Based in the Hudson Valley in New York, Silk & Willow dyes silk into some of the most poetic, luxe colors we’ve ever seen.
Founder Shellie Pomeroy says “I continue to create and explore products that will compliment our ribbon line. I am passionate about hand crafted items of the highest quality and materials sourced from ethical companies. All of the materials used by Silk & Willow are either biodegradable (including the packaging & tags) or can be easily re-used or recycled.
A finalist in the Martha Stewart American Made contest which “spotlights the maker, supports the local, and celebrates the handmade,” we also call Pomeroy one of our wonderful natural dye customers at Botanical Colors. We caught up with her recently to ask her more about natural dyes and how she sees heritage and craft moving forward.
Here’s what she had to say:
On the Martha Stewart site it reads: “American Made spotlights the maker, supports the local, and celebrates the handmade. The program is made up of people and communities that have turned their passion for quality craftsmanship and well-designed goods into a way of life.”-how does your company best align with this statement.
Silk &Willow was born from my passion to create with my hands something beautiful with purpose.You might use my ribbon to line a garment or blanket, adorn a bouquet, or wrap a gift, and in many cases it will continue to find a new life in another project after its initial use. As a designer, color has always played an important part in my life. When I first discovered natural dyes, over 10 years ago while experimenting with my young daughters, I was hooked. The alchemy of extracting colors from nature is a process that produces colors that are both soothing and alluring. The process, which takes time and care, creates a high-quality crafted piece that can be enjoyed for years.

Tell me how natural dyes are important to what you do?
Natural dyes are the foundation of what makes my product unique. While many synthetic dyes can create beautiful colors, the colors are very static and monotone. Natural dyes are living colors that shift and change.They are alive with character.
It seems like ethics and environment mean a lot to you-tell me why.
My goal is to support other artisans like myself. In many of the cases they are craftsman who use traditional methods and techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation.They rely on natural materials rather than those massed produced by modern machinery. This holistic methodology is naturally more beneficial to both people and the environment.It’s the “back to basics” approach that drives my sustainable practices.
Is American craft making a comeback and would you consider it the new luxury?
I live in an artist community that has always supported the idea of American Craft making. I think the idea is becoming more prevalent as consumers realize the value and longevity of purchasing quality hand crafted items. Hand crafted items, whether it is clothing, food, art, or furniture, are a luxury to be treasured. The level of artistry and craftsmanship in a hand crafted item is unmatchable.
