Botanical Inks: Plant-to-Print Dyes, Techniques and Projects

by Babs Behan

Fibre, prepared with the one-step plant-based recipe Alum Heatproof jar Soda ash Scales 2 large pots, with lids Long-handled spoon pH-neutral soap 1 Weigh the fibre after it has been washed, scoured and dried. You will need 20% of the fibre’s weight in alum, and 6% of its weight in soda ash. For example, for 100g (3½oz) fibre, you’ll need 20g (½oz) alum and 6g (⅛oz) soda ash. You should weigh the fibre and calculate the correct weight of gall and soda ash to use before you begin preparing the mordant. 2 Follow all the steps of the one-step plant-based mordant, and once the fibre is hanging to dry, make the alum mordant. 3 Choose a pot that is large enough to allow the fibre to be covered with water and with space for it to move around easily. Half-fill the pot with water. 4 Measure out the alum based on the ratio outlined above. Add it to a heatproof jar and add enough boiling water for it to dissolve. Then add this to the pot of water. 5 Measure out the soda ash based on the ratio outlined above, and add it to the pot of water. 6 Bring the water to a simmer, stirring to dissolve soda ash thoroughly. Add more water so that there will be a sufficient amount to cover the fibres, and stir well to mix it. 7 Add the fibre, which will still be damp if you are at the end of the one-step mordanting process. If you have broken up the process and the fibre is now dry, you’ll need to pre-wet it first: place it in a large pot of water and allow it to soak for at least 1 hour, or ideal...