Camouflage Denim: A Different Casual

Not long ago after I had been asked by my friend Aaron to do a class on textile dyeing for his art students I decided to start with a quick session for my close friends. It gave me time to do a pre-teaching class before I actually went on with the real thing—I wasn't too keen on the idea in the beginning. It's been a long while since I've taught a crafts class, but my nervous energy developed into a much calmer and comfortable feeling in the end.

Fortunately the class went very well, as the artful teenager's attention seemed to be held by the subject nicely. Afterward, I showed my temporary pupils a few other dyeing examples including these jeans (above) that I had finished. "I want those," yelled one young girl. I was quite surprised because though I loved them, a couple of my friend's asked if I was going to wear them out! Of course, I was! I will forgive those two people, as fashion is not their focal point in life. (Joking!) 

Aside from the comical relief that I apparently provided for a couple of folks, I was very happy for the outcome of my denim stone-wash project. 

     

How to Get the Camouflage: 

All that was needed was coffee, bleach, water, and optional bands. I used charcoal not black old denim jeans. First I soaked the denim with coffee, then sporadically spraying bleach on the front and back.

Let them rinse in the washing machine. After it finished spinning, I then poured a large amount of coffee in random motion preferably in a few of the bleached areas (this creates a layering, marbled effect). Be mindful of the crotch and bum areas. Wait approx. 30 min.

Next, I rinsed the denim again, and this time pouring around 1cup of bleach and water on front and back areas, focusing on the parts that you want lighter (This part of the directions works best if it's done when the denim is loosely scrunched all together with rubber bands).

Let it sit for about 3-5 minutes and wash/rinse. *Do not dry denim until the last step is finished. Please be careful when bleaching and dyeing textiles, if you are not experienced seek expert advice.

    

The goods: Denim-H&M/Ladyofashion modified, Heels-Salvatore Ferragamo, Necklaces: Ribbon necklace-Ladyofashion, Zipper-DIY, Silver chain linking-F21, Waistcoat-AbStudio, Leather clutch-DIY