Ombre Canvas Totes {DIY}

I'm sure I'm not the only one that has noticed how the ombre trend is trickling into home decor. I have been enamored with it in fashion and I'm glad to see creative ideas for interiors too.

I'm a sucker for a good centerpiece, and I just love this one. Even the place cards are gradient!

Source: rangolijewellery.blogspot.com via Michelle on Pinterest

This coverlet from Urban Outfitters is a perfect example (and ruffles too, hello!).

Source: urbanoutfitters.com via Michelle on Pinterest

So, I had to try my hand at OMBRE! I had to start small....I mean I haven't dyed anything since doing tie-dye t-shirts in high school (and high school is becoming fuzzy), so canvas totes seemed like a good project. Can you handle one more project for the laundry room? I hope so! Before the Laundry Room redo, I used these canvas totes to organize light bulbs and extension cords. I didn't think they made the cut, but I still felt like I needed them, and too much storage you can never have. The problem was, when I put them in their current condition in the laundry room, they looked dingy.

I found this type of dye at Walmart, I didn't even know there was any other fabric dye other than Rit, but I decided to give Tulip a try. The color selection is limited, but they have turquoise and I looked no further.

I followed the directions, boiled a gallon of water (notice the steam) and stirred in the dye. I put the tote in the mixture and let the dye start absorbing. Like I said though, I have never really done this sort of thing...I thought that the canvas would just keep absorbing to the top, but it did not. After 45 minutes, the color never rose more than three or so inches

I was a little disappointed that the color didn't go further, but it was just a matter of inexperience. It finally dawned on me to get a lighter color, do a quick dunk in the dye.....so I dunked each side quickly in the dye bath (wear gloves!). To get it even lighter along the top, I used the sprayer and rinsed some of the dye out.


I did all three totes in the same bath and let them dry overnight. I am really pleased with the results!


I had to do a little rearranging on top of the cabinets, but they fit just fine!

They don't look dingy anymore!

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