How to Extract Dye From Flowers

Choose flowers that have plenty of petals to take advantage of nature's palette.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Old Nylon Stockings
• Flowers
• Cookie Sheets
• Stockpots

1. Dry the flowers of your choice in a single layer on a cookie sheet at 150 degrees F.
2. Put the blossoms in a nylon stocking and tie the top shut.
3. Cover the flowers with cold water in a stockpot.
4. Bring the water to a low boil for about ½ hour.
5. Remove the pot from the heat when the water is the color you want it to be.
6. Remove the stocking full of flowers.

Tips & Warnings

• Some flowers, such as dandelions, lose their color when dried and should be processed fresh instead of dried.
• Dandelion plants produce a nice magenta color; the roots will make purple.