Friday, February 12, 2010

~ Instant Coffee Crystals and Peonies ~


" Remember these were stark white when I started.."

I am really drawn to tea stained colors. I thought I might try to see if I can successfully stain some white peony flower stems that I have had since last Spring. I took the flowers off the stems and put a small amount of instant coffee crystals in a flat dish. I then took the flower and dipped it in water and then dipped it in the coffee crystals in the dish mushing and twirling the flower the whole time. I then let them air dry. I love tea stain, but sometimes it is too subtle so I find that coffee crystals give a richer tone-almost a sepia tone. It also smells great as well......

11 comments:

  1. They turned out so pretty, I love staining with coffee too, I have to have that aged look on things! Sometimes I add vanilla to the coffee, it makes it smell so good! Theresa

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  2. ...these are gorgeous!! Have you also tried walnut crystals, and a splash of pure vanilla??
    It gives it an even deeper, french grungier look!! But be careful, it's addicting, and you will be looking around for other things to grunge!! xo

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  3. fabulous! i tend to stain things with coffee rather than tea, also...

    mary

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  4. Oh my.. I'm going to try this.. I love how these came out.. and I always have a hard time finding the sepia tone flowers to group with my cream/white color flowers...I never thought of using coffee cystals!! I bet it would look great on white hydranga flowers I have too! Thanks for stopping by and checking out my new room I am decorating.. I want to put on top of that white shabby cupboard a bouquet of white and sepia hydrangas.. I am really loving the feel of this room ! its my little getaway just for me!

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  5. They are beautiful! Have a great weekend Ciao Rita mammabellarte

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  6. How amazing!!! Makes me want to go buy some instant coffee!! :)

    Makes me want to brew a pot, too.... Hmmm... :)

    Ruth

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  7. You did a wonderful job and they look so pretty. A couple people mention vanilla, now that is a great idea for them smelling good.

    Enjoy your Evening-

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  8. Your peonies look beautiful! Thank you for sharing your beautiful idea. Besos, Rose

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  9. Your flowers are just lovely. I must try this...julie

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  10. Absolutely beautiful, Tiina. You capture "patina" better than any blog I visit!!

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  11. very pretty posies..dolls usually are scary to me for some reason but this one is adorable. jennifer jennsthreegraces

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