I finally have to admit that my old shower curtain has seen its last days. It’s time to turn it into rags and replace it, and I don’t want to spend a fortune. Following former Natural Home art director Susan Wasinger’ssimple directions, I can adorn a plain organic cotton or linen shower curtain (or even a cheaper shower curtain liner) with a sweet, simple leaf motif. I’ll get a pretty, natural look for my bathroom for much less than I’d pay for a fancy shower curtain.

To make this, I’ll use nontoxic Dharma Pigment Dye, which will give me the same soft, stone-washed look that Susan achieved. She used leaves from common houseplants, but I’ll honor summer’s abundance by choosing the prettiest leaves I find when I walk my dog today. Simply position the painted side of the leaf on the fabric, lay a piece of paper over it, and press the paper and leaf carefully into the fabric with your hands or a rubber roller. Thoroughly but gently rub the entire leaf surface. Most dyes can be set with a vinegar bath, but check the manufacturer’s recommendations for color fastness.

Use any kind of leaves and an inexpensive shower curtain liner to make a designer-like shower curtain. Photo by Susan Wasinger

1. Paint the veined side of the leaf with dye or paint. Don’t forget the stem.

2. Press the leaf into the fabric and cover with paper. Smooth with a roller or your hand.