Supplies
Rit All-Purpose Liquid Dyes in Pearl Grey and Charcoal Grey
- Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative
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Cheesecloth
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Measuring Spoons
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Styrofoam mannequin head
- Foam paint brush
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Fabric Stiffener
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Containers for Dyeing
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Scissors
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Hangers
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Plastic table cover
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Rubber gloves
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Dishwashing Soap
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Salt
Time
Total: 1 hour
Difficulty
Beginner
Instructions
- Cover work area with plastic table cover and have paper towels handy to protect against any possible spills.
- Cut cheesecloth into squares long enough to drape over the mannequin head.
- Fill two separate plastic or stainless steel containers with 1.5 gallons of hot water in each. The water should ideally be 140ºF. If tap water is not hot enough, heat water on the stove and add to the dyebath.
- To enhance the color, add one cup of salt to each dyebath. Add 1 teaspoon of dish detergent to help promote level dyeing.
- Wearing rubber gloves, add half the bottle of Pearl Grey in one container and half the bottle of Charcoal Grey in the other container. Stir well.
- Place two cheesecloth squares on a hanger and dip halfway into the Pearl Grey dyebath. Repeat with other two cheesecloth pieces into the Charcoal Grey dyebath.
- Move fabric up and down into the dyebath to create a gradient. Fabric can remain in dyebath for 3-5 minutes or until desired color is achieved.
- Remove, squeeze out excess dye and rinse in cool water until the water runs clear.
- Let dry.
- Apply layer of fabric stiffener on the mannequin head and face and carefully one place dip dyed cheesecloth over it as shown.
- Using a paint brush, apply fabric stiffener over the cheesecloth making sure to get into all the details on the mannequin face.
- Repeat to adhere more dip dyed cheesecloth over the mannequin head, applying fabric stiffener with each layer.
- Dry over night.
- Place on top of a shelf, or hang from the top of the head with fishing line.
