As I was preparing for Lily's Christmas Craft Party, I wanted, I mean needed, some Christmasy buttons. I didn't want to use my fancy schmancy buttons, but my tiny buttons were kinda boring. Then I remembered my mom's tip on dyeing buttons. That's right, dyeing. I gave her a call, interrupted her in-house doll-making class, and had my emergency crafting question answered. Phew!
It's crazy easy. Pick up some liquid Rit Dye and.......
- Put a handful of white or light colored buttons in a microwaveable glass dish, like a Pyrex measuring cup.
- Pour liquid Rit over buttons until they're covered or nearly covered with the dye.
- Cover dish securely with plastic wrap.
- Microwave for 2 1/2 minutes.
- Pour buttons into a colander in the sink (at this point they will look super weird and you'll be like, "This did not work. That Laura is crazy."
- Rinse thoroughly and they will start to look like buttons again.
- Rinse again with vinegar.
- Let dry or dry with a paper towel if you're like me and can't handle waiting.
WARNING: Though easy, this is a very messy activity. Have some Comet
or Ajax on hand so you can quickly scrub up any splattered dye.
Aren't my buttons festive?
Lily's craft party was a hit. She is always begging for play dates with her friends at school and this gave me an opportunity to meet their parents so it'll be a bit easier getting together more often. We did four crafts with 8 girls. If you beg and plead I will share them with you. ;-)
Meanwhile, if someone loses a button off a shirt around here I'm in big trouble.
Fabulous - truely! Thanks for sharing and I am offically begging and pleading for your craft ideas. cheers!
Posted by: Kristin | December 05, 2008 at 09:21 PM
please please please please share the projects...i'll be soooo happy - it'll be like a christmas gift for all your mommy blog readers.
Posted by: Angie | December 05, 2008 at 09:41 PM
Wonderful, I'm going to try that tomorrow. Thank you.
Posted by: Christina Scouten | December 05, 2008 at 10:45 PM
Fantastic idea!
Posted by: Andi | December 06, 2008 at 03:54 AM
NO, I can't believe it!!! Those buttons look amazing!
And pleeeze show us the craft projects! You're too good, I know you will. ;)
Posted by: Janis | December 06, 2008 at 05:11 AM
Oh good, begging already. I love it.
Posted by: laura Gunn | December 06, 2008 at 05:55 AM
Dyeing buttons? Who'd a thunk it? Please share the projects!
Posted by: Hashi | December 06, 2008 at 06:34 AM
Learning to add color to white buttons makes me glad I didn't throw out that boring jar of white buttons. Do you ever have a problem with the dye leaching onto white fabric?
On another note, your bold, vibrant decorating style is a perfect match for American-made BLENKO glass. I hope you have discovered and are using BLENKO glass. www.blenkoglass.com
West Virginia Janis
p.s. yes, we would love to see the Christmas crafts you made with the classmates
Posted by: West Virginia Janis | December 06, 2008 at 06:44 AM
Oh this is FABULOUS! I can never find the right shade or color I am looking for or the store never has enough... I can't wait to try it!!! Thanks!
Posted by: Nicole | December 06, 2008 at 07:28 AM
Love the buttons, way cute idea...too bad my boys could care less about cute buttons.
Posted by: Your favorite Friday Friend | December 06, 2008 at 10:02 AM
No way! That is so cool. I had no idea you could dye buttons. Thanks for the awesome tip.
Posted by: Krissy | December 06, 2008 at 04:50 PM
That is awesome! I need to try that! I won't just pass white buttons by anymore!!!
Posted by: Lisa | December 06, 2008 at 05:48 PM
Wow! Who'd have thunk it? LOL Cool idea that I must add to my list of things to never forget!
Peace & Love,
~Barb~
Posted by: Barb (aka Craft Junkie) | December 06, 2008 at 10:33 PM
Ok! I'm humbly begging and pleading. Puullleeeeeze? Share your projects? And the whole button thing is amazing. Very awesome. Thanks for the fabulous idea.
Posted by: Heather | December 07, 2008 at 11:50 AM
I think colouring your own buttons is awesome. Please share your other project!
Posted by: Mary Ann | December 07, 2008 at 12:44 PM
Like the others, I'm dumbfounded that you can dye buttons! How cool is that?! I am so begging to see the crafts the girls made!
Renee
Posted by: Renee | December 07, 2008 at 04:14 PM
I had NO idea!!
Please do share your craft ideas!!
Posted by: WendyLou | December 07, 2008 at 08:52 PM
What great information. I too have a gazillion white buttons. Soon to be much less. I would love to see your "Lily's Christmas Craft Party projects". Thanks
Posted by: Karen | December 09, 2008 at 09:28 AM
Wow, I never knew this?!? I am so going to the store tonight to buy dye!
Posted by: Doris | December 09, 2008 at 10:33 AM
those buttons are so festive!
Posted by: marshallp | December 10, 2008 at 12:14 PM
love the button idea! wish I had a microwave ;(...but then i saw your lost of books you love & I too have the fondest memories of 5 little peppers!!!
Posted by: kristen - gock's frocks | December 15, 2008 at 02:37 PM
It's been a while since I stopped by but I'm glad I did! I had no idea you could dye buttons so easily! This will be one for me to try!..and I'd love to see how easy it is to recover a seat cushion (from another of your posts).
Posted by: Jennifer | December 26, 2008 at 01:05 PM
I kept thinking it "should" be possible to dye buttons but couldn't figure out how. Thank you so much for your help!! Can't wait to try it!:)
Posted by: Sue | January 04, 2009 at 10:12 AM
I love this idea. Thanks for sharing it. Do you have any idea if the buttons bleed when you wash them if you use them on clothes after you've dyed them? (I don't know why you would know this, but maybe your genius mom has some experience with it?)
Posted by: marymary | January 09, 2009 at 07:54 AM
I don't know if they will bleed. I'll have to give it a try.
Posted by: laura Gunn | January 09, 2009 at 08:16 AM