For the ultimate earthy look, make your own natural dyes, then decorate a
T-shirt.
Ages 6+
You'll need:
• beets, purple cabbage, turmeric (in the grocery bulk spice section),
orange pekoe tea bag
• small cooking pots or microwaveable containers
• strainer and paper coffee filter
• old white cotton T-shirt (slogans are fine)
• medium paintbrushes
• elastic bands
Eco action plan:
To make red, purple, brown and yellow dyes:
1. Wash, peel and coarsely chop 2 beets and 4 red cabbage leaves.
2. Place each of beets and cabbage in their own small pot and
cover, just to submerge, with water.
3. Place tea bag in a separate pot and cover with water.
4. Bring each pot to a boil, turn heat to low and simmer for
15 minutes. Alternatively, “cook” each in the microwave, in a microwave-safe
container, on high for about 1 minute. (Open a window; it may get stinky.)
5. Let cool for at least 30 minutes.
6. Pour coloured water through a strainer into a small bowl
(plastics may stain). Compost the veggies.
7. To make yellow dye, mix 1 tbsp (15 mL) turmeric with 1/3
cup (75 mL) water and simmer as above. Drain through a coffee filter.
8. Store dyes in tightly covered containers in the fridge for
up to 1 week.
To tie-dye the shirts:
1. Grab any bunch of fabric and wind an elastic band around
it — the tighter the better. Repeat several times.
2. Using tongs, lightly dip part of the shirt in one colour
dye, or paint it on with a brush. For best results, don’t soak shirt.
3. Continue dipping or painting the tied shirt with the different
dyes.
4. Hang the shirt (with elastic bands still on it) to dry.
5. Remove elastic bands (use scissors if needed). Admire the
vibrant colours and white splashes where the bands have been.
Note: Do not wash shirts (just dab at dirty spots), as the
dyes will bleed. Or swish them quickly in the sink with equal parts cold water
and white vinegar.