Sometimes I have ideas that call for vintage or antique materials. However (as much as I wish otherwise) I don’t have the money to actually go out and purchase them all (is there anything else in life where old = expensive?)
I bought 5 yards of crisp, new, bright white lace for a child size tablecloth recently, but I really wanted to achieve the antiquey, vintage feel without the antiquey, vintage price. Using some common household supplies, I was able to get the aged look I was going for.
What do you think? Vintage mission accomplished? It was really able to do, too! Here’s how I did it:
Add water, a spoon, and a dryer to the list. (Geez, only six materials and still I can’tremember everything for the picture! Someone get me some ginko biloba!!)
step 1: Fill your container with hot water.
step 2: Using your spoon, create instant coffee.
**NOTE: I used 10 spoonfuls of instant coffee – you can use more or less depending on 1.) the size of your container & the amount of fabric you wish to dye and 2.) how dark you want your fabric to be. You could also brew a pot or two of coffee to achieve the same effect, but I was too stingy frugal to give up the good stuff. If you decide to be cheap like me, just buy a brand new container of instant coffee, because 10 spoonfuls is about 3/4 of the container.
step 3: Mix well, and make sure the instant coffee is dissolved well before placing your fabric into the mixture.
step 4: Place your fabric into the container, and try to get all the air bubbled out so that it is mostly or all underneath the surface. This will assure you get an even application, and it all turns out the same color. Let it soak for an hour or more, again depending on how dark you want your fabric to be.
Source Unknown - If you know where this picture came from, feel free to let me know!
step 5: Before you ask, no. This is not my laundry room (ha, um, yeah… I WISH!!) The camera fairy must not have liked the pictures I’d taken – the files weren’t corrupted or anything; they weren’t even there!! So I figured I’d get something purtee for you to gaze upon. ^_^ Anyway, after letting your fabric soak for a while, throw it in the dryer until it’s completely dry.
And there you have it! The vintage look without the vintage price. ^_^ If you use this tutorial for anything, I’d love to hear how it worked out – and see some pictures!! Like I said, I used the above lace for a child size tea party tablecloth for my daughter, but I’m thinking it would have been adorable on a dress or skirt, as well. Whatever you use it for, thanks for reading as well as crafting with me!!
This technique is great! I haven’t plucked up the courage to use any dyes but this seems like a great starting point! Thanks for sharing!
heronscrafts.blogspot.com
I stumbled onto your blog not via stumbleupon, but the old fashioned search called “surfing” (sorry bad intended pun) for beach craft sites. I am glad that I did, I love your natural humor as well as the lovely offerings in your blog. You make me smile as I read your posts-
I have not tried this..so sorry no fantab pics- though, I have attempted this with tea -I think instant coffee would be more potent, even perhaps more so than brewed “good stuff.” I am with you; save the good drinking stuff for-drinking. Although I think perhaps you might have broke even in using your own coffee vs. spending money on instant – however, I would have done the same thing too.
One note about your stand in photo for the one lost in cyber space you intended. I saw the photo and thought.. OH who would want to have a washer and dryer in the middle of their kitchen counter– then I read your comment. If that is someones laundry room, I can not even fathom how huge the kitchen is- But I would love trying not to get lost in it.
What a great way to dye the fabric!
what i cool and cheap way to dye fabric i love it, it would be great if you could come and link it up at http://www.twiggstudios.com/2012/04/sunday-show-off-party-and-features.html
thankyou so much xxxx
This is a great tut. I have a couple of mirrored closet doors I am trying to figure out how to disguise and I am thinking that coffee dyed fabric may be the answer. Thanks for sharing on Tout It Tuesday.
What a COOL technique! I never would have thought to do it this way! Thanks for sharing at oopsey daisy!
Great idea!! I like the way you use what is available on hand to make something totally unique.
Thanks for sharing this last week at Drab to Fab!!
Here’s the link to this week’s party. Come on back and share your fabulousness
http://www.amynjesse.com/2012/05/drab-to-fab-link-up-15.html
Have a great weekend.
Amy @ Sugar and Spice