EARTH
GUILD

33 Haywood Street
Asheville  NC  28801

1-800-327-8448
828-255-7818
fax: 828-255-8593

DYES: Eco Printing Assist Chemicals

This is the name given to a form of natural dyeing, where colors, shapes and/or outlines from plant materials are transferred to prepared (pre-mordanted) fabric or paper. It is a form of contact printing; the plant material must be closely pressed to the fabric or paper for the transfer to take place. Once the piece is set up, it must be steamed or boiled for the dye to move onto the work and be set.
India Flint, also known as the Prophet of Bloom, from Australia, coined the term, and popularized the process. The use of local plants and the seemingly infinite variety of approaches, have greatly contributed to its current popularity.

Alum is the mordant used for protein fibers (silk, wool). Alum, Sodium Acetate and Calcium Carbonate are used to make Aluminum Acetate, the mordant for cellulose fibers (cotton, rayon). See Catherine Ellis' recipe.

Add items to your shopping cart by entering quantities in the column of boxes (right-most but one) and clicking the Add To Cart button at the bottom of the page. The cart does not calculate our discounts. We will e-mail you a detailed confirmation copy of your order with all discounts applied.