Wednesday, July 3, 2013

The "Summer of Love" Look Updated

Back in my youthful, cash-strapped days, I made tie-dyed pillowcases for gifts to my family. Some of the ideas included below could be fun summer projects. I recommend using Rit dye and following the directions for colorful projects which should not fade. I have not had success using herbs as dyes. They tend to be fugitive in sunlight. Please let me know if you were inspired to try some projects by sending me a picture of the finished project.
"Just so we're clear, the hippies did not invent tie-dye. Yes, they may have perfected the psychedelic variety and forever linked the technique to the Summer of Love, but tie-dyeing is actually an ancient method used all over the world. Japanese shibori has been around since the eighth century. Tie-dyeing is also found in Peru, India, Africa and Indonesia.

Tie-dying can produce subtle rippling patterns. It's the perfect wabi-sabi* (see below) art, because it can never be controlled 100 percent. Every piece of tie-dye is unique.

In decorating it adds soft, organic shape and texture. It can be modern, bohemian, colorful or neutral.

Here are 11 examples of tie-dye on cushions, walls, beds and rugs. And there's hardly a hippie room among them.
The watery stripes on these tie-dye throw pillows mirror both the colors and the feeling of the painting above.
A subtle brown and yellow tie-dyed pillow lives quite comfortably in this modern eclectic room. It brings a little movement in among all those hard lines.
eclectic bedroom by Chris Snook
by Chris Snook
Another marriage of tie-dye and a more modernist aesthetic. When used like this, tie-dye can be the main focal point of a room.
I love the soft, earthy feeling of the brown and turquoise on this pillow. The pillow goes perfectly with that Cisco Brothers pouf.
This tie-dye-inspired flokati rug is both a colorful statement piece and the perfect grounding item for this boho eclectic room. It's'70s, but not ironically so.
This wall is certainly not really tie-dyed, but it has that same soft, organic look. It's like a super close-up of agate or lapis. Simply gorgeous.
Another tie-dye-inspired wall covering.
You don't even notice at first that these hot-pink curtains are tie-dyed. But they are, and they work.
eclectic rugs by CB2
by CB2
Tie Dye Rug - $299.00 »
I love the subtle tie-dye pattern on this area rug. This could work even in a traditional room. There's nothing hippie about it.
eclectic pillows by John Robshaw Textiles
by John Robshaw Textiles
John Robshaw Textiles Ooo Tie Dye Pillows - $190.00 »
John Robshaw is known for his gorgeous patterns inspired by ancient designs from around the world. This beauty, inspired by shibori, is no exception.
Tie-Dye Printed Wall Covering »
In this neutral room, the tie-dye-pattern wallpaper evokes wood grain and a cozy cabin feel without being too woodsy.
Tie-Dye, by Shabd Simon-Alexander - $22.99 »
Shabd Simon Alexander is a master of gorgeous, subtle tie-dye, and this book is chockablock with how-tos and good ideas.


*Wabi-Sabi= Some object that is still beautiful despite imperfection. For example, a slab of wood with a crack or a flower that is beginning to love petals. It represents the passage of time and a life cycle we all experience. 
Posted by at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)