Dyeing beads

[Charlie60]

Any ideas on how to dye bone beads?? I need something that won't run with perspiration. THANKS!!

[Polly]

I'm not sure what to recommend for bright colors (fabric dyes might work), but here is some good general advice for coloring bone beads.

For a natural antique look, try soaking any of the white bone beads in tea, coffee or ink to simulate old ivory. Experiment with different liquids to find your preferred color(s)! Whatever antiquing method you use, be sure to wash your items well and test your antiquing for "colorfastness" before making finished jewelry.

I believe that our batik bone beads are made by applying wax first, to prevent some sections from picking up the color.

[briensmith]

You will need unfinished wooden beads that you can purchase at any craft supply store. These beads are sold in bulk quantities and come in various sizes.

Fabric dye, like RitDye

Florists wire

Slim leather cord or chain to strings finished beads on.

After you have selected the unfinished wooden beads you want, string them on the leather cord or chain to determine how many beads you will need to create the necklace or bracelet.

Then remove the beads and string them on the florist’s wire. Leave a few inches of wire free on each end for you to hold during the dying process and bend the wire upwards.

Mix fabric dye according to manufacturer’s directions in a small glass bowl.
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Submerge the beads on the wire into the dye and agitate the beads slightly as they soak in the dye for 2-6 minutes, depending on the color shade you desire.

When the beads have reached the desired color, remove them from the dye and hang the wire with the beads up to dry for 24 hours. Place paper towel under the beads to catch any drips.

Thanks

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[daverobertson]

I was asked a similar question at a recent Rings & Things bead show.

A customer saw the tag "MUD BONE" on a strand of what I would call batik bone beads from East Africa.  She wanted to know what "mud bone" means.  I guessed it meant the bone was dyed with mud having certain minerals in it, like how iron can stain things orangish. 

I just found a web page that discusses the name "mud-cloth beads", for the same sort of beads.  They say it's a comparison to the look of (but not the process used in making) certain styles of fabric in Mali. 

Anyone know more about these beads and names? 

[Russ Nobbs]

I think the name refers to the patterns on mud cloth, rather than the dying or staining technique as that is more like batik with a resist that prevents the stain reaching the bone.

[godbless]

1. Soak the beads for about 15 minutes in a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar. This will soften the surface.
2. Dye the beads by soaking them in a bowl of powdered flavored drink mix, such as Kool-Aid, mixed with water. Soak the beads until they have reached the color you want.
3. Rinse the beads with water to get rid of access coloring and place them in bags or container

[daverobertson]

Hi, godbless,

  Maybe you should credit the source of the directions you provided: ehow.com

Let's give fair credit and NOT be spammy!