Dye projects are great for springtime because you can set them up outdoors and enjoy the warm weather. They’re also a great way to camouflage stains and imperfections on clothes, or transform basic solids into spring and summer-worthy prints. If you’ve ever found great pieces at Goodwill that have small bleach stains etc., this is the perfect way to give those pieces a unique, stylish overhaul.
What is discharge dyeing? Discharge dyeing is a method of dye removal (it behaves somewhat like bleach). Wherever you apply the ‘dye,’ color will be removed, allowing you to create fun patterns and textures. Some discharge dyes will both remove the base fabric dye and apply a new dye. You could use this, for example, to paint orange flowers on a navy t-shirt in one easy step.
What you will need:
-Discharge paste or de-colorant (buy online or at specialty art stores)
-Brushes, leaves, silk screens, stamps string or other tools for applying the dye
-Colored cotton or silk clothing from Goodwill (This works well on cotton T-shirts, but not on polyester.)
-Iron (to set the dye)
-Rag or scrap clothing from Goodwill
Set out tables covered in newspapers with brushes, cups of water, and all of 
your stamps, leaves and other printing materials. If you’re printing on shirts or other clothing the dye might bleed through it’s a good idea to place a piece of cardboard in between the fabric layers.
Once you’re set up, make sure to read the instructions on your discharge paste as instructions may vary. Typically you apply the paste to a stamp, a leaf, or apply it directly to the fabric with a brush. You can stamp almost anything. For instance, try toy car wheels (run the wheels in the paste and onto your shirt to create track marks); or use a #2 pencil eraser to make polka dots. Once you are happy with your design leave it to dry in the sun or in a warm, dry place. Once the dye is 
completely dry, cover it with a rag and use an iron to heat set the de-colorant (use the right setting for the fabric you’re using). Once set it’s a good idea to wash separately to ensure that the de-colorant doesn’t bleed onto other clothes. After a wash or two you should be able to wash normally (check instructions to be sure).
This is a fun project to do with friends and could be a great spring party idea. With so many different, great spring clothes to choose from at Goodwill, you’ll be sure to end up with a one-of- a-kind dyed piece that you’ll be able to wear all summer long. Support your community by shopping at Goodwill, and try out this fun project with your friends.
