Dying Bottle Brush Trees

 It's really easy to do and very addicting!

I found that I love the natural color of the bottle brush trees most of all but it is fun to have a few colorful trees.

I did a little winter decorating with a few natural trees, vintage tinsel garland and mercury glass ornaments. I love the old postcard of the children playing in the snow. 

I did not take pictures as I dyed these because it's so easy to do.

Below are the results.

Please be aware that every single tree comes out completely different so don't plan to get the same result twice. Just have fun with the surprises you get.

I used Rit dye for the pink trees (Petal Pink formerly Rose Pink). I LOVE the pink trees!

First off I tried the Rit Aquamarine on the tree on the far right and was disappointed in how it turned out, plus for some reason all the 'snow' came off so it will need some glitter. 

I found out that I liked the bluish color far better as the trees bleached rather than dying them. Funny thing is, they ended up the same color as the Aquamarine dye anyway. Possibly a lighter blue dye would have been a better choice....next time!

Bleaching and removing trees as they lighten; use about 50% bleach and 50% water in the smallest container that will fit the tree(s) (do not use for food). Push the tree down so that it is entirely covered and watch as it fades. Using tongs, pull out the tree as soon as you like the color...not all trees bleach the same so grab the trees that you like and and leave the rest in the bleach solution ...the longer they bleach the lighter they become and are better for dying pink or pastel colors. They bleach out quickly using this much bleach!

Rinse under water and plop into fresh water with a glug of vinegar, rinse again and set aside.

Dying the pink, I used about 1/8 package of the dry dye and about 1 Cup of water. (This is for the smallest size trees....you will need to increase this for larger trees). Heat in a saucepan that you do not use for food and be sure the dye has completely dissolved. Warm dye solution is fine.

When you have a tree ready to dye, use the tongs and be quick about it...drop the tree in the dye but pull it out after only a few seconds. The tree will take up the dye very quickly. Keep dipping the tree into the dye until you get the color you like. Set aside to dry.

I discovered that the trees take up the dye a lot quicker if they are still wet from the bleaching process. Don't handle the trees harshly if you want the 'snow' to remain on them.

Try any color but if you want the softer pastel shades use the trees that bleach out to be a light cream.

The 'green' trees can be found in craft stores such as JoAnns, Michaels and Hobby Lobby.

I'd love to see what you do!!!

Pictures of bleaching info HERE

Thanks for stopping by...and Happy Thanksgiving!

Linking to:

Faded Charm for White Wednesday

Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesday
Brambleberry Cottage for Time Travel Thursday
French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday
Common Ground for Vintage Inspiration Friday
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My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday
2825 for Potpourri Friday