Red roses are a classic, but sometimes your partner would prefer more personalized colors. Professionally dyed roses are sprayed with color, dipped in the dye or allowed to absorb it. The method illustrated in this article, unlike other very expensive ones, requires some easy-to-find tools and 2 to 24 hours of weather.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Purchase the Materials
Step 1. Buy a dozen white roses
Buy more if your project requires more. If you don't find white roses, you can get the same results with very light pink flowers.
If you are disappointed with your florist's selection of roses, you can buy roses online or at a nursery
Step 2. Plan your work plan
You will need a protective cloth or newspaper to place the bowls with the dye on. Plus you will need a DIY cutting mat and a cutter.
If you don't have a cutting mat, you can use cardboard
Step 3. Look for large, sturdy plastic cups
You will need a glass for each color you decide to use. The glasses must be the same size.
Part 2 of 4: Cutting the Stems
Step 1. Arrange the white roses on the counter
If the stems are exposed to the air for too long, they will not absorb the color well. Cut the stems with sharp scissors. They must all have the same length, from 25 to 30 cm. Try to make a clean cut at a 45 degree angle, to increase the absorption area of the stems.
The roses will "drink" the dye through the stems
Step 2. Remove the leaves from the stems
You can use them at the end to fill your bouquet with greenery.
Step 3. If you want to make multicolored roses, divide the stem into three or more parts
This way you can create roses with 3-4 petals of different colors. Spread the stems of the roses on the work surface and make 2 to 4 vertical cuts of about 15 cm.
- For this step it is recommended to use a cutter or a very sharp kitchen knife. Be careful not to cut yourself.
- Use slow movements to avoid cutting the stem entirely. If that happens, you can still get it back. Make a 45 degree cut and use only one color for the tint.
- If you want to dye the petals with different colors, you will need to cut the stem vertically, roll it up and divide it into a maximum of four parts.
Step 4. Group the white roses into different groups, based on the color you will use to dye them
Part 3 of 4: Mixing the Colors
Step 1. Get some food coloring and a jug of water to keep ready on the table
Wear rubber gloves to avoid dyeing your hands.
Step 2. Pour a cup of water (about 250 ml) into each glass
Step 3. Drip the food coloring into each glass
If you have the primary colors (green, red, blue and yellow) you can mix them to get the secondary ones. To create brighter, more nuanced colors, visit this site:
Step 4. Mix the colors with a plastic spoon or stick
Rinse the spoon when it changes color.
Step 5. Make sure to place the glasses with the colors that will be used for a multicolored rose close together
Step 6. Arrange the plastic cups in small cardboard boxes for extra support
Not very resistant glasses will risk falling when you put the roses inside.
Part 4 of 4: Dyeing the Roses
Step 1. Take groups of white roses with the stems facing down and place them inside the glasses with the food coloring
Step 2. Create multicolored roses by placing each section of the split stem in a glass containing a different color
Step 3. Check the roses for 2 to 24 hours
The roses will absorb the food coloring from the stem causing the petals to color. When the petals have reached the color you want, remove them from the glass.
- The thin veins of the petals will have a darker color than the rest of the flower. If you want to make the color of the petals completely homogeneous, you will have to leave the roses in the colored water for twice as long.
- To get a light tint, you will have to wait 2 to 4 hours.
- To get brighter colors, on the other hand, you will have to wait overnight or up to 24 hours.
Step 4. Remove the roses one by one
Discard the dye down a drain. Also wear gloves during this operation as you risk dyeing your hands.
Step 5. Fill a vase with fresh water and some flower preservative
You can buy it in packs in nurseries, garden stores and online. Put the roses inside the vase and admire your masterpiece!
