Colorful Pine Needle Playtime

I had the best time this summer playing around with dyeing pine needles. I spent over a week experimenting with different combinations of dyes, glycerin and salt to come up with some really unique colors. I wasn't sure what some of the combinations would produce, so I got a surprise every time that I took the lid off of the roasting pot. I also put most of the batches of freshly dyed pine needles into a vinegar bath to help further set the colors. I sprayed them off several times with water using my hose in my backyard before putting them in my garden shed to dry for a few weeks. Our dog, Jules, wasn't quite sure what was going on, but she was happy to get lots of playtime with me in the backyard much of the time.

I felt like a kid playing for a week. I wore the same old grungy clothes everyday and didn't think about anything else. It was a wonderful escape from the challenges that are going on in the world right now, especially in our own country. I have enough dyed pine needles to last for a very long time and can't wait to get making baskets with them.

Enjoy!