Right now colored powder dyes are all the rage- the sheer number of them I’ve reviewed in the past month is pretty astounding. But what if you don’t have the big bucks for those powdered dyes? If you have a dollar, you can have a full set of ten…. if you use Kool-Aid or other powdered drink mixes.
I made you a video, but here’s the skinny:
- use an UNSWEETENED drink mix- it won’t get sticky.
- Snip the corner and sprinkle onto watercolor paper or heavy card stock.
- Mist with water to see the colors come alive!
It’s certainly cheap, and the dyes are food-safe so you don’t have to worry so much about them flying about. And if you get some up your nose, in your mouth, or on your hands…well, YUMMY!
Take a look!
And here’s a better look at those paper samples!
This textured paper is stunning with powdered drink-mix dyes!
Results on watercolor paper.
Linda Gorman’s Stunning Card. Click the photo to go to her website. 🙂
Another sample.
To compare: Kool-Aid on the left, Primary Elements on the right.
If you still want to invest in an expensive set of powdered dyes- go ahead! They will be more archival and give you brighter and more permanent results. But if you just want a cheap alternative for a kids group, or to play around a bit before you commit to a bigger purchase, this might be fun for you!
Thoughts, crafty friends??
See my related reviews:
- Brusho (affiliate link to purchase)Â
- Colorburst (affiliate link to purchase)
- Primary Elements (affiliate link to purchase)Â
- Magical from Lindy’s Stamp Gang (affiliate link to purchase)Â
- Tonic Studios Dies Unboxing and Giveaway! - April 20, 2018
- Wax Paper Resist Background Technique - March 20, 2018
- Comparison of Liquid Watercolor Markers/Pens - March 16, 2018
- SAI Japanese Traditional Watercolor Brush Markers- Review & Demo - February 23, 2018
- Rinea Metallic Foil Paper & Ghost Ink Review - February 21, 2018
- Jane Davenport debuts at Creativation 2018 & Watercolor Card - February 13, 2018
- Creativation 2018: New Product Showcase - January 20, 2018
- “OLT” Craft Challenge for 2018 - January 16, 2018
- Cutting Shrink Film with a Cricut Die Cutting Machine - January 12, 2018
- Nuvo Aqua Shimmer Glitter Brush Pen Review from Tonic, Demo & Comparison - January 9, 2018
Wow! Would never have thought to use Kool-Aid. Thanks for showing and i will have to try this.
Well, good grief! Your videos and reviews are always “spot on”. Thanks for the great tip. I have a set of Brushos, but if my Grandkids stop over, “hey, Koolaid!” Thanks so much.
What a neat idea. Will have to try this.
I was wondering if that would work. We use kool aid to dye sheep’s wool before spinning. It workes great and is pretty color fast if fixed with vinegar.
Love it! Am a fellow Vermonter!!!