Walnut Hull Powder

Walnut Hull Powder

Walnut Hull Powder from black walnut (Juglans nigra) is a common source of brown dye throughout North America. The fleshy hulls are full of tannin, juglone and other pigments and are the primary source of the dye. Walnut hulls were used to dye hair, make inks and clothing and are also used in herbal medicine. The rich brown color develops with oxygen, so it is necessary to simmer the walnut powder for about two hours with an overnight cool down before adding the fiber. 50g of walnut hull powder will dye approximately 50-250g (2-9 ounces) of fiber to a dark … Read more

SOLD OUT: The Studio Coat: Indigo Dyed and Hand Stitched

The Studio Coat: Indigo Dyed and Hand Stitched Jody Alexander and Kathy Hattori October 31st – November 3rd, 2024 10-4  Botanical Colors, 503 S Michigan St Ste B, Seattle WA 98108 We are excited to welcome artist Jody Alexander back to Seattle for an extended 4-day in-person workshop this autumn. The Studio Coat is a storytelling garment that you dye, stencil and hand stitch in a 4-day session with artist Jody Alexander. It is meant to be worn, modified, mended, further embellished and loved as a favorite piece for years to come. Consider it as a layer that travels with … Read more

Cutch extract

Cutch Extract

Cutch (Acacia catechu) is the source of the rich reddish brown color seen in Indian textiles. It is both a dyestuff and tanning agent. It has been used in India since ancient times. To make cutch extract, cutch wood is soaked in hot water until the liquid becomes syrupy. It is then cooled, pressed and cut into cubes and dried. After that, it is ground into powder for dyeing. Cutch extract is sweet smelling in the dye bath and yields rich red browns with long cooking times. Cutch with an alum mordant will be golden yellow brown and requires a … Read more

Aquarelle Madder Liquid

Historically, madder is one of the oldest natural dyes. People grew madder since 1500 BC in Central Asia and the Middle East. The red color comes from the root of the plant. The plants are usually harvested after 2 to 3 years growth. Aquarelle madder liquid is an easy to use liquid natural dye that creates a rich clear red on natural fibers. 50 grams of liquid dye will dye approximately 500 grams (1.1 lbs) of fiber a red shade. For details on how to dye with liquid madder, please visit our page on liquid dyes. Each Aquarelle liquid natural … Read more

Logwood Chips

Our logwood is in sawdust/wood chip form. Use repeatedly until there is no more color. 100g of logwood chips will dye approximately 600g (24 ounces) of fiber a deep purple shade. There will be enough dye leftover for exhaust baths. For more detailed instructions, please visit our page on logwood chips here. Logwood chips yield a rich, deep purple and we source ours from sustainably managed farms. Logwood by itself is not particularly lightfast, so keep from bright sunlight. Its lightfastness increases and the color darkens to a near black with added iron. If your water is neutral or acidic, … Read more

Weld extract (Reseda luteola)

Weld extract

Weld (Reseda luteola) is the most lightfast of the yellow dyes. Ancient tapestry weavers in Central Asia, Turkey and Europe used the dye. Weld is the brightest and clearest yellow flower dye. In combination with iron, weld creates a rich chartreuse or, when overdyed with indigo, yields a clear lime green. We carry a very fine grade of weld extract that is also certified for organic textile processing in compliance with the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). 25g of weld extract will dye approximately 800g (1.75 pounds) of fiber to a dark yellow shade. Adding a pinch of soda ash … Read more

dried weld flowers and stalks in a white bowl

Dried Weld Flowers

We are happy to carry beautiful dried weld flowers from Two Looms Textiles based in Washington State. They are sweet-smelling and very potent. The 100g bag contains a mix of weld flowers, stems and leaves. Use all of the plant in the dye pot. For detailed instructions, please see our how to page. Weld (Reseda luteola) is the most lightfast of the yellow dyes, used by ancient tapestry weavers in Central Asia, Turkey and Europe. Weld is the brightest and clearest yellow flower dye. In combination with iron, weld creates a rich chartreuse, or when underdyed with light indigo, yields a … Read more

SOLD OUT John Marshall Teaches Mind in the Gutter Indigo Techniques

Newsflash! John Marshall rarely teaches in-person workshops these days so we jumped at the chance to welcome him to our new studio in Seattle this June. He’s graciously agreed to teach two workshops and hold an epic textile and trunk show that is open to the public. We are thrilled to host our dear friend and natural dye collaborator in a rare in-person appearance and invite you to experience his humor and artistic expertise with Japanese textile and dye techniques. Mind in the Gutter Indigo Panels Monday, June 10 and Tuesday June, 11, 2024 10-4 Botanical Colors 503 S Michigan … Read more

Experience the Colors of Tangier

Experience The Colors of Tangier at The Mothership. August 2024   DATES: August 1 – August 11th, 2024, 11 days, 10 nights PRICING: $4495 includes all activities as detailed below, airfare and lodging are additional The Workshop Overview In this workshop you will be immersed in Moroccan culture, textiles, dye plants and in free creative play. You will be guided in a methodical approach to color building, using the natural dyes growing at the Mothership in Tangier, by Cara Piazza, a New York City based natural dyer and artist. In addition, you will have guided studio time for interdependent creative … Read more

SOLD OUT Experience The Colors of Tangier at the Mothership With Yto Barrada & Cara Piazza

Experience The Colors of Tangier at The Mothership. August 2024   DATES: August 1 – August 11th, 2024, 11 days, 10 nights PRICING: $4495 includes all activities as detailed below, airfare and lodging are additional The Workshop Overview In this workshop you will be immersed in Moroccan culture, textiles, dye plants and in free creative play. You will be guided in a methodical approach to color building, using the natural dyes growing at the Mothership in Tangier, by Cara Piazza, a New York City based natural dyer and artist. In addition, you will have guided studio time for interdependent creative … Read more