Dyed Coffee Filters Turned Fab Floral Centerpiece

Step 1:

Cover work surface with a plastic table cover.

Dye Preparation:

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:
- 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.)

- Immerse coffee filters in dye solution (need 4 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.

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

Dye-Painting Method:

- 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.

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

Making Flowers:

-After dyed coffee filters are dry, layer them into sets of three. Fold the set into quarters and cut out the center with scalloped edges. Cut the top edge of the filter with a scalloped edge as well.