Strike up a colorful correspondence using dip-dyed papers. Different papers will take fabric dye differently (and coated papers may not take it at all), so results can be surprising. We also dipped a roll of rayon seam binding, resulting in wide stripes. The pencils were dipped in white paint.

For the Pencils: How to Dip-Dye with Paint
Don't worry about creating precise lines when dipping in paint; irregularities are part of the appeal. If you still have paint left over after dipping, pour it back into its can to use for future projects.

Tools and Materials

• Stir stick
• Water-based latex paint
• Plastic container
• HB Pencils, $1.75 for 6, muji.us/store

Pencil How-To
1. Stir paint thoroughly, and pour into plastic container. Carefully dip pencil into paint. Once you've reached the desired line, slowly pull pencil out of paint.

For the Stationery: How to Dip-Dye with Fabric Dye
We used Rit liquid dyes in Scarlet, Denim, and Navy, and Rit powder dye in Gray (ritdye.com). You can combine colors for custom shades. Let the dye solution cool before dipping paper.

Tools and Materials

• Announcement cards and envelopes, in Fluorescent White with deckle, $2.91 for 10; greeting cards and envelopes, in Fluorescent White with deckle, $3.67 for 10; and watercolor postcards, $2.83 for 15; all by Strathmore, dickblick.com
• Shipping tag (#11005), $4.87 for 100, avery.com
• Seam binding, $10 for 100 yards, from Daytona Trimming, 212-354-1713
• Plastic storage bin or galvanized-steel bin
• Stir stick
• All-purpose liquid or powder dye
• Paper towel, for sample

Stationery How-To
1. Fill plastic bin with hot water to a depth of at least 6 inches. Stir in dye, starting with a small amount and adding more as desired. Dip a sample strip of paper towel to test the color. If too dark, add water; if too light, add dye. Let solution settle, so there are no bubbles at the surface. 

2. Holding your paper as straight as possible, dip into dye solution to desired line. Keep paper in dye until it turns the desired color. Hang to dry.