Hi everyone!  I thought I would pop in this weekend since I actually had time to get to one of the DIY’s on my to-do list!

A ways back I found this steal of a lamp at Marshall’s.  It was only $26 and is a 30 pound crystal Drexel Heritage lamp.  Yes, you read that right $26 and it was originally $130!

I fell in love with it and knew I would find a place for it.  I have plans brewing in the back of my mind for Audrey’s (my youngest) big-girl room.  I plan on doing it in palette of grey and pale pink and I have been picking up things for it here and there.

The only problem was that the shade the lamp came with was this cream (almost yellow) color, and it did not go with my envisioned palette.  So I decided to try to dye the lampshade.  I figured I could always buy a new one if the project went terribly wrong, so I really had nothing to lose.

Here is what you will need:

• Rit Dye- $2.79 (can be found at most craft stores).  I used a soft color called Pearl Grey.
• Salt
• Hot water
• Rubber gloves
• Ribbon or trim (optional)

Here is what you do.  I don’t have photos because you want to move fast when you do this and I didn’t want to end up with stained clothes or a stained kitchen!

• Using gloves, add the Rit Dye and 1 cup of salt to very hot water.  I used the hottest tap water I could get, but if you need it hotter, you could always boil water and add it. I did this project in a stainless steel kitchen sink because it was the only place that would fit my large drum shade.  It is also important to note that you should not do a project like this in a bathtub.   It can stain the porcelain.  You can use it in a washing machine or a large bucket  if you are dying clothes or larger items of fabric.

• Use a spoon to ensure the dye is completely mix in.

• Test the dye with a scrap piece of fabric or a paper towel to make sure it is the right color.

• Let the object sit in the dye for 10-30 minutes depending on how dark you want the color to be.  I had to rotate mine in the dye several times to ensure even coverage.

• Rinse or wash the item in cool water.  I just rinsed mine with cold water a few times to make sure the die was gone.

I also recommend making sure then entire work surface you are working near is covered with trash bags or some plastic lining because the dye can stain.

Overall, I am very impressed with the Rit Dye.  My biggest concern was that it was going to add too much color, but it ended up being very subtle.  Here is a before and after.

I then simply glued on some Greek key trim and I feel like I have a really elegant lamp for my little lady’s room for only about $30.

Have you ever used Rit Dye?  I think it would be great to use to dye inexpensive white curtains or even an old duvet cover.  It comes in a variety of colors so the options are endless!

Linking up to Thrifty Decor Chick and Thrifty Thursday.  Head on over to see all of the inspiration!