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.
  • Thick brushes round natural bristle are easiest and elastic bands large size 18 or 19
  • Washed and Damp natural fibred items to tie dye eg. Pillowcases, singlets, T-Shirts
       (100% cotton, calico etc. spin in a machine or wring out drips)

  • Plastic sheeting to cover tables and an old cloth for mopping up drips
  • Grassy area in the sun to dry and set items painted in the sun

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 and pink
  • Prepare damp 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 (have a look at our video for a visual demo!)
  • 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 work out fantastic and unique also, while still retaining the spiral pattern! (pink can be used to blend any colours that don’t blend eg. Red and green)
  • When painted, material can be opened straight away, carefully so colours don’t touch each other. Then lay out flat on the grass to dry in full sun. However If you prefer a more precise and defined spiral dry in the sun for a little while still tied up in the elastics. Especially for Calico and tougher materials. (see setting instructions) 
  • It’s 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 to just one side.
  •  See setting instructions for more info on finishing and setting