Try This Summer Berry Tie-Dye

Among one of the Garden Collage Magazine themes we’re exploring this month is Plants & Psychedelia– and we couldn’t pass up the chance to honor one of the most iconic emblems of psychedelics: tie-dye.

We decided to give this sixties staple a chic update and used an ombré dip dye effect instead of the traditional rubber bands. Everything from plain shirts to basic kitchen towels are fair game– we love the look of an ombré napkin paired with copper cups for a casual summer garden party. Try using an old dish soap bottle to create dotted patterns, or consider wrapping fabric around stones for a more traditional look.

Materials

• White vinegar
• Blackberries, strawberries, and/or raspberries
• T-shirts, napkins, or any other plain, light fabric
• Basin for the dye

Directions

1. Place fruit in a large pot and add enough water, so that the fruit is covered. Bring to a boil, and then simmer for 45 minutes.
2. Strain and let cool. Once the temperature has lowered, add one part vinegar to four parts dye and stir.
3. Place the dye in a wide mouth tub and slowly dip the fabric up to where you want the dye to begin.
4. Go over the dyed section, dipping over a little less each time, so that the dye is more concentrated towards the bottom– this creates the layered ombré effect.
5. Let dry in the sun. La vie en rose!