Inkodye Upcycle

Upcycling is the art of making something old into something new (no need for something borrowed or something blue). Inkodye is no more, but SolarFast is here to save the day! This tutorial works even better using SolarFast than it did with Inkodye!

Shopping list:

• Inkodye (or Jacquard SolarFast)- Red Violet was used in this project
• Something to Upcycle
• Foam Brushes

Let's get started!

Find something in the back of your closet or in an old drawer, perhaps even something that you've been thinking about throwing away. Then, apply Inkodye and step out into the sun to watch your item transform right before your eyes. It's that simple!

Inkodye is the perfect solution for projects like these because it is extremely permanent and will not fade or rub off when washed. So you can transform your entire wardrobe without worrying about bleeding colors and without subjecting your washing machine to scary chemicals.

Find something to upcycle.

In my case that involved going through the good 'ole back of the closet.

Decide color and placement.

I decided that Red Violet Inkodye on the sleeves and trim would do the trick!

Prepare to apply Inkodye.

I used a standard sponge brush and watered my Inkodye down a bit.

Mix it up.

For even results you'll want to make sure your dye is well mixed before you start.

Apply your Inkodye.

I started with the big areas I wanted to dye first, be careful not to drip!

Do the details.

I used the same brush, but you could switch to a smaller one for more control.

Watch for bleeding.

Because I thinned my Inkodye it was more prone to bleeding, using seams helps.

Flipping your item.

Make sure you don't get drips and moisture from wet areas onto dry ones when you flip.

Try to evenly saturate.

Areas that are less wet than others may develop as a slightly lighter color.

Accessorize.

While you've got your Inkodye and tools out, why not do a few items?

Take out into the sunshine.

You'll get your color in 5-8 minutes in the sun, a bit longer with pesky clouds.

Let it dry or give it a wash.

You can let it dry naturally in the sun or give it a wash to rinse out excess dye.

Wear with pride.

You've just turned something outdated into something awesome!