RUNNING A TIE DYE WORKSHOP

Picture
 You will need…
  • A sunny day if wanting to open and set immediately
  • Jars/containers for dye (anti spill paint pots for young children, or takeaway containers with a hole cut in the lid will do)
  • Thick brushes (round stubbed barrel are easiest) and elastic bands size 18 (provided)
  • Washed and Damp natural fibred items to tie dye eg. Pillowcases, singlets, T-Shirts
       (100% cotton, calico etc. spin in a machine preferably or      thoroughly wring dry.)

  • Plastic sheeting to cover tables (available in 5 or 10 metre rolls at hardware shops)
  • Grassy area in the sun to dry and set items painted

Method…
  • Cover tables with plastic, and pour a little amount of dye into each container, 
  • If painting with all the rainbow, setup in the rainbow order red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, magenta (see pic)
  • Prepare damp garments/material into the spiral and secure with elastic bands, young children will need help with this part, or you might like to have it spun up and ready for them to paint  *a trick for getting the elastic bands on easily is to stretch the elastic and drag along the table and underneath and around the spiralled item, then slowly release the elastic while holding down material with thumbs
  • Advise to class before any painting begins the importance of dipping the brush once in the pot and dabbing once on the inside of the pot to prevent drips and dye wastage  (“Dip and Dab”)
  • Advise of the spiral method for a perfect rainbow being one colour per triangle and same colours on the other side. However if young children wish to paint colours everywhere and anywhere this will workout fantastic and unique also, while still retaining the spiral pattern!
    (Magenta can be used to blend any colours that don’t blend eg. Red and green)
  • When painted garment can be opened straight away, carefully so colours don’t touch each other and spoil pattern, then lay out flat on the grass to dry in full sun. However I prefer to dry in the sun for a little while still tied up. Especially for Calico and tougher materials, giving a brighter more depth full colour effect.  It’s very important to turn over regularly so both sides are exposed to the sun. Also always finish the drying process once the spiral is opened. You can wrap in plastic if elastic bands are still on and keep in the dark for up to a week in order to wait for optimum sun conditions… Though be sure to turn over every day so the dye doesn’t drip through to just one side