DIY Kit: Numbered Ombre Napkins

This is kind of a grown-up version of making Easter eggs. You still get the pretty spring colors, but the end result has a practical purpose — and you’re not eating blue hard-boiled eggs for a week.

This tutorial uses Fairgood's By the Numbers Napkin Kit and features Neil Summerour’s Lust.

By the Numbers Napkin Kit, which includes four cotton napkins, vinyl numbers, and fabric dye powder (four pastel colors).
4 tsp. salt
2 cups warm water
Atomizer (If you’re using multiple colors, having an atomizer or spray bottle for each color would be easier, but it's not necessary.)
Iron
Paper towels
Large piece of cardboard

Fill a measuring cup with half a cup of warm water. Stir in one teaspoon of salt until it dissolves, then add two teaspoons of dye. Fill an atomizer or spray bottle and set aside.

Fold your napkin however you prefer. We folded them in half lengthwise, then over three times. Place on a large piece of cardboard to protect your work surface.

Unfold the napkin and turn over. On the cotton setting (no steam), iron the back of the napkin (where the vinyl is) for about 30 seconds. Check to make sure the the number has adhered properly. Don’t put away your iron, because you’ll need it again in the next step.

You’re ready to apply the dye now. Flip the napkin over and smooth out. Hold your atomizer about five inches away from the napkin and spray the solution. To create an ombre effect, use more dye on the bottom of the napkin and then lighten as you go up. Pat excess dye off the vinyl number with a paper towel and then quickly flip the napkin over and iron again to dry.

Turn the napkin back over and carefully peel off the sticker. Repeat the steps with the next three napkins using a different color (or the same one) for each number.

Use these napkins for your Easter dinner, wedding decor, or birthday celebration.