Although using natural or eco-friendly products to begin with is one way to be green, repurposing and using items to their fullest extent is another. Some items have a little more to give; it just takes a little effort. So when we ran across this method of using dried out markers as dye, our thoughts went just aflutter!
Rosi Jo, a kindergarten teacher from Italy, wasn't crazy about the fact that so many markers end up in the trash can each year. And having worked for several local school systems, I can agree 100%!
She has two daughters and together they decided that more could be done with the dried-up misfits. Their idea is simple: just remove the inside core and place in a jar of warm water. After a little time, the ink will rehydrate and leech back into the jar. You can then dye everything from paper noodles, possibly even ribbon or raffia for assorted craft projects.
Although we're not condoning the eating of the dye (though heavens knows we've probably ingested an entire marker over our lifetime), we think it's a great idea to make something a little unusual with what you have on hand. Check out more of her handiwork over at Rosi Jo.
(Via Creative Jewish Mom. Image: Rosi Jo)
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Hi Sarah,
I can't explain you how I'm glad and honored to see my method to recycle old makes here. Thanks, thanks, thanks!
I must report a wrong:
I put them in methylated spirits (alcohol) for a few days and not in warm water. It's completly different.
if you like look here this iteams is complitely realized in this method.
Good night, Rosi
Fantastic idea!
Can't believe I never thought to try this with the zillion markers I have sitting around! Very fun.
Back in college, one of the girls in my dorm did that with her old highlighters. She'd leech the ink into mason jars and use them as decorative accents. I had totally forgotten about it until this post. Excellent work Rosi! Fantastic idea.
That's cool. I wonder if you could mix the dyes with vinegar to make acid dye for animal fibre. I dye my own yarn from time to time using food dyes. I guess I could try it out!
I clicked over to Rosi Jo's site to see the curtain she made. Wow! It looks amazing. I'll have to remember this idea, because the colors are so bright and clear, it's hard to believe they came from reconstituted markers!