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    How to Dye Fabric Decor Items

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    Do you remember how my living room was decorated for fall last year? I used neutral tans and brown with an accent of green on my sofa. I also bought 2 new Pottery Barn throw pillow covers in cream, tan and rust.

    I was into the new pillow covers last fall, but when I got them out this year they didn’t thrill me anymore. This fall I am craving more deeper colors in the room.

    BEFORE: Pillow Covers

    The covers were expensive and I felt like I needed to use them. After some thought I got the idea to dye them blue.

    I was a bit hesitant to dye them at first as I have never dyed anything before and wasn’t sure the tapestry style and woven fabrics could be dyed successfully.

    After doing some “how to dye fabric” research online I began to feel confident I should at least try it as I like to experiment and learn new ways of changing what I already own.

    I am so glad I dyed them! The pillow covers are now a blue color that will go with the cozy, moody, yet cheery fall look I want to create in the living room.

    How I Dyed My Fabric Pillow Covers

    After doing how to dye fabric research, I chose to use Rit All-Purpose dye. (This is not a sponsored post)

    Rit sells a few different formulas to dye all sorts of fabric as well as many other items in any color you can possibly imagine. I was surprised to find out just how many things can be dyed.

    Their dyes come in liquid and powder formulas in both their All-Purpose dye and their newer DyeMore dyes made for synthetic fabrics.

    If you can’t find the color you want in their line of colors, they even have a Rit Dye Custom Color Formula Page where you will find charts showing what colors of dye to mix to get pretty much any or the exact color you want.

    Select Your Method

    I learned so much about the process of dying fabric and feel like a pro now. If you are thinking about dying an item you first you have to choose your color, then you need to figure out the method of dying that will be the best for the item.

    -For general dye projects, use the sink, bucket or large plastic bin method with very hot or boiling water. I used a large plastic bin.

    -If you are looking to achieve as vibrant a color as possible (or dyeing nylon), use the stovetop method and double the amount of dye. This is where you find the largest pot you own and use it to dye your item(s).

    -If you want to dye large items or are looking for the easiest dye method, then use the washing machine method.

    supplies needed:

    Rit All-Purpose Dye in color you desire or mix a custom color. I used the liquid dye in the bottle in the color Denim Blue

    A bottle of Rit ColorStay Dye Setter

    Bucket, large pot or plastic bin

    Rubber gloves

    Tongs

    1 cup salt

    1 tsp dish detergent

    Where to Find Rit Dye Custom Color Mixing Charts

    I followed the directions on the Rit Dye website. They are so well written: How to Dye with Rit All-Purpose Dye. I also watched the video (shown below) to become familiar with the fabric dying process.

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    I had fabulous results. So much so that I went on to dye two pieces of white clothing in a brown color to wear now that fall will soon be here.

    For a few dollars a bottle, dying fabric decor items like changing the color of pillow covers, drapes, towels, napkins and more is totally worth the effort.

    How To Set Dye In Fabric

    One question I have gotten after dying the pillow covers is how do you make sure the color won’t run or be blotchy? The answer is that you use salt or vinegar depending on the fabric and a teaspoon of dish detergent in the dye bath. These help the color dye evenly on the fabric.

    Once I liked the deepness of the blue dye on my pillow covers, I emptied the dye bath and items from the plastic bin I used to dye the covers.

    Then I filled the bin up again with warm water and added ColorStay Dye Fixative to the water and placed the items back into the mix for 20 minutes. The dye fixative is an easy-to-use solution designed to lock in color, keeping the fabric looking its best and brightest for the long run.

    Taking the extra step in the dye process reduces bleeding, fading and even enhances the color of your project.

    Once the items were done with the dying process, I placed the pillow covers in the washer with warm water and mild detergent to clean.

    After washing, I hung the pillow covers to dry. Once dry, I pressed them with a warm iron and placed them back over the pillows on my sofa.

    How to Dye Polyester

    To dye polyester and synthetic fabrics you need to use the formula called, Rit DyeMore. It is a dye specially made for synthetic fabrics like polyester, acrylic, acetate, plus blends that contain those fibers.

    What I Would Not Dye?

    Dying fabric on the stove, in a bucket or in your washing machine isn’t hard when dying small items like a pillow cover, shirt, a pair of sneakers, etc.

    If you want to dye something larger like a comforter or duvet, it may take more effort and be a bit messier since there is a lot of fabric to dye.

    After having great results with the pillow covers, I decided to dye a white dress I never wear to a cocoa brown. It came out fine, but I wasn’t expecting the thread on the hems and button holes to stay white.

    The dress is cotton, but the thread must be a polyester blend that would need the DyeMore formula to change the color. The dress actually looks OK and I have gotten compliments on the dress, so even though the thread is still white, it kind of adds a stylish detail to the dress.

    So if you think you want to try to dye something made of decorative fabric or a piece of clothing, be prepared for something like this to happen. Before dying, you can do a test on the fabric if you can find an inconspicuous area on the item to see how the dye will take.

    If you are not happy with the way an item came out after the fabric is dry, I did learn that you can re-dye to darken colors and even use Rit dye color remover if you are not quite happy with the results.

    Where to Buy Rit Dyes

    I bought my dye on Amazon since they had a wide variety of all the colors to choose from. Hobby Lobby, Walmart, Target, grocery and crafts stores sell the dye as well. Buying it at one of these stores is very inexpensive, but I could only find a limited amount of colors at these stores. To find a store near you, see the Rit Dye Store Locator.

    For More Fabric Dying Inspiration

    For more fabric dying inspiration be sure to check out the Rit Dye website where you can learn a whole lot more.

    You may not only find yourself surprised about what can be dyed and how to do it, but also inspired to change a decorative fabric item in your home.

    More Budget Friendly Home Decorating Ideas

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      Home Decorating Ideas Using Old Jewelry

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      Did you know that jewelry, especially old jewelry is not just meant to be worn, it can also be used to add a touch of your personality to your home décor. Crafting with old jewelry pieces hidden away in your jewelry box repurposed into pretty home decor accents is a great way to show off your decorating style.

      That’s what I am sharing with you today, creative ways to upcycle your old jewelry and breathe new life into your existing home decor. From statement pieces to accents, get ready to instantly transform plain items with these pretty and colorful home decorating ideas.

      My latest decorating DIY all started when I brought the yellow daffodils that are blooming in my yard inside my house. I didn’t want to miss out on the cheery Spring color so I clipped a few stems and placed them in a glass vase from the dollar store on a side table in my living room.

      Then I had an idea…

      I like to see new things around my house to enliven my senses, but I also like to save money and don’t want to buy new decor as I don’t need a thing. At the same time though, I enjoy seeing something fresh and new to look at.

      I am not fussy when it comes to flower arranging. I just want to see the colorful flowers in my house and one vase filled with them wasn’t enough.

      I had a few blooms that still looked nice from a Valentine arrangement that Ed had given me. I pulled out the lavender blooms and placed them in an empty liquor bottle that I saved to repurpose into a flower vase because I liked the shape.

      Alone the flowers in these glass vessels make me happy, but was craving more color. So I headed to my craft stash to find some colorful vintage or old jewelry made with colorful beads. In less than 10 minutes I decorated my glass vases with spring color.

      Home Decor Crafting With Old Jewelry Ideas

      I used to make and sell bracelets using old jewelry, beads and buttons. But since I haven’t made them in a long time, I don’t need my stash for that purpose anymore.

      Now I like to find creative ways to re-purpose my collection of beads, old necklaces and vintage clip-on earrings so I can still enjoy all the pretty colors.

      Where to Find Old Jewelry or Strands of Beads

      I know that most of you may not have a stash of colorful old jewels laying around like I do, but craft stores sell beaded trim by the roll in the fabric/ribbon aisle. For strands of beads, head to the jewelry making aisle and don’t forget to use the stores coupon for a discount.

      Thrift stores and retirement homes that have resident shops on the premises are some of the best places to find old jewelry for a few dollars. They are where I found most of my collection.

      How to Wrap a Vase with a Beaded Necklace or Strand of Beads

      When using a beaded necklaces or strands of beads to wrap around a vase, lamp or any item that you would like to add color and texture, any size and shape bead works. The style is all up to the look you like. Big bold beads would look more modern, while smaller beads more traditional.

      There are two ways to wrap and attach a necklace to a vase. The first is to use hot glue or glue dots. The second is thin florist’s type wire.

      Once you have chosen the necklace or strand of beads you want to attach, wrap it around the vase to see if the ends will meet up in line or closely in line with each other on the vase.

      If it doesn’t and you are using a strand of beads, simply remove or add a few more beads so the beginning and end will be on the same side that you can call the back. If using a necklace you don’t want to break apart, try wrapping it around another section of the item to see if it fits better.

      Longer necklaces work better to wrap around a vase or bottle, but don’t let a shorter one stop you from experimenting to come up with decorative ways to use it.

      This strand of wood beads was pre-strung on string that I found in the aisle where rolls of ribbon are at Hobby Lobby. To attach the strand of beads to the vase, I simply wrapped it around and then used hot glue to adhere the first and last bead on the back of the vase.

      To attach the various sized purple beads on the neck of the bottle, I strung the beads on thin wire that you can buy at the craft store.

      I left extra wire at each end and once all the beads were wrapped around the neck of the bottle, I pulled the two wires together and twisted them together. Then once it was secure, I cut the excess wire and pushed the ends under the beads to hide it.

      When displayed on a table, no one will see how the necklace or strand of beads is attached. Seeing the cheery Spring color on my big wicker basket side table makes me smile.

      What To Do With Old Clip-On Earrings

      I have a hard time passing up vintage clip-on earrings when I see them at thrift stores. Each one is the perfect little piece of stylish art that has its own story and appeal.

      In my mind, they are just too cute and pretty to be hidden away in a drawer.

      Here are several ideas on how you can use vintage clip-on earrings to accent your decor or furnishings.

      To add cheerful color to lamp, clip a few vintage clip-on earrings on the bottom of a lampshade. When you want to wear them or tire of the look, just unclip – no damage done.

      If you use your refrigerator as a memo board you can make pretty magnets using old jewelry or clip-on earrings to hold up reminder notes and photos.

      Tip: Attaching Earrings or Buttons to Magnets

      To get the clip off of an earring to you can attach it to a magnet, use a pair of pliers to pull it off so the back is flat. Doing this will allow the earring to fit nicely and be glued on to a round black magnet.

      Embellish a gift by simply clipping a clip-on earring one over the knot on the tied ribbon.

      Use a strong bonding glue like Gorilla Glue to attach a clip-on earring that has the clip removed to the front of plain drawer knobs.

      You can also use vintage clip-on earrings to hold the soft drape of a fabric window valance in place.

      How to Use With Brooches and Pins When Decorating

      If you have a collection of pretty brooches or decorative pins, pin them to a throw pillow to create a accent that can easily be changed.

      Over the next few weeks when you start Spring cleaning or decluttering your home take a few minutes to see if you have any old jewelry in the way of beaded necklaces or bracelets that you haven’t worn in a long time.

      Instead of getting rid of them, reimagine them. If you don’t have any and like the colorful look crafting with old jewelry can do to transformf items, head to your local thrift store where you should find lots of colorful beaded necklaces and vintage clip-on earrings.

      If you strike out, you can also use colorful ribbon to add cheery color to your existing decor.

      It’s fun and inexpensive way to add accents of your personal style around your home.

      More Decorating With Jewelry Ideas

      More Easy Decorating Ideas You May Like

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      What to Put in Candle Holders Besides Candles

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      Get doable decorating inspiration with ideas using candlesticks without candles in new and decorative ways for every room in your house.

      Candlestick holders are one of the best “use what you have” decorating staples that we own. Most of use have more that one and keep them stored behind closed doors in our home decor storage stashes in wait to use for their intended purpose.
      Table of Contents
      Wherever you store your candle holders, it is time to get all of them out, even if they are mismatched candle holders.
      They can all be used with and without candles and for more than just placing candles in for a dining table centerpiece.

      When I feel my decor starts to look stale and needs a refresh, instead of buying something new on a whim, I enjoy the process of “using what I have” in new and different ways to give the decorative items new energy.
      My Living Room Candles
      You may remember that I used a collection of mismatched candle holders as mantle candles when decorating for Christmas.

      When the candlesticks were grouped together in an arrangement that accented the various heights, they had just the right impact on the mantel.

      I really like this collection of the classic brass candle holders I bought at a church rummage sale a few years ago.

      When I first bought them, I spray painted them silver.
      Then this past holiday, I used Citrastrip on them to get them back to their original brass finish, then I aged the brass to give them a more vintage look.
      A few weeks ago when I was putting the holiday decorations away, I found a new place for the brass candle holders in my living room.

      By simply moving them off the mantel and onto the sofa table mixed in with greenery and a stack of books I painted white gave them a new appeal.
      After doing this got me to thinking about all the ways you can use candlesticks without candles around your house.
      “Simply changing a decorative item’s location in your home will give it a new look without spending a dime.”
      Change Your Candlestick Arrangements
      Decorating with candlesticks never has to be done in the same way. Each one by itself is static and looks the same, but when you create different arrangements and gropings with many of them, you can create new looks easily without spending a dime.
      Create Candle Tray Decor
      When placing candlesticks on a dining table when entertaining, instead of using the traditional arrangement of two, one on either side of a floral centerpiece, make the candles and holders themselves the centerpiece.
      Place all of the candles on a tray, even if they are mismatched. They can be all tapers, votive, or pillar style or a mix of all types. When grouped together with the taller ones in the center they create more impact on the table and will add more ambiance for your gathering. No floral arrangement needed.

      Arrange a trio of candles on a rectangular tray to place on an entry table. When you tire of it in this way – use the candles outside and the tray to hold perfume on your vanity table.
      Decorating Tip: Always remember that there is never only one way to use any item in your home. Experiment by using them in different ways to come up with unique one-of-a-kind decor. You may end up liking the item even better used in a new way.
      Decorating Ideas Using Candlesticks Without Candles
      Here are a few of my favorite ways to repurpose candle holders beyond using them to hold a candle.

      Here are a few candle holders I own. All are nice just on their own.

      To create something new with them, I also gathered a basket, bowl, and a variety of dessert size plates I had, along with the round piece of marble.
      When a candle holder is paired with one of these items, look what you can create:

      The two unrelated items became a decorative pedestal that holds my jewelry on my bedroom dresser – no candle needed.
      It looks like something I bought at HomeGoods, but it is just a white plate from my kitchen and a wicker candle holder I bought at a thrift store.

      For this pedestal plate, I used the clear formula of Liquid Nails to attach a glass plate to a silver candlestick holder. Adding a paper doily creates a festive plate for an edible treat.

      You can even add a glass dome if you happen to have one in your decor stash.

      More proof that a candle holder can be used without a candle.
      For this fruit basket, I used hot glue to attach the basket to the pillar candle holder. 

      If you want to make any of these pedestal plates temporary, use Glue Dots that you can buy in the craft store.

      For instant decor – use a glue dot if needed to place a pumpkin, Christmas ornament or anything you like on top of a candle holder.

      Doing this makes the item more interesting and decorative.
      How to Glue a Candle Holder to a Plate or Basket to Create a Pedestal Plate

      When gluing a candle holder and a plate/basket together, place the plate upside down and then place the candle holder face down on top.  This way you will be able to see clearly and center the candle holder on the plate.

      Use either clear Liquid Nails…

      … or hot glue.
      Let the glue dry and then turn the stand right side up and it will be ready to use.
      Homemade Candle Holder Ideas
      While on the topic of candles and holders, here are are few DIY candleholders that you can easily make.

      Don’t throw away tin cans. Clean them and wrap fabric around them held on my raffia or ribbon. Place a pillar style candle on the can.

      Drill holes into a slice of tree trunk.

      This type of candle holder looks best with tall taper candles.

      Turn wood scraps into modern block style candlestick holders. Stain or paint to coordinate with your decor.

      Clean glass jars to use to hold candles. Use them empty, filled with food-colored dyed water or un-popped popcorn.

      For a super simple candle holder – use the screw top from a glass jar. This one is from a jar of pickles.
      I hope that seeing all of these what to put in candle holders besides candles decorative ideas will have you coming up with your own creative ideas using candlestick holders you already own in new ways.
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