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
- Tuesday Morning Craft Haul- July 2017 - July 27, 2017
- Review and Demo of Sign Brush Felt Tip Markers from Pentel Arts - July 22, 2017
- Mixed Media Paper Feathers - July 18, 2017
- Organizing Distress Stain Ink Pads - July 14, 2017
- Review and demo of On Point Glue from Imagine Crafts - July 12, 2017
- Magic-Glos UV Curing Resin by Lisa Pavelka - July 6, 2017
- “Firecracker” Rice Treat Pops - July 4, 2017
- Dare 2B Artzy Hybrid Stamp Pad- review and demo - June 28, 2017
- Modern Crafts + Activism - June 22, 2017
- Jewelry Tutorial: Making a Resin Pride Pin - June 13, 2017
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!!!