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Tea staining gives a brand-new doily a soft, aged look.
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Give new fabrics a soft, aged appearance by soaking them in coffee or tea. This simple treatment can give flags, doilies, patchwork -- any new fabric -- the look of authentic Americana. Steep at least a half-dozen teabags in hot water and let cool. Immerse the fabric in the tea, and allow it to soak for a few minutes for a light shade or overnight for a darker color. When the fabric has reached the desired hue, gently wring it out and let it dry. Cold coffee works too. Americana Decor Recap Americana includes a wide variety of materials relating to American history, folklore and geography. Incorporate patriotic elements -- flags and stars-and-stripes motifs -- in your decor, using them in window treatments, floor coverings and accessories. Use pieces from the past that evoke a nostalgic feeling, such as old signs and metal canisters, and incorporate decorative elements that have a coastal New England feel, such as lighthouses. Decorate your home using materials of the past, with floor coverings made of rags or canvas. Instead of using store-bought latex paint, try mixing up some authentic milk paint to give walls and furnishings a soft, old look.
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