Dyes and Some Important Information
SHELF-LIFE: Nature dyes in natural or powdered
state will last several years; if in doubt, double amount ordinarily used.
When dyes change color in the container, it's time to use up or dispose of
them. Wood lasts for years if kept dry.
OXIDISING WOOD: To bring out best dyewood color,
mix 1 cup alcohol with 1 drop dishwashing liquid. Stir in wood, make sure
all is wet but not soaking. Spread on baking sheet and let stand at least
3 hours to overnight. Wood may be used immediately or stored for later use.
For better color, add a "glug" of vinegar to dyepot. Note dry oxidized
brazilwood in this photo compared to wet dye results under brazilwood dye.
Dyewoods Warning: Many exotic woods can cause
contact dermatitis if handled without gloves and may cause allergic reactions
if sawdust is inhaled. Sawdust contains minute splinters, so wear dust mask
and safety goggles. Keep dyewoods away from children and pets.
Hint: Most woody material gives color. Some light woods give surprisingly good color. Ask woodworkers to save shavings and sawdust, every chip. Keep wood separate and labeled.
DYE EXTRACTS: We're very enthused about these genuine nature dyes concentrated and finely powdered by a special process. They create "instant" light- and wash-fast dyes, especially on protein fibers. Create rich colors by making a paste, adding it to hot water, stirring well, and start emersion dyeing! Hand-paint on fabric, leather, paper, wood or bone by adding soy milk, gums, or plain water. Extracts may seem expensive but you use much less dye to get beautiful color! Extract colors can be mixed for even more hues. Full instructions included with order. "If, after looking at the Natural Indigo Fermentation Vat you think it is all just too much trouble, too complicated, and probably excessively messy.... There is now a new high tech Indigo vat.... Just add water, and begin to dye." – Carol Kolander. Griffin Dyeworks also offers further dye extract instruction in Michele Wipplinger's book Natural Dye Instruction and John Marshall's Salvation Through Soy.
Botanical Dyes: Throughout the ages, wild-crafted herbs, flowers, and weeds were used as dyes and often augmented or substituted for expensive imported dyes. Fresh plants give different colors than dried, so try them in your dyeing as well, but please collect responsibly. Some plants are protected. Also, we have no control over handling of herbs, so we strongly suggest that items in our catalog should NOT be ingested.
Photo: Lora Boehm and Sherry Acton-Snowden (hat barely visible)
hanging indigo crystal dyed cotton to dry
