In the first article on hosting a Tie Dye Party, the concept of this party was discussed. In addition, details of the party and ideas for the invitations were also presented. At this point, it’s time to talk about the party set up and the logistics of this fun event.
The Set Up
Before the guests arrive, prepare the following stations:
- Gift Drop (assuming it’s a birthday party)
- Garment Selection (where the guests will choose from the plain garments you’ve provided – pre-washed, white cotton T-Shirts or white, wide, grosgrain ribbon (for a ribbon belt) or pre-washed, white cotton tote bag or any other garment of your choice).
- Folding Area & Tie Area: these are teaching areas, where you will show the guests how to use string and rubber bands to create different types of patterns. It’s ideal to have a couple of examples of different styles of dyed sunbursts and stripes that you’ve prepared in advance, so that the kids can get the concept. Check out True Tie Dye.com for fantastic step by step instructions on organizing your kids tie dye party.
- Dying Area; bin or vats of dye and soda solution
- Clothes Line or Drying Area: imperative for the proper result
- Seating Area & /or Eating Area: a place to teach prior to the activity, a resting zone for mid-party relaxing and an area in which to serve cake and open gifts
- Fashion Runway: a sidewalk, driveway or pathway on which the guests can model their new clothes and strike a pose for the photographer
The Implementation
When the guests arrive, gather them at a seating area where you will give them an introduction to the party. At this point, lay out the general time frame of the party as follows:
Introduction and description of tie dying
- Garment Selection
- Pattern Selection
- Folding & Tying
- Dying
- Hanging & Drying
- Dry Time Activities (scrapbooking, friendship bracelets, or cake and gifts)
- Fashion Show
Garment Selection: from the introduction, lead your guests through the process of choosing their piece of clothing. Have at least one example on hand of each available garment that’s already been dyed. Have a couple of sizes of T-shirts available for the guests to try on. Make sure to have all the items prewashed, so that they will accept the dye appropriately
Pattern Selection: from the garment selection process, show the guests the different types of results they can expect from different folding and tying methods. Again, use your internet resource for great visuals and suggestions.
The third article in this series will focus on the party implementation and the fashion show staging.
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© Text by Janice Benoit. [May, 2007]. All rights reserved. Any unauthorized use will constitute an infringement of copyright
