Coffee dying wool roving creates an antique-like effect to your gnome's beard or anything else you desire to dye. Why did I choose coffee to dye with, over tea? I found that coffee dyed the roving a slight tan-brown color, which I preferred. Tea, on the other hand, gave the roving more of a orange-rust tint to it.

 
Materials:  100% wool roving, cream color / instant coffee crystals / white vinegar.

Step One:  Place your cream roving, enough to make several beards, into a bowl of water. Set aside and soak for 30 minutes.

Step Two:  In a medium-size pan, atop your stove, place a 1/4 cup instant coffee crystals and 4 cups of water. Stir the coffee mixture slightly and bring it to a boil. Add 3 tablespoons of white vinegar. Turn off the heat and let the mixture brew and cool slightly.

Step Three:  When coffee is tepid, submerge the wet roving into the coffee solution, gently stirring to distribute even color. The roving can be left in the dye anywhere from 5 minutes to overnight, depending on how dark you want it. I usually leave it in the dye between 3 to 5 minutes, just enough to mellow the beard, aging it slightly.

Step Four:  As you lift the roving out of the coffee, the dye will drain off. The roving will then be 1 to 2 shades lighter even after rinsing. Rinse the roving thoroughly with water and wring out the excess water. Allow dyed roving to air dry completely before using.