I forced myself to do some DIY goodness today. I had an old white wool shag rug I got from Overstock about 5 years ago.
It had been banished to the guest room because it sheds like a German Shepard ...
So. I have had Beni Ourain rugs on my wish list for a while, and decided to finally attempt my idea of dying my white wool one myself. First I mulled through some patterns...
and decided on a basic criss-cross...
safe, will go tailored or eclectic, whatever my mood.
Next I bought some black Rit dye and mixed it up in an empty spray bottle with some salt...
Did a test swatch. Wanted it a bit darker, so I added more dye.
And then I got to work. First I laid it out with a dropcloth underneath. Next I "drew" my first line in with a ruler...
I took 2 old plastic cutting boards (mine were from IKEA, super cheaps!) and an old ruler and began parting the rug into sections along the line, using the cutting boards as protective guards...
I used a bucket and a yoga block to hold them up (use what you got!)...
and I sprayed on the dye.
You will need to massage it in so wear gloves. Just keep repeating as you move down the line...
And repeat and repeat and repeat...
ANd repeat...
So this is where I am at. Check back in a day or two to see it finished and dry in its new room. And I can tell you if there is any weirdness with the dye too. THis takes a while and hurts your back from hunching. You've been warned.
But will be worth it if it works. Free Beni (well almost) and my poor rug gets a new life.
UPDATE: It worked and it passed the sitting on it in white shorts test.
(see here)
23 comments:
Dear Lord, I am soooo intrigued. It's already looking veeeeery promising. Great idea!
That is awesome. Has me thinking I could do the same thing with an entrance rug in my office that has some oil stains (thanks UPS). Wonder if I could change if from stained beige to black? Looking forward to your 'reveal'. Karen
OK seriously you just can do everything can't you? LOVE this so far!
So crafty! I kind of like it in it's unfinished, abstract state too.
This is the best DIY ever! I spent over 2k on my Beni so if this works out I will be bummed/elated for you!
-e (modern24seven.blogspot.com)
you are a genius. plain and simple.
AGAIN with these damn genius ideas...
I am tweeting this NOW
Hot damn! Danika = creative mastermind! Can't wait to see the finished rug.
turn up the rad blog
turn up the rad creative
You are a pure genius! Please God let it work. I have a white shag rug that's in need of a makeover!
That looks SO amazing !! Cant wait to see it all finished.
xxLily
goldandgray.com
Never would I have thought of this! Amazing! Just another genius idea - add it to the list. Can't wait to see it totally done, although it's looking mighty fine now!
This is insanity. I wish I could live in your brain for just a day! I can't wait to see how it turns out.
I've been diggin those rugs too. Great job! Can't wait to see it in a rom!
You are so creative and daring. And hunched over.
Wow! You are creative. I would have never in a million years thought that up. Nice work! Can't wait to see the finished product.
it looks so cool! i've thought about doing this, myself. i love i!
Love this!!! Great job.
Oh my gosh!!! I can't wait to do this asap. Genius!
Your rug looks great! What a cool idea too... I've got this linked to my rugs post as well today, nice job!
This is fantastic Danika! I did an overdyed rug DIY and it turned out great. Great ingenuity! Where did you use the finished product?
Nancy
Powellbrowerhome.com
Hi Nancy! It is in my downstairs guest room due to the shedding factor.
Do you know if this is something I could do on a flokati?
HI Veronica,
I think so- both are wool. I would try to trim a bit of wool of in an unnoticeable spot and do a test to see if it is color fast. Keep me posted!
Post a Comment