What are Natural Dyes? They are colors extracted from plants (and a scale insect in the case of Cochineal), and they are fixed by means of minerals or metal salts such as alum (aluminum salt) or iron or tin (called mordants). We sell the dyes and mordants in our shop.

What is the procedure to dye with Natural Dyes? Except for Indigo, which must be fermented, the dyestuffs are boiled in water to extract the dye. The material to be dyed is first "mordanted" in the chosen metal salt, by heating in water with the mordant. Then it is transferred to the dyebath and again heated for a permanent, rich color.

Where can I learn more? My portfolio called "Brilliant Colors on Silk" is the best beginners manual. It includes all the recipes and assorted information I give at my workshops, plus a very detailed step-by-step walk through, called "Apprentice for a Day". Indigo is covered, as are paint dyeing basics. Recipes and procedures work for all fibers, and all fiber forms are addressed.

There are also a number of great resources around the web. A good place to start is the Natural Dyes mailing list.

Why Use Natural Dyes? Universities have degree programs in music therapy. Why are there no programs for Color Therapy? One reason may be that most of the colors we now surround ourselves with are not therapeutic. In fact, most of the chemically created colors are terrible poisons. Those artists who choose to do their own dyeing and use those colors have learned to wear respirators whenever they work in their studios.

This contrasts starkly with Natural Dyes, many of which are also medicines. I find that working with natural dyes is pleasant, and much more conducive to the creative process. I love the smell of each dyestuff. I love pulling the fiber from the Indigo vat, watching it turn from green to blue as it is exposed to air. I have been a professional Natural Dyer for 30 years. As a textile artist, I create beautiful colors on silk, using plant dyes. I chose natural dyes because they create the most beautiful colors. All natural fibers dye beautifully with natural dyes. It is possible to achieve a full rainbow using no toxic or poisonous chemicals.

Natural Dyes have a long and rich history - all the beauty and finery of ages past were dyed naturally, because before 1856 all colors were naturally dyed.

Lastly, natural dyes are the most ecologically sound for the planet. Chemical dye companies also make nerve gas, pesticides, and other dangerous toxins. There is terrible pollution when these dyes are made and used on an industrial scale. I have seen rivers run red and purple, orange and sickly green from dyeworks in Europe. Do we, as artists of beauty and healers of souls, want to support that industry? Or shall we instead choose to use nature's gifts in these life promoting traditional dyes.