Alchemical Methods
Master the art of transforming plants into vibrant pigments
Extraction Techniques
Each method unlocks different color potentials and requires understanding of botanical chemistry. Choose your technique based on plant material, desired color intensity, and intended application.
Cold Extraction
- Soak plant material in room temperature water
- Allow 24-72 hours for color release
- Strain liquid through fine mesh
- Best for: flowers, soft leaves, berries
- Preserves delicate color compounds
Simmer Dyeing
- Combine plant material with water
- Heat to 180-200°F (82-93°C)
- Maintain temperature for 1-2 hours
- Best for: roots, barks, hard materials
- Extracts deeper, richer pigments
Solar Dye Jars
- Place materials in glass jar with water
- Seal and place in direct sunlight
- Allow 2-4 weeks for extraction
- Best for: experimental colors, gentle materials
- Creates unique, sun-infused hues
Mordanting Methods
- Pre-treat fibers with mordant solution
- Alum, iron, or copper as binding agents
- Soak for specified time period
- Enhances color adhesion and brightness
- Creates color shifts with different mordants
Gradient & Dip-Dye
- Control immersion depth for gradients
- Vary timing for color intensity
- Multiple dips create layered effects
- Best for: artistic applications, textiles
- Creates unique ombré effects
Ink from Roots & Berries
- Extract pigment using preferred method
- Reduce liquid to desired consistency
- Add binder (gum arabic or similar)
- Best for: writing, illustration, calligraphy
- Creates archival-quality botanical inks
Understanding Mordants
Mordants act as bridges between plant pigments and fibers, creating chemical bonds that improve colorfastness and alter color appearance. Different mordants produce different effects from the same dye source.
Alum (Aluminum Sulfate)
Most common mordant. Preserves original color hue, brightens tones, and is relatively safe to work with. Ideal for beginners.
Iron (Ferrous Sulfate)
Shifts colors toward darker, muted tones—grays, blacks, and earth tones. Use sparingly as it can weaken fibers over time.
Copper
Creates greenish shifts in many colors. Historical use but requires careful handling due to toxicity considerations.
Creating Botanical Inks
From Roots
Root-based inks like madder produce rich, archival colors. Simmer dried roots, strain, reduce by half, then add gum arabic binder. Filter through fine cloth before bottling.
From Leaves
Leaf inks require careful extraction to preserve chlorophyll-derived greens. Cold extraction often works best, followed by gentle reduction and binding.
From Berries
Berry inks offer vibrant purples and blues but require acid stabilization to prevent color shifts. Add a small amount of citric acid or vinegar during reduction.
Advanced Techniques
As you master basic methods, explore layered techniques: combining multiple plant sources, creating custom color blends, experimenting with pH shifts, and developing your own signature extraction processes. The journey from plant to pigment is both science and art.