We’re taking a much-needed break at the shop this week before we kick into the next round of weddings, so we finally had a little time to do a fun crafty project! We’ve caught the tie-dyeing bug (we have a party planned with the gals for later this month), and this project is an inexpensive way to add a handmade and colorful look to your summer table. The stars of the show are Wasara biodegradable paper cups in simple but beautiful shapes that look perfect with just a few blooms inside . . . easy! — Studio Choo

The full how-to and more pictures are after the jump!

We made our dyes from natural plant materials, but you could also use store-bought dye. We wanted to use shades of red, purple and blue with a fairly monochromatic look, so we gathered some bearded iris, beets and dahlias and threw in a bit of yarrow and eucalyptus to mix it up. Some plants will work better than others — the beets made for the strongest color we used.

To make a natural dye, you’ll need to gather plant material, chop/cut it into small pieces, add it to a pot with two cups water to one cup plant material, and simmer for at least an hour. Use a separate pot to make each color. The longer you let it simmer, the more concentrated the color will be. Then strain the plant material out and let the colored liquid cool in a bowl.