How to Extract Natural Dyes

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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(9 Ratings)

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Step 1

Collect plants, mosses, roots, berries, flowers, nuts and any other natural objects that might contain colors.
Step 2

Chop up your collected items in a food processor or run them through a meat grinder.
Step 3

Catch the juices in a bowl.
Step 4

Put the chopped objects in a nylon stocking and tie the top shut.
Step 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.
Step 6

Let the items soak in a bowl for 24 hours.
Step 7

Remove the stocking and put it in a stockpot with 2 quarts of fresh water.
Step 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.
Step 9

Take the stocking out and throw it away.
Step 10

Mix the two batches of colored water.

Tips & Warnings

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.