Vintage Paper Tutorial | My Secret (not so secret) Coffee Dye Technique

a little coffee. a little paper.

There is something fabulous about taking every day cardstock paper and giving it a history. A story if you will. We paper artists love to take what is raw and make it something special. And that's just what this technique today is all about.

Coffee Dyeing Masterclass

What is coffee-dyed paper, you say? 

First of all, it does not have to only be coffee. Brewed tea is invited to this party too. Coffee dyed paper is simply cardstock or even patterned paper that is dipped in coffee, leftover or even freshly brewed, allowed to dry, to then reveal an aged, sort of vintagey paper ready to tell a story.

Today on the YouTube channel I am sharing a Masterclass of my start to finish process that provides wonderfully dyed paper ready for the making, layering, embellishing, and all that we love to do with paper.

What you will need is:

• coffee or tea
• papers
• tray or work surface
• a place for them to dry
• die cuts
• and curiosity

Taking three different cardstocks, a couple different pattern papers, we will create differing results based on that particular substrate. It's not about one type of paper surface better than another. It's just different results.

In today's video you will see each of those papers. Before. After. and even during as they all do not play the same. Such a fun way to explore and discover. Plus an invitation for you to explore what you love about this technique too.

Not only are we making background papers come to vintage goodness, we will also be exploring the why of die cut pieces. Why I die cut before dying. Why that can bring a unique finish. Why pre made die cuts come in clutch every time.

But wait. There's more. Now what can you make with these dyed papers?

First of all I am a fan of having a stash of papers at the ready for whatever my mind has been mulling over. It's always good to have pre-made supplies at one's finger tips.

Secondly, what can you make? Anything you would already make:

• MemoryDex cards
• tags
• card fronts
• journal pages
• collage
• paper assemblage
• pockets
• envelopes
• labels
• botanical die cuts
• backgrunds

Sometimes the best use for transformed papers is simply to add it to your stash and wait for the right time or project.

Watch the full Coffee Dye Masterclass

Let's simply explore and make for the love of making. Schedule time in your life. Slow down. And simply enjoy what you discover.

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As well, leave a comment too. I absolutely love hearing from my creative friends. I always do my best to respond in kind.

Keep making!

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