dyeing cotton shop twine

Hi all,
Went to Bunnings to pick up some flowers and some cotton shop twice to crochet into baskets. Suggestions as to stuff around the house I can dye this string with? I won't be washing it, so I'm not worried about it bleeding. do you think food color would work? or would i simply get it all over my hands whenever handling the basket?

thanks
michelle
only one kid today, so i can do gardening and crafty stuff.