DIY $7 Tapestry
When I saw that College Dorm Hacks was became a new Instructables contest, I knew this one was worth sharing. I am currently a student at Christopher Newport University and my roommates and I are always looking for something to decorate our common room and take up wall space.
If you're like us, then you know tapestries can cost from $30-$50+ and that just doesn't work with a student budget. This one only costed us about $7 total.
If you like what you see, please vote for it in the dorm hacks contest by clicking the little trophy in the corner!(:
If you're like us, then you know tapestries can cost from $30-$50+ and that just doesn't work with a student budget. This one only costed us about $7 total.
If you like what you see, please vote for it in the dorm hacks contest by clicking the little trophy in the corner!(:
Collect Your Materials
Alright, let the thriftiness begin.
First you'll want to take a trip to Target or Walmart. There we found an extra large twin sheet, perfect to cover up our whole wall. Even better, we got it for only $4 on clearance.
Also pick up some rubber bands and heavy duty command hooks if you don't already have them.
Next, take a stop at Food Lion or your local grocery store and pick up a $3 pack of food coloring. To my amazement I couldn't seem to find the liquid drops but it turns out that the gel food coloring works fine. We found out that the lighter colors (yellow, orange, pink) do not work as well as the darker colors.
You'll want to collect some water bottles too to squirt the dye onto your sheet.
First you'll want to take a trip to Target or Walmart. There we found an extra large twin sheet, perfect to cover up our whole wall. Even better, we got it for only $4 on clearance.
Also pick up some rubber bands and heavy duty command hooks if you don't already have them.
Next, take a stop at Food Lion or your local grocery store and pick up a $3 pack of food coloring. To my amazement I couldn't seem to find the liquid drops but it turns out that the gel food coloring works fine. We found out that the lighter colors (yellow, orange, pink) do not work as well as the darker colors.
You'll want to collect some water bottles too to squirt the dye onto your sheet.
Wrap Up Your Sheet
Next up, you'll want to grab some rubber bands and get to wrapping, twisting and scrunching.
Here's a url if you need some ideas:
http://www.bystephanielynn.com/2015/06/tie-dye-folding-techniques-16-vibrant-tie-dye-patterns-tiedyeyoursummer.html
Here's a url if you need some ideas:
http://www.bystephanielynn.com/2015/06/tie-dye-folding-techniques-16-vibrant-tie-dye-patterns-tiedyeyoursummer.html
Make the Dye
Take a water bottle and squirt in several drops of food coloring and then mix in hot water.
I discovered that the color does fade after drying it so more dye works better than less.
Create your colors in the different water bottle and then put the lid on. Grab a pushpin and poke some holes in the lid.
I discovered that the color does fade after drying it so more dye works better than less.
Create your colors in the different water bottle and then put the lid on. Grab a pushpin and poke some holes in the lid.
Begin to Dye
Time to get creative! Like I said, the lighter colors didn't really show up when it was all done so our orange and yellow disappeared. If I did it again, I'd probably stick more to darker colors like green and red.
Really saturate your sheet with the color and be sure to get into all the spaces.
When you're done dyeing, leave the rubber bands on and put it into a plastic bag for about 24hrs.
Really saturate your sheet with the color and be sure to get into all the spaces.
When you're done dyeing, leave the rubber bands on and put it into a plastic bag for about 24hrs.
Let Sit and Then Dry
After you let it sit for a day, take off the rubber bands and throw it in the dryer.
At my college, the dryers have a combined white and color selection that lasts for 60mins.
Do a little bit more waiting and then you're almost done!
At my college, the dryers have a combined white and color selection that lasts for 60mins.
Do a little bit more waiting and then you're almost done!
Hang It Up
If you're in college, you know that command hooks are you're only choice for hanging stuff up. Do pick up some heavy duty command hooks and clips.
Now take a step back and admire your work.(: Thanks for taking the time to read my Instructable and I'd love for you all to share your tie dye creations in the comments.
Don't forget to vote for me in the Dorm Hacks Contest! Thanks.
Now take a step back and admire your work.(: Thanks for taking the time to read my Instructable and I'd love for you all to share your tie dye creations in the comments.
Don't forget to vote for me in the Dorm Hacks Contest! Thanks.