realistic flower.

Microwave Method:

1. Wearing latex gloves, for pink flowers, measure and mix ¼ teaspoon Fuchsia dye and ¼ teaspoon Cherry Red dye with 1 cup hot water; stir well. Pour into microwave safe bowl. For aquamarine flowers, use 1 teaspoon dye with 1 cup hot water. (Some flowers can be left white.)

2. Immerse coffee filters in dye solution (need 3 filters per flower). Cover bowl with plastic wrap. Line bottom of microwave with paper towels to protect against spills.
Place bowl in microwave and set on high for 2 minutes. Using a pot holder, carefully remove bowl from microwave. It’s very hot. Let cool and then remove plastic wrap.

3. Remove coffee filters from dye solution. Rinse in cool water. Squeeze out excess water and place on paper towels to dry.

Dye-Painting Method:

1. Wearing latex gloves, measure 1 teaspoon dye with 1 cup very hot water (140ºF); stir well. Note: If tap water is not hot enough, heat water in the microwave or a tea kettle. Pour dye into jelly jars so it can be stored easily and reheated as needed. Dye should always be brushed on hot.

2. Place coffee filters on sheet of plastic and use a brush to paint the dye onto the coffee filter. Then place flowers on paper towels to dry.

MAKING HEADBAND
1. After coffee filters are dry, use the Fiskars squeeze punch to cut out scalloped circles, about 1 ½” in diameter. Three circles are needed to create one flower.

2. Layer the three scalloped circles onto one another. Punch a hole through all the layers and attach them together with a brad. Then glue a rhinestone on top of the brad. Continue creating flowers until you have the desired number desired for your headband. (I made three flowers.)

3. Cut out a 2” x 3” oval out of cardstock (or a shape that is large enough to hold all of your flowers).

4. Take some time to arrange your flowers and then glue them onto the cardstock. Glue several millinery leaves to the arrangement.

5. Glue the entire embellished cardstock circle onto the side of your headband. I used a clothespin to hold the piece onto the headband until the glue dries.