valo at home day eighteen: create - a colorful life

As many of us have been at home for the last several weeks, we might be looking to refresh our space...perhaps we may even want to bring a little color into the picture.

Today, we’ve been inspired by the beautiful work of valo-alum, Allysun West. She creates stunning garments that she first dyes by hand, using medicinal herbs, and more. We’re delighted to share an easy tutorial for dying your own fabric that she's passed along to our circle.

Curious? Come along!

Dying with kitchen scraps - here's what you need:

• Something that you’d like to bring a bit of color to. Perhaps an old t-shirt, a kitchen towel, or a cloth napkin. A natural fiber such as cotton, silk, linen, or wool works best.

• Onion skins (separated by color—we used yellow onions)

• A large pot

• A wooden stirring utensil

• Stovetop

Directions:

1. Put the onion skins in your large pot, then add water, bring to a boil, and simmer on medium-high heat for 45 minutes. The water will turn a rich yellow-brown.

2. Remove onion skins from the dyebath, then return dye liquid to a simmer.

3. Wet fabric and add it to the dyebath. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring periodically using a wooden dye utensil. Be sure to keep an eye on the stove ;)

4. Remove the pot from the heat.

5. Let the dyebath cool with fabric still soaking in liquid.

6. Remove fabric and gently rinse, then hand wash. Hang dry away from direct sunlight.

7. Admire your creation!

After your creation has dried, snap a pic and share it with us using @valomaine. We can’t wait to see what you create—and the color you’ve brought into your life.

If you come along and post a photo and tag @valomaine on Instagram or Facebook, we'll enter you in a raffle to win a prize--like a gift card from our friends at Rosemont Market & Bakery or a year-long subscription from the good folks at Taproot Magazine.

Ready to dive in?

Each evening of valo at home, we'll be sharing an email with the next day's spark of valo inspiration. Simply click here to share your email, and we'll make sure you're looped in! You can also forward this post to a friend and invite them to come along. The more the merrier.