Have a Tie Dye Party

Tie-dyeing is based on the traditional art of folding or tying fabric to resist the dyes and create unique patterns of color. Whether you are tie-dyeing T-shirts or marbling fabric for quilts and home accessories, you can't go wrong with trying your hand at tie-dyeing.


Basic Supplies Needed:

Rubber gloves
Rubber bands, string, or 2-inch wide strips of cloth
Plastic to cover your work surface (you can split open a large heavy trash bag to do this)
A 3-gallon bucket or tub for each color
Rit or other Dyes
Long-handle stainless steel spoon
Scissors
Plastic Bags
Masking Tape and Permanent Marker






First you will want to pick the pattern or design you want for your tie dye. Here are some quick examples:

Image found on Flickr via  weavingmajor

Basic Tie-Dyeing Instructions

We used two packets of dry Rit Dye per tub.  8 Colors in all to chose from.

The first thing you should do is choose your colors. Most people say you can choose one, two, or up to three colors. (This is the case when you want to turn some colors into another when they mix so you would have up to six colors once finished)
*I think you should be able to use as many colors as you want to, just keep in mind you have a possibility to make brown if you mix too many together.

When using more than one color, it's usually best to start with the lightest color. When tie-dyeing with two or more colors, plan to put adjacent primary or secondary colors next to each other. In the areas where they run together, they will create a third, great-looking color. For instance, red and yellow will produce orange; blue and green will make cyan; fuchsia and blue will create purple.

I thought the curbs would be helpful for the kids to be able to step up and tie dye w/ help. 

Here I am giving a quick dye lesson on choosing colors.

So many color options

Annette @TasteePastree shown dyeing a tote pictured below

Once the attendees finished adding their colors and dyed all parts of their items they wanted to be dyed we wrapped the item up in a trash bag and secured it with masking tape.  This helps the items sit and the color to cure properly. Participants can write their name with the marker on the tape and pick up their items at the end of the party this way too so that the mess is minimal.  Keep in mind that while the buckets have the dye in them you can dye all kinds of things in the dye baths.  Here is an example we did before where just dumping buttons into the dye baths can refresh boring and simple buttons.

After the item has set for a full 24 hours it can be washed.  Read the instructions paired to the type of dye you use to make sure of the best washing instructions for the colorfastness of the dye - however, I like to suggest that you rinse with warm water first until it runs clear then shifting to the same with cold water before adding any additional soap and cleansers. Do keep in mind that the item has been dyed when laundering it after the initial cleaning.  Treat the items like all other laundered items that may bleed by washing separately OR with like colors.

Here is some totes we dyed at the Etsy Craft Night at CRAFTED:

Great way to freshen up all those tote bags!

Note: I love using natural dyes as much as possible and I want to put it out there that I have no statistics or figures on what the impact of using Rit or other dyes waste water does to our ecosystem... I like to think of tie dye as a method to bring second life into old t-shirts or shopping bags.  If you can have a more intimate party that involves a heat source you should totally have a natural dyeing tie dye party using methods like these.

XOXO, KC

How-To's Day: Paper Decorations for a Craft Party

I love making things out of paper!!! It is one of my absolute favorite materials to work with. One of my favorite materials to have in the studio are maps.  Thomas Guides are especially helpful since there is so many pages of maps inside each one.  The warehouse is so vast down at CRAFTED that basic paper garlands are a must to help add to the decorations.  We recently did a demo using the small tubular ornament template by Martha Stewart Crafts as seen here, and it is the perfect tool to crank out some massive decorations.

For the paper lanterns we are using this time saving tool, but you can also create the same result by folding a 6.5" square into a rectangle, then cutting slits in 1/2" intervals making sure to leave at least a 1/2"  border on the raw edge.

Always an easy favorite when making paper decorations is the classic paper chain.  We have been using the scraps leftover from the lanterns to make paper chains to add to our decorations.

Another awesome paper decoration is these great mini suitcases to reinforce the Wish You Were Here theme as well as decorate their booths. Using a rectangle box and some imagination you can make a super mini suitcase too! Check out this great example from Desiree B-

Off to keep making paper lanterns for our decoration meeting tomorrow ;)

XOXO, KC

How-To's Day: Make Your Own Hairpin Lace Loom

I have never been much of a crocheter. I learned to knit first and never took to crocheting the same. I have heard you are strongest at whichever method you learn first. Who knows! With that being said, learning to crochet is totally on the top of my must list mostly because I so badly wish I was better at it.  Crochet patterns are so cute and it goes so quickly it kills me that I suck at it. My first attempt is going to be trying my hand at Hairpin Lace because, why not?!

Usually my favorite way to blow all of my money is to buy craft tools that I think will change my life and make all my crafty dreams come true... Does that sound like your weakness too? Now, I am actively trying to curb my spending PLUS I usually try out my tools one time and then I am on to the next project which means I am in a never ending cycle of tool buying. This is an acceptable habit if it is yours as well, there are worst things to be addicted to for sure.  My main reason for wanting to curb my enthusiasm for buying tools is that I am realizing I have enough stuff in my life and I should save my money.  For instance, this Hairpin Lace Loom looks amazing, but at $28 before shipping buying a loom could be more of an investment that I need to indulge in for just trying it out.

Here is my simple solution to trying out a hairpin lace loom for under $3!!

I was able to find a pack of 4 BBQ Skewers at Albertson's for $1.99 on sale. You may be able to find a bigger pack that would drop the cost of the finished tool even lower. All you need is (2) handles cut off the top of a 6-pack and two metal BBQ skewers to create the upcycled hairpin lace tool. This is a simple example of upcycling which is utilizing and re purposing materials that could be recycled or discarded as the useful material in a project.  If you are interested in more details on upcycling check this out.

Take one handle and push both BBQ skewers down through the top to create the bottom of the loom.

The handles from the 6-pack may need a good push to accommodate the skewers but one of the great aspects of using the cardboard handles is the structure is very sturdy and holds the skewers without having to do much to secure them.  You can try out the loom without gluing the skewer into the handle - this way you can make the loom adjustable and change up the sizes if you'd like.  Or if you like the size of the loom place some hot glue by the skewers to hold everything in place and create a surprisingly durable loom.

Some similar looms to make using bamboo skewers and hot glue sticks can be found on Little Projects Blog here or a more substantial loom made from knitting needles, dowel rods and rubber bands from eHow here.

Once you have a loom starting the lace can be tricky. I found this video tutorial from JenkinsWoodworking on YouTube here that is super helpful when trying to learn making hairpin lace.

 Now let's all make some lace!!


XOXO, KC

Upcycling Fun at CRAFTED

Last week at CRAFTED I brought a big sack full of collected TP tubes. Using a hot glue gun and a bit of patience I created this heart for behind the cash wrap in our market stall at CRAFTED. I tried out what it would look like to insert scraps of paper inside the tubes shown.  I liked the look of the tubes plain but you can decorate it however you'd like.

Also, we had the pleasure of leading the craft demo last Sunday. It was a demo on upcycled paper garland decorations.

We highlighted how to use a deckle edge ruler to show people how to make paper crafts safely and quickly without using scissors. For another fun project using a deckle edge ruler check out our paper bead tutorial here. We also featured a product by Martha Stewart (shown below) that creates super easy paper garlands that even kids can make.

This weekend at CRAFTED we have demos, food trucks, all kinds of activities highlighted by amazing, one-of-a-kind handmade goods. You should come out with the kids tomorrow (Friday) and enjoy some super stellar face painting by Theresa of Put on Your Party Face.

XOXO,KC

MAKE the most of your Craft Fair & Events

Renegade is next weekend in San Francisco and just two short weekends away for here in Los Angeles. Alas, we won't be vending at Renegade, but we will definitely be checking out the one in LA to support all of  the talented artists and our friends who will be there!

We know how hard it is as a handmade artist to pull together all the pieces for a big show.  Not only do you need your handmade inventory, but you need displays, banners, business cards, promotional materials/ freebies, as well as packaging for all your wares.  We created a round up of items you can customize and make your own to take your brand to the next level.

Put you own logo or image in some Bottle Cap Magnets and make customized magnets. This is a great place to highlighting your products, your logo/ info, or other themes that can reinforce your brand on the cheap.

Use Enclosure Envelopes to hold your business cards or if you give a discount on future purchases make it feel even more special in a fancy envelope. 

Upcycled Decorative Bows can be included in gift wrapping or as that special touch for your handmade goods.

These Tissue Roll Pillow Boxes are a great way to package small items.

Do you have old post cards from your business or previous events? Crop them and use them for these Magnetic Mini Note Pads that make a great freebie.

Have extra, larger paper scraps? You can make these Scrap Paper Books super easy and maybe even make a few bucks off them.  A fun idea is to make one for every event and you can jot notes as the weekend goes to record and keep your memories of all the fun.

Make your own Small Shopping Bags from upcycled air bubbles included as shipping packaging.

Sew some quick T-shirt Totes as a gift with purchase for your higher priced items.

Fill your visual space with some fun with Outdoor Party Lanterns and DIY Garland (using yarn and fabric scraps) and your booth will draw in the crowd.

We are all so happy for all the artists involved and participating at Renegade and we look forward to seeing what everyone is up to. Good luck with these last few days of hard work to come!

XOXO, KC

Quick Tip: Citrus Vinegar DIY Drain Freshener

Today Sharon shares with us a quick tip for non-toxic household cleaning. Enjoy!

XO, KC

I was inspired by KC's citrus vinegar post to make my own. I'm a vinegar enthusiast. It's super versatile and I've been using it as my all-purpose household cleaner for a while now (I've completely given up on Alvin Corn... the alcohol does something weird with the air pressure in the bottle). So, adding the citrus element seems smart, especially since the vinegar scent needs something to take the edge off.

KC only used peels in her citrus vinegar, but I just dumped any old lime or lemon I squeezed right in
there and it's  worked fine. The large bottle of vodka in back is not for drinking but for making Febreeze. ;)

Well, my latest use is to start using the citrus vinegar to help clean my drain (my apartment was built in 1940 and garbage disposals were not standard). I dump a little bit of baking soda down the drain (it won't really go far, but will just sit on top of the mouth of it) and then slowly pour a bit of citrus vinegar until it's all gone. You will get a foaming reaction... just like the volcano science projects that use the same concept. I try to do this a couple times a month to keep things fresh.

How-To's Day: Make a Magnetic Brooch

I started playing around with some super strong magnets from Etsy Seller CandyTiles2 that have made me want to put magnets on just about anything! These magnetic brooches take a spin giving you some flair without putting holes in your clothes. A total upgrade!

A quick note about magnets - they are pretty awesome unless you accidentally wipe data off a hard drive or demagnetize you hotel room key one too many times.  So don't let those happen to you if you get on the magnet bandwagon.

Also: This isn't the best for people with pacemakers so make sure you opt for a plain'ol pin back if the recipient has medical needs.

This project makes use of items that you probably have in the house currently: Plastic caps and lids. Using just fabric, buttons or adornments and a hot glue gun + your caps and magnets = awesomeness!

The caps come on just about everything now-a-days so I am always on the hunt for a million and a half ways to put them to good use. Rinse them clean and set out to dry before using them as materials.

UPCYCLING - Technique using pieces from used or wasted item as new materials for a project.

Here I am upcycling a  a piece of fabric from a dress with this amazing sketch-lined floral. The dress was a big hit during my SCAD graduation where it debuted and made a splash all summer. Once the dress had made it's mark and was off to pasture I decided to put it in the "dissect" pile to scrap down to fabric, buttons, zipper, etc. making raw materials for our projects.

As the base layer I wrapped the cap with a strip of fabric first. This clear cap lets some of the pattern shine through which is a pretty cool addition.

Then using a small scrap of fabric and a found plastic flower I arranged and glued them inside the plastic cap.

All you need to wear the brooch is a magnet on the inside of your shirt. Of course it can also be a fancy upcycled magnet ;) 

XOXO, KC

Upcycling Materials: Using Tea Bags for Craft Projects

There are many different uses for using tea bags as materials and supplies in craft projects. My favorite use for tea bags is utilizing them in paper crafts and decoupage. Since the tea bags are usually an item that would be disposed of it is always nice to collect the bags as wonderful staple to your upcycling materials stash for your next project. They create a diffusing layer that is a really fun way to create depth and texture in collages simply from utilizing your leftovers from an afternoon cup of tea :)

Once you have used your tea bag(s) all you need to do is snip the top portion of the bag just under the staple keeping the string and staple off to the side.  I like to save the string for other projects of course ;) but feel free to get rid of that portion if it is of no use to you.

Once the top is cut you can unfold the bag and then gently pull the sides apart opening the bag flat. If you do these steps while the bag is wet the bag will be light in overall color with little to no dark spots. If you would like to set the bag out to dry before cutting the bag, color can come out more ombre. If you want to cut the bag open flat then let the tea leaves sit on the bag as everything dries you will achieve a spotty tie dye wash.

Please keep in mind when cleaning up the bag to dispose of the tea leaves in the trash or compost before rinsing the bag in the sink.

Set the bags and strings on a shammy cloth to dry helps draw out all the moisture to dry.  Once they are dry you end up with a stack of tea bags ready for your next project!

Here is a quick project example to show the tea bags in action-

For the first layer on the canvas I attached heart shaped paper cutouts to the front of an artist canvas. You can do this in any fashion you chose. I just played around with them until I found an arrangement I liked. 

Once the base layer was dry you are all ready to add the tea bags for a second layer.

Paint Mod Podge or whatever glue you prefer on the back side of the tea bag and smooth it slowly with the brush on top of the area on your artwork. You can also put slight pressure on the bag including the wrinkles to create a leathery or more worn look to the layer. Try out seeing the results both ways- each technique brings a wonderful  and different element to a wide range of art projects so the possibilities are endless!

Once the second layer with the tea bag dries feel free to keep adding bags and layering on top of the canvas until you achieve your desired look and opacity.  When you decide enough is added to the overall piece and you are ready to finish it up you can add several more layers of Mod Podge or whatever sealer you prefer to use. 

Here you can see how the tea bags create a wonderful transparent layer that lets the shape and color come through. You can see the 2 stripes within the band that are created when the tea bags overlap. As you can see stacking multiple layers of the bags darken and diffuse the initial layer.

Hopefully you are inspired by this upcycled tip and will try out using tea bags on your projects too. Send us an email if you try it out- we would love to include your project on our site :)

Happy Making!!! XOXO, KC

How-To's Day: DIY Green Laundry Tutorial

I have been collecting pins on making household cleaners on Pinterest. First up to try: LAUNDRY!

Washing Soda, Fels Naptha shredded with a non-food cheese grater and Borax is all you need for this DIY

After looking at all the different laundry detergent posts I found myself responding to this one I repinned from Sharon. I think I responded to it mostly because I thought it would look pretty in a fancy jar on the shelf.  Yes, I was a sucker for the visual.  But, I wanted to see if it would be easy to make and efficient to swap other detergents with it.You just need 3 simple ingredients that are very easily accessible. I walked to the Albertsons thinking I could very possibly leave without one of the three items- maybe it is only from specialty stores I thought... I was pleasantly surprised that I found everything I needed and purchased enough materials to do laundry for months and make a full range of household cleaners for under $16!!!

The fels-naptha bar grated easily! Some pins I have seen for other recipes stated "No Grating" and this process was not a hassle to me at all.  I am very excited after trying out this version to use other soaps and figure out my favorite recipe.  It looks to me like all bar soaps are fair-game after looking over reviews and tips from others.

 It kinda looks like saffron...

Once you process your soap down you add 1cup washing soda and 1cup Borax to each bar of fels-naptha. I shredded down two bars so for this mix I did 2 cups washing soda + 2 cups Borax.

Upcycling these jars from my favorite instant coffee to hold the soap in- I managed to fill 4 large containers and I have saved some small containers from take out/ various endeavors that I put a single use mixture in so you can just grab the pack and head to the laundry room. Super handy way to make it easy for hubby :)

NOW, FOR THE TEST...

It worked GREAT!!! I was skeptical but this was totally a project that I will keep up with! It doesn't create foamy bubbles. As seen above it is concentrated enough to only need a tablespoon per load. Personally I think using the soap shreds with powder worked just fine and I didn't want to cook soap... Not this time at least. I will have to try making the liquid type to say 100% this is the best way to do handmade soap, but as for now the powder worked awesome and the clothes look and smell fresh which is all that really matters to me. 

Try it out!!! It makes enough that you could share with a friend and swap for some homemade cleaner that they could make as a trade off. I think people should have old school get-togethers where they enjoy each others company and swap out modern day homestead items vs. spending a ton of money on chemicals and bug business. Just sayin'.

XOXO, KC