DIY Network

Antiquing and Aging Linens Find out how to age and antique your linens for a vintage look. From "Home Made Easy" episode DHME-104

Whether you are going for a vintage look or hope to give old favorite linens a second chance, host Stephanie Lydecker reveals tips on antiquing linens.

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	Host Stephanie Lydecker demonstrates an easy way to age your linens.
	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

Materials:

tea bags
linens
bowls
hot water
cookie sheet or clothesline to dry linens on

Antiquing and Aging Linens

1. The first thing you need to do is select a color:
   • Cranberry tea will add a pale pink to white linens (figure A).

   • Peppermint tea will add a pale green.

   • Traditional teal will tint white linens with a brown shade.

2. To dye a napkin or linen cloth, use one tea bag per item. So, to dye four napkins, use four teabags.

3. Pour hot water in a large bowl or pot and let the tea bags steep for at least three minutes, the longer they steep the stronger the dye.

4. You can always add more water if the dye seems too dark.

5. Dye one napkin at a time (figure B) and stir to distribute the color.

6. When you have the desired color, remove the linen, squeeze any excess water out and let it air dry.

7. One great way to display your doilies is to frame them (figure C). It is a nice way to preserve traditions--like a grandmother's handkerchief, etc.