Snow brings out the dyeing in me

About a week ago we had two major snow storms (Q and Rocky) that set records for the month of February and for all time.  Over 22 inches fell before it was all over. 

Here is what it looked like as it was beginning to snow.  Sadly, this is the only photo I got of this blizzard.  I just happened to have my camera in my craft room when I went to get my mail (mailbox is that big black thing on the far right of the photo).  When the snow finally quit, I decided I wanted to do some snow dyeing.

Now I had wanted to try snow dyeing ever since I first saw it on someone's blog about three years ago.  An internet search of snow dyeing will take you to various sites, all of which tell you the supplies you need are Procion MX dyes, Synthrapol, soda ash, and, of course, SNOW.

Well, I had the snow. Boy did I have the snow.  But I didn't have any of those harsh chemicals or that expensive dye.  So I mentally considered my favorite saying (often thought when I was performing a math or physics problem in school): "What do I need, what do I have?"  Other than snow, I had nothing.

First, I knew I needed a COLD dye, so I knew Rit dye was out of the question.  Second, I knew I needed something I could use with water, which meant my Staz-on reinkers and 91% alcohol were out of the question.

As I sat in the cozy warmth of my office, I mentally reviewed what I had that might dye fabric and stand up to snow.  It hit me that I had

(Clockwise from back left) buckets, fabric (old torn bed sheets), dye reinkers, and food coloring.

Being the anal organized person I am, I keep all my reinkers separated.  One container has the dye reinkers, so I got them out, along with my food coloring.  I tore the old sheet into usable lengths, and got ready to get my virgin snow.  By using the old sheet, I didn't have to worry about removing the sizing from the fabric with soda ash, and I didn't need the other harsh chemicals, either.  Nor did I need a mask to pour the dye powder into the snow.

All the blogs you visit will tell you to place the fabric in the bottom of the bucket, but I only did that with the small, flat bucket in front.  I scrunched and mingled snow with fabric in the other two.  That may or may not have been a good idea.  Only time will tell.

For the first tray, I used the last of my yellow food coloring and some pink Stampin' Up dye ink.  Sorry, I'm not sure what the color was, and these dye inks are so old, they may not even make that color anymore.

For the first large bucket, I went crazy with the green food coloring and used every bit I had.  I also used all my blue food coloring, from both boxes.   I had previously placed two pieces of fabric in the snow.

For the last  bucket, I used green, blue, and the same pink Stampin' Up reinkers.  I also tried to get more yellow food coloring out of the container.

You can see I've already found a good place for the bucket with the green and blue food coloring.

Now I realize you're going to say that every site you visit will tell you to place these buckets in a warm place, but I decided this was not Procion MX dye, so I didn't need to warm the snow.  I figured it would melt eventually, and hopefully would soak in a bit when it did.

About two and a half hours later, I checked on the fabric to see if the snow had done anything.  It appeared that the dye had dissipated a bit and was starting to do its thing.  In fact, it looked like a large snow cone the syrup had been sucked out of, at least on the top layers. 

A peek at the fabric showed it might just make it!  Although I have no real expectations, since I'm not using those caustic chemicals, I am still thrilled that there is even a little color on the sheets.  Only time (and melting snow) will tell!!

I hope this has piqued your interest and you'll be back tomorrow when I remove the snow.