After my post on how to make burlap flowers, I tried to think of something new for more colorful flowers. Ombre is very popular and a beautiful look so I decided to try to make ombre burlap flowers. It turned out to be very easy so I am sharing what I learned with you!
I also have a tip sheet about working with burlap is my Resource Library that you can get.
Materials and Tools to make DIY Ombre Burlap Flowers
- Dye
- Protective Gloves
- Small cup
- Work Surface
- Burlap Flowers
Details about the Materials and Tools
- Dye: For my dye, I went to my stash to see what I had on hand. I choose Evening Blue RIT dye. Whatever brand you use, read the instructions.
- Protective Gloves: I keep latex gloves on hand for messy projects
- Small cup: Use a cup that will fit a single burlap flower. I use glass when working with dye so I can get them completely clean after the project.
- Work Surface: I worry that some day I will spill a dye project so I work on a surface that has “walls” to contain a spill. In this case, it’s a jelly-roll pan lined with parchment paper
- Burlap Flowers: You can learn how easy it is to make these in my DIY Burlap Flowers post.
I started by making a few new flowers but without stems. The stems can easily be added later. Because I wasn’t sure how the burlap would take dye, I made three of the white flowers from burlap that I washed first, just a light rinse and squeeze to help remove sizing, then let dry before making into flowers.
Use your dye at full strength. For the RIT dye, the instructions are to mix the dry packet with two (2) cups of hot water. I did not dilute it further. I poured the dye into small cups that were just the right size for a single flower. Pour enough of the dye into the cup so that it just touches the bottom of the petals.
Wearing the protective gloves, grab one of the burlap flowers by some of the petals and lower it into the dye. You will need to hold the flower in the dye bath for a few seconds as the burlap begins to absorb the liquid. If you just set it in the dye, there will be too much air in the burlap and the flower will float and tip over.
In less than a minute, you will see the capillary action taking place as the burlap fiber pulls the liquid up into the petals.
Leave the flowers in the dye for about 15 to 20 minutes. I tried leaving them in longer and did not get any more capillary action.
The “natural” color burlap did not take the dye up into the petals. It did a great job of accepting the dye but no capillary action. I may have to try pre-washing some with a detergent to see if that helps.
With my second natural color burlap flower, I dipped the tips of the petals into the dye for just a few seconds. This one is not an ombre burlap flower but I really like how it looks!
The picture above is the final result of my test flowers. I think my attempt at Ombre Burlap Flowers was mostly a success. The burlap that I pre-rinsed was the best at getting the ombre effect.
The next step for these flowers will be to add stems and centers then add them to my bouquet.
You can get my 5-page set of tips for working with burlap plus get the patterns to all my DIY and craft projects in my Resource Library by signing up for my weekly newsletter.
For the holidays, I dyed burlap in red and green and made them into a centerpiece lit with LEDs,
If you want to remember how to make your own ombre burlap flowers and share the idea with your friends, Pin this DIY Ombre Burlap Flowers to your favorite Pinterest Board.
Brilliant Tracy I have already made a burlap flower
That’s awesome! Come on over to my Facebook group and post a picture! I’d love to see your flower and what you made from it. https://www.facebook.com/groups/TracyLynnCrafts