Quebracho Moreno

Quebracho Moreno

Quebracho colorado (Schinopsis balansae and Schinopsis lorentzii), commonly called quebracho is an evergreen tree that grows wild in South America. It grows mainly in Argentina and Paraguay in dense sub-tropical forests which also include a variety of other trees and vegetation. The name is due to its hardness, and comes from two Spanish words, quebrar and hacha, meaning the axe breaker. In fact, quebracho has been used locally for posts, telegraph poles, bridge timbers, railway ties, paving blocks and for any construction where great durability is desired. Quebracho moreno is high in tannin. It can be used as a tannin mordant or a dye on cellulose fibers. … Read more

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

The Art and Science of Natural Dyes

The Art and Science of Natural Dyes: Principles, Experiments, and Results

From the publisher, Schiffer Books: The Art and Science of Natural Dyes: Principles, Experiments, and Results is a comprehensive guide that explains the general principles of natural dyeing to help dyers become more accomplished at their craft. More than 450 samples illustrate the results of actual dye tests along with detailed information. The book covers every aspect of natural dyeing including mordants, dyes, printing, indigo, and finishing. Special techniques of printing and discharging indigo are featured as well. The book is intended for dyers and printers who wish to understand the “why” and the “how,” while ensuring safe and sustainable … Read more

Hide Glue

Hide Glue

Hide glue is a granulated form of rabbit skin glue and is rich in collagen. The glue is a protein based adhesive used in fine woodworking and antique restoration and for thousands of years was the most common woodworking glue until the invention of polyvinyl acetate and resin glues in the 20th century. It is made from animal skins, bones and connective tissue. It is a tenacious adhesive yet also water soluble and non toxic and not hazardous. Artists use rabbit skin glue to size canvases. People also use it in bookbinding and to prepare certain art mediums. It is … Read more

dried pericon stalks and leaves in a white bowl

Organic Pericón

Organic Pericón Each package of our organic Pericón is approximately 100 grams. Due to the bulky nature of this dye, it’s a little difficult to measure. You will receive at least 100 grams of the product. Pericón (Tagetes lucida), also known as Mexican tarragon or mint marigold is a traditional plant native to Mexico and Central America. Pericón is a perennial. People use it medicinally, in cooking, and as a dye. Pericón is part of the traditional dye plant palette of the Zapotec people in Oaxaca, Mexico. Our friend, Porfirio Gutierrez, is profiled in this 2017 New York Times article … Read more

Annatto Seed Powder (Bixa orellana)

Annatto Seed Powder (Bixa orellana) is a waxy, tropical seed that is used as a spice, medicine and a food and textile dye.  It’s also called achiote, roucou and lipstick tree. Annatto is a shrub native to tropical Central and Amazonia South America and is now grown throughout the world. Annatto is soluble in both water and oil, and it is widely used as a colorant for cosmetics and foods, such as Velveeta processed cheese, Cheetos and Goldfish crackers. Hmmm. As a spice, it is commonly used in Central and Latin American cooking, as well as in other regions that … Read more

unused ph strips on a white ceramic dish

pH Indicator Strips

We use pH Indicator Strips to measure the pH of an indigo vat. In other words, they help us determine if we need more acidity or alkalinity to balance the vat. We also use pH strip paper with other dyes to measure the pH range of the dye bath. These are extremely useful tools to quickly check your indigo vat or to determine the pH levels of your water supply. Natural dyes colors may be shifted by adjusting the pH of the dye bath. Therefore, our pH strips come in handy when deciding on increasing or decreasing pH. (35 pH indicator … Read more

SOLD OUT: Mushroom Forage, Dyes, Pigments, Paints & Inks

Join well-known mushroom educator/artist, designer, educator and author Julie Beeler and Botanical Colors for Mushroom Forage, Dyes, Pigments, Paints & Inks September 27, 28, 29, 2024 At Botanical Colors Studio 503 S Michigan St, Ste B Seattle WA 98108 We are thrilled to welcome Julie back for another forage workshop, this time in the forested Puget Sound area. Join us for an amazing weekend of celebrating Julie’s new book, enjoying a mushroom-themed meal, foraging for dye mushrooms, and creating in the studio with dye mushrooms! Julie says: We will kick off the weekend on Friday at Botanical Colors for a … 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