I've talked before about using frosting color to dye the toy parts. Be sure to use Wilson's as it's the best I've found for color. I use 2 small jars in 3/4's of a bottle of rubbing alcohol. (The alcohol evaporates when it dries) I tried it with only one but 2 really make the colors on the wood bright.
You can find these in the cake decorating supply section of most grocery stores. Please remember to wear gloves when mixing the dye or coloring the parts. I ran out of gloves and this was the result!
Most of this has to wear off!
Wear the gloves! I mix the color right into the rubbing alcohol bottles. It's convient since you all ready have the bottle anyway. Next I put the dye into a large ziploc bag ( or cheapie look a likes) I like to dye quite a few parts at a time. Shake the bag really well to coat the parts.
Looks kinda gory doesn't it?No one was harmed in the making of this dye! After you get the parts dyed to your satisfaction it's time to return the dye you didn't use up back to the bottle. Cut a small corner of the zip loc bag and it will pour back into the bottle. A funnel is a really good idea as it is much neater and you don't waste dye.
And finally drying time! I bought a bunch of these racks at the dollar store and they work great for drying the pieces.
I took this shot so you could see how vivid the color is!
You could also put the dye into a zip loc plastic box and dye the parts that way. I'm going to try it a couple of times to see if it is less messy that the bags.
I've been replacing all the perches with branches I cut in last fall. If you don't have access to a lot of trees ask your local tree trimmer to give/sell you some branches. Just be sure to tell him what kinds are suitable for the birds!. I've drilled small holes in the perches and attached small toy pieces to them. I try to replace them daily.
Nan
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