So I finally decided to join in on the bristle brush tree bandwagon! Β I bought some last year with the intention of attempting to hand dye them but I chickened out. Β This year I was determined to try it myself and gathered loads of information via pinterest. Β But as always, somehow I can’t just straight follow a tutorial. Β My hybrid method follows the materials I have available, my patience, and well…just how things turn out.
These pretty trees have taken over the Christmas decorations and are my new WINTER decorations! Β I’ve got to have something nice to look at while all the cold weather is around.
Tutorial for Hand Dyed Bottled Brush Tree
Materials:
- Bleach
- Bottle Brush Trees (widely available near Christmas)
- Containers for holding bleach
- Metal Tongs
- Glass for Dyes with Trees
- Wilton Food Dyes
- Glitter Spray (optional)
Step 1:
Gather Bottle Brush Trees, Container, and Bleach
Step 2:
Place Bottle Brush Tree in Bleach. Β I didn’t bother diluting it, but to be safe I just used my metal tongues to handle the trees and worked in a well ventilated area.
It doesn’t take long for the bleach to start working. Β But you’ll notice that delightful brown color that came off. Β I had to replace my bleach about half way through my bundle of trees.
Here’s a tree that has been in the bleach for a minute or so compared to a fresh tree added to the bleach.
You can see how pretty the white tree is compared to the original dark green. Β I was surprised at how the “flocking” on the trees stayed on so well. Β If you look closely at the tree, you can see the white tips of “snow” on it.
Here are my trees all dye free. Β I briefly rinsed them under a gentle stream of water to remove any bleach and set them to dry. Β They are a lovely off white color. Β I decided to keep some of my trees just like this!
Step 3: Adding New Dye to the Trees.
I chose to go with Wilton Food dyes. Β I had read that someone used them and had success. Β And to be honest I didn’t feel like paying for more dye. Β I will say that for more intense colors than the soft red and green/aqua, I think I would purchase non food dyes. Β The purple dye and peach dye did essentially nothing…at least at the amounts that I used.
I used a glass partially filled with water and put a dollop of dye in. Β I stirred it until dissolved.
I placed my trees upside down in the glasses and filled them over the sink until the water completely covered the trees. Β I let the trees soak for varying amounts of time to achieve different colors. Β I even double dipped some to get new colors. Β Then I rinsed them and let them dry.
At first I wanted more intense color, so I was disappointed in my results. Β But I LOVE them. Β I don’t know what my problem was. lol Β They make me so happy. Β Although I did decide to add one more step…just for fun.
Step 4: (optional)
Use a spray glitter to add a little extra something special to the trees. Β This particular glitter created an all over shimmer to my trees. Β If I had more patience then I might try hand painting each with glue and adding a thick chunky glitter. Β Like I said earlier…this is all depends on my patience and products I had on hand.
I added some bags of tiny trees to my little collection. Β They just happened to be in similar colors as my larger ones and added some nice depth of color to my collection.
I love how my collection turned out and next year I might attempt to do some more trees with more intense dyes to create a rainbow of trees. Β But we will see…patience. π I sometimes have it and sometimes don’t.
Very interesting. Thanks for the tutorial!
What a great idea. Love this!
Now I wish I hadn't tossed out a bunch of ugly trees a few years ago π Was your beautiful countertop in danger during this process?
Don't you hate when you purge and then find a use for those things?! And no, I was careful with my countertop. I used the bleach in the sink!