Traditional Dyes and Paints

Bursting with Colour

By Joanne Bowes and Jan Drury

Today we did some more experiments with natural dyes – Logwood, Brazilwood, Cochineal and Weld. When I made the original Dye Pots I saved half of each to make into paint and dyed my yarns with the remainder.

It is truly amazing to see the effect of the individual dyes on different paper and materials and also how they are changed by the medium we added.  Due to excessive mould formation we have rejected the Egg White and, after today’s session, will be focussing on Acrylic Medium and Seaweed Alginate.

Meanwhile Jan has successfully transferred a solar print of a Hitchin Priory window and a copy of John Radcliffe’s Will onto calico. Her stencilling with Madder paste, echoing the original wallpaper sample at the Priory, has also produced a positive result.

This page was added on 25/02/2015.

Add your comment about this page

Your email address will not be published.

  • I really loved seeing all this on Monday.  Your research is fantastic and the results are stunning – lovely!

    By Frances Green (04/03/2015)