Dyed Sola wood Flowers
I first stumbled across sola wood flowers at Hobby Lobby in their floral section. There was one of their famous idea pamphlets that showed different ways to use them in projects and one was dying them and displaying them under a glass dome.
Sola wood flowers gained mainstream attention in 2016, their demand rose due to their ability to be dyed any color and long lasting ability. In addition, it’s about 60-70% more affordable than traditional wedding flowers which added a whole other level to the DIY wedding craze.
One thing to keep in mind, cheeper doesn’t always mean cheep. In 2025/2026 when I did these projects, the minimal cost of a sola wood flower bunch was $6 USD. For the project I did, I used 4 different bunches + additional required supples. I’ve seen bunches of stemless flowers on Amazon upwards of $30 USD. Keep in mind, things have a way of adding up.
For supplies, I found bowels, measuring spoons, gloves, and table cover all at a local dollar store, which who doesn’t love to save money. The flowers and RIT dye I got from Hobby Lobby and the pure vegetable glycerin was purchased off Amazon.
A few thoughts on RIT dye. RIT dye was founded back in 1918 and since been a staple in American households as a fabric dye. Despite a potential bankruptcy in the 60’s, RIT had a rebirth that included rebranding and never looked back since the tie dye revolution. Even though most people associate RIT dye with fabric products, it has many other practical uses. It’s also widely used for wood, wicker, paper, feathers, plants, and so much more.
RIT dye offers 36 standard all purposes liquid dyes that can be used to create over 1,000 custom colors and they provide color formulas to assist. They also have synthetic and powder dyes in limited color options. Currently the market cost of a single RIT bottle is $4-$12 USD, so depending where you purchase, there is opportunity for cost savings. Powder also comes in smaller packets compared to liquid so if you don’t need as much, powder is good affordable option. However, if you don’t cost compare and really focus on the colors you need vs what would be nice, the cost to purchase all the possible color combos can add up fast. I recommend that you focus on the main colors you want and then channel your inner child and remember what color combinations can make those colors and save where possible.
Prepping your space to protect is not a step to be skipped.
RIT dye is permanent not temporary and you need to treat your craft area knowing what you are about to do can seriously wreck your clothing, your skin, counter tops, flooring, etc.
I chose a section of countertop in my kitchen. And from the backsplash to the edge of the counter had the waterproof table cover and used painters tape (I tend to have that vs masking tape on hand) to insure it wouldn’t wiggle or fall. You will need a bowl for each color you need (just like dying easter eggs) and each bowl will get HOT water (boiling), dye, and vegetable glycerin.
When I started, I used the measuring spoons but by the end I was able to eyeball it based off the amount needed. Each bowl only needs enough liquid to submerge the flower itself not the stem. Red roses might be red but their stems are green so I was careful to only dye the flower and leave the stem the natural wood. RIT recommended a 3:1/2 cup water to dye ratio and a 3:1 water to glycerin ratio. The water helps the dye be absorb and the glycerin helps the wood stay soft and pliable preventing it from becoming dry and brittle and fall apart later.
At this point, I had my Alexa play tunes and I had fun playing with which flower to turn which color and how long to leave them in. It takes time and patience but be it classical, country, rock, or polka, music helps the time pass.
Once you achieve the desired color, I had a larger bowl where I would twist the stem back and forth to get rid of the excess liquid before moving them to a place to dry. Ideally your parchment paper should be close by to limit the drips wrecking the area between you and it. An alternative to parchment is paper towels onto of your waterproof table cover. If you do see drips of dye at any point in the process, clean them up thoroughly and as fast as possible.
#ProTip If you are anything like me, you might get into the groove end up with way more than what you needed.
Personal message to RIT dye. I would love an app where I could list the colors I have and you could tell me the color combinations I could make. You could then also make purchase recommendations based off desired and or suggested color combinations. Wink Wink!
If you would be interested in sola woo wedding arangements check out a popular Etsy shop called StellaDesignsShop.