How to Extract Natural Dyes

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How to Extract Natural Dyes

You can make dyes with items found right in your own neighborhood.

 

Steps:

1. Collect plants, mosses, roots, berries, flowers, nuts and

any other natural objects that might contain colors.

 

2. Chop up your collected items in a food processor or run them

through a meat grinder.

 

3. Catch the juices in a bowl.

 

4. Put the chopped objects in a nylon stocking and tie the top shut.

 

5. Set the stocking in a bucket or bowl with 2 to 3 quarts of

water. Be sure to pour in whatever juices you got as well.

 

6. Let the items soak in a bowl for 24 hours.

 

7. Remove the stocking and put it in a stockpot with 2 quarts

of fresh water.

 

8. Bring the water to a low boil for 30 minutes. Watch to make

sure the water isn't evaporating too quickly. If it is, turn the heat

down a little and add more water.

 

9. Take the stocking out and throw it away.

 

10. Mix the two batches of colored water.

 

 

Tips:

Carrots will make a good, strong orange color.

 

Beet greens, mint leaves and lichens produce different greens.

 

Dandelion heads, mustard and peach leaves, and coffee beans create

various yellows.

 

Red onion skins, tea leaves and some tree bark will give you a

rich reddish-brown.

 

Experiment to produce the strongest colors.

 

--

Diana Gonzalez

 

 

 

 

Nothing wastes more energy than worrying - the longer a problem is

carried, the heavier it gets. Don't take things too seriously - live a

life of serenity, not a life of regrets.

-Unknown