Ombre Lamp Shade

SUPPLIES & TOOLS:

• Rit All-Purpose Dye: Tangerine, Golden Yellow and Petal Pink
• White Cotton Lampshade
• Large Plastic Bucket or Sink for Dyeing
• Foam Paint Brush
• Glass Jar or Dish for Small Dyebath
• Measuring Cup and Spoon
• Salt
• Plastic Gloves
• Plastic Table Cover
• Paper Towels
• Rubber Gloves

DIRECTIONS:

1. Cover work area with plastic table cover and have paper towels handy to protect against any possible spills. Gather supplies.
2. Wearing rubber gloves, fill sink or a large container with 3 gallons of very hot water. The water should ideally be 140ºF. If tap water is not hot enough, heat water on the stove and add to the dyebath. Pour 1/2 bottle of well-shaken dye into dyebath.
3. To enhance the color, add one cup of salt. Add 1 teaspoon of dish detergent to help promote level dyeing.
4. Stir well.
5. Test color by dipping a paper towel into the dyebath. If color is too light, add more dye. If color is too dark, add more water.
6. Dip bottom of shade into dyebath until desired color is achieved.
7. When satisfied with color, remove lamp shade from dyebath. Shade will look darker when wet and will dry lighter.
8. Create a 4 cup dyebath in desired color. Water should ideally be 140ºF. If tap water is not hot enough, heat water on the stove and add to the dyebath.
9. Dip foam paint brush into small dyebath and paint the middle section of the lamp all the way around. Make sure to overlap with bottom color by 2-3″ to create an ombre effect. Have paper towels nearby for any spills.
10. Repeat Steps 8-9 to paint the top of the lamp with third color until desired look is achieved. When painting the top portion of the lamp, hold the lamp upside down to prevent any drips.
11. Place lamp shade aside and let color set for 30 minutes.
12. Rinse in cool water until water runs clear.
13. Let dry before use.