It’s no secret that I love old things. Just ask Derek (he’s old). There is something about old-looking stuff that makes me feel warm and fuzzy. Now, I’m not saying Derek is old-looking…but, he *does* have a lovely mix of gray/white hair in his beard that really compliments his “I’m hip but wise” vibe. You can’t always nab authentically old things like Derek (I’m super lucky). When you can’t, there are ways to add years without spending a lot of time/money. Today, I’m sharing how I create faux antiqued fabrics through tea staining for an authentic aged vibe that won’t disappoint!
Primitives….
I would like to say that I’ve always known I would have a passion for creating cozy, interior spaces. But it didn’t really dawn on me as something I truly loved until I was an adult – well past college and graduate school and in the thick of my journey into parenthood. Looking back, I can see all the signs that pointed that direction — hindsight is always 20/20.
I remember a particular home decor shop that my mom would walk through anytime we traveled to Laramie for a Walmart trip. We lived in a tiny, isolated mountain town an hour or more from anywhere with a fast food chain. So, these trips were always special — a way for me to beg my dad for the ever-so-rare Happy Meal. We would drop my mom off to shop and go grab lunch. While I had little interest in shopping — I always loved walking through the small home decor shops that my mom would visit, every once in a while adding to her primitive apple collection.
….& Handmade Candies
It was a such cozy and welcoming space. I loved walking through the tightly packed nooks. The space felt less like a store and more like the home of an old friend. The smell of warm vanilla and cinnamon wafted through the air from a wax melt and little primitive treasures were arranged neatly inside chippy cabinets and shelves. Often, these comfy little shops offered handmade candies and sweets – and I would make several trips up to the counter for a free sample or two (not much has changed about me…).
My mom would rarely treat herself to a primitive piece of decor or furniture and I grew to love the style — there is something so comforting about old-looking treasures — it’s like a constant in a world that is always changing. For me, “old” stuff (whether authentic or faux) is like a tether to the past — a past that is comforting at the core.
Tea Staining for an Authentic Aged Vibe
The Process of Aging
One take away from my childhood strolls through primitive decor shops is that folks will always appreciate old stuff. There is something about a piece of furniture that is chipped and dingy — or fabric that’s slightly tattered and worn — that brings a sense of old-world charm to your home. However, unless you’re able to spend most of your time (and money) on the hunt for authentic aged goods, you may need to resort to creating that aesthetic yourself. And (good news) you can!
I’ve aged several different types of fabric using a tea staining method. For this project, I wanted to age a pair of ruffled bunting flags and Americana garlands.
I use an extra large soup pot and fill it about 3/4 of water. Turn on the stove top to medium/high heat and let the water begin to simmer.
Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add it 20-30 bags of black tea. I use inexpensive bulk pack tea that is easy to find at any discount or dollar store. Let the bags soak in the pot for twenty to thirty minutes.
Remove the pot from the heat and add in your fabric straight to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to press the fabric down into the pot so that the fabric is completely submerged in the tea. Let the fabric soak for several hours or overnight as able.
Empty the pot and wring out all excess water. I typically air dry but you can also use the delicates setting on your drier depending on they type of fabric you’re dying. If the fabric dries and you’re not satisfied with the shade or want to go for a darker look, you can repeat the process again.
Tea Staining for an Authentic Aged Vibe – Keepin’ it Classic
It’s funny that we spend time trying to make our stuff look old. But it makes sense why we do – aged stuff just looks better (you’re welcome, Derek). In a way, it feels better, too. It’s like that well-worn, comfy pair of shoes that you can’t bear to throw away. There may be a hole in the left toe and the sole of the right shoe might be peeling away but it doesn’t matter because they give you a sense of comfort and familiarity (just ignore the smell). Replicating the time-worn is well worth the effort. Enjoy the aging process, friends. Until next time, peace, love, & light.
