The Great Outdoors - Your “One-Stop” Dye Supply Shop (Winter Edition)

This winter, I’m sure we’ve all been singing the blues, in some shape or form.

You’re feeling the effects on your creative flow and maybe also lack the motivation to find it. And I bet it's crossed your mind - that buying more supplies could get you out of this rut. Then you remember - like a bear, sometimes your wallet wants to hibernate. Bummer...

Now, here’s a question - if you could color this season, winter, what colors would be on your palette? Yes, it’s a bizarre question to ask, but think about it.

Nature very much inspired the dyes and paints we love and purchase in-store. Native Americans are known to make dyes and paints for their bodies, clothing, and baskets using plants. Along with the Roman, Greek and Ancient Egyptian civilization.

This post will give you the opportunity to reconnect with nature. As you walk in a wooded area or your concrete jungle (hopefully, not every tree has been cut down), what can you find? Here are a few plant items that you can keep your eye out for, collect and make your own dyes once you get home:

TREE CONES & NEEDLES

Plant Name: The Pine Tree species

Part of the Plant to Use: Pine Needles

Dye Color: Mauve-Clay, Warm Yellow

Dye Instructions: https://www.arathealtar.com/letters-of-ara/naturally-dyeing-with-pine-needles

The color you get seems to depend on the species, and whether its treated with iron or vinegar. Experiment!!

STRIPPED BARK, FALLEN BRANCHES OF TREES

Plant Name: Alder Tree

Part of the Plant to Use: Bark and Alder Cones

Dye Color: Warm Caramel to Chocolate Brown

Dye Instructions: https://www.fosen.fhs.no/en/how-to-make-bark-color-from-alder-bark/

Alder trees are in the same family as birch. Ringbarking results in a dead tree.

Plant Name: Red Cedar Tree

Part of the Plant to Use: Bark

Dye Color: Red

Dye Instructions: https://wildcraftdyeing.com/blog/hus7w42nv030asw5dmmool82jddiap

EVERGREEN SHRUBS

Plant Name: Oregon Grape (mahonia nervosa)

Part of the Plant to Use: Bark of Stem and Roots

Dye Color: Bright Yellow

Dye Instructions: https://sierraclub.bc.ca/oregon-grape/

Plant Name: Cranberry Shrub

Part of the Plant to Use: Berries

Dye Color: Pink 

Dye Instructions: https://44clovers.blogspot.com/2014/01/cranberries-dye-tutorial.html

Sometimes there are a few berries buried in the snow! You may have to do some digging around the shrub and it might only be enough for a small project

IMPORTANT CONSIDERATION

Please forage responsibly - we are all stewards of nature and creation. The purpose for this post is to inspire you to reconnect with nature, not to overconsume. Whilst collecting materials for your future dyeing project, consider the following:

• If I cut it, will I hurt or kill it in the long run?

• How long will it take to grow back? Is this sustainable?

Now go forth, forage and create! Experiment with what you find. We’d love to hear more about it!