This week's fun activity... Easy Tie Dye

Traditional tie dye art can be messy and time consuming. BUT…. there is an easier way to achieve a similar look!  Permanent markers, which are not dissolvable in water – make them safe for laundry!  The markers are, however, dissolvable in rubbing alcohol, which is how we can get the faded, washed out, and blended look that is unique to tie dyed clothing!

Materials: Permanent markers Cotton clothing (t-shirts, socks, shoelaces, etc.) Cardboard or newspaper Rubbing alcohol Eyedropper Iron

Step 1 - Cardboard Slide a piece of thick cardboard or a layer of newspaper in your cotton clothing. This stretches the fabric, making it easier to work with, and acts as a barrier to prevent seepage or bleed-through.

Step 2 – Design Go wild! Color your clothing with the permanent markers, leaving some space to allow for the colors to spread. You can work in small sections or design all at once, it is up to you!

Step 3 - Spread  Using the eyedropper, drop rubbing alcohol directly on to your clothing.  The alcohol will dissolve the color and spread your designs.  Colors that are close together will bleed and mix together, just like traditional tie dye!  Rubbing alcohol evaporates quickly, so do this in a well-ventilated area.  Tip: You can use a spoon to pour rubbing alcohol onto the clothing if you do not have an eyedropper available

Step 4 – Dry Let your tie-dyed clothing dry completely; a quick way to check is to press a paper towel and check if any color transfers. If it is dry, the paper towel should be clean.

Step 5 – Repeat (if necessary) One of the best things about using permanent markers is that you can add more color and change up your design if you wish! Make sure the rubbing alcohol is completely dry, and then you can add more color to your designs to darken it or change it!

Step 6 – Heat The final step is to set the color. We do this by heating the clothing.  You can iron your clothing at a high heat or toss it in the dryer on high heat for about 15-20 minutes.  This will help the color adhere to the clothing.  Once it is heated, it is ready to use! To wash it, wash in cold water with like colors.

MARCH CHILDREN'S EDUCATION CLASSES One of the most important aspects of plant growth is soil. Learn all about soil, including structure and what lives in soil that helps plants grow! Learn how soil is created, through geologic processes. Take home a crystallization experiment! Each class is limited to 10 participants per group. Only one group per session. Cost: $50/group Classes held rain/shine/snow & include outdoor educational walk. Days: Thursday or Friday option Times: 10:00 am or 1:00 pm option. Masks and social distancing required!

March Adult Education Terrarium Make-at-home Kit Learn about and make a beautiful terrarium at home. All supplies provided for a healthy plantscape, including miniature plants, gravel, soil, soil amendments, and a container! Cost: $20/members $25 non-members

TAKE-HOME KIT PICK UP TIMES ON OUR WEBSITE MASKS & SOCIAL DISTANCING REQUIRED Registration/information for all walks and drive through kits here, or by calling 414-525-5653 or 414-525-5659

FBBG Memberships: Great All Year Round! All FBBG members receive: Unlimited access to the Gardens A 10% discount in Nell's Garden Cafe' Discounts on FBBG classes, special events and in our Gift Shop on select stock items. Free admission to over 300 AHS gardens nationwide... Including Chicago Botanic, Arizona's Desert Botanical Garden, Illinois' Morton Arboretum and the Florida Botanical Gardens! FBBG's In Season Newsletter Membership Appreciation Event...and more! MEMBER LEVELS: Individual $35 One Membership Admission Card & (1) One-time Guest Pass Individual +1 $50 Two Membership Admission Cards & (2) One-time Guest Passes Family $65 Two Membership Admission Cards - Good for two adults and three children under 17 & (3) One-time Guest Passes Donor level memberships are also available starting at $100. For more information, please call the FBBG office at 414-525-5653. Become a Member Now!

BOERNER BOTANICAL GARDENS UPDATE The Gardens are currently closed, but we look forward to announcing the Spring opening date soon! The Education and Visitor Center is open. Hours are 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. MASKS ARE REQUIRED! Gift Shop Opening to be announced.