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

Learn how to transform foraged wild plants, plants, garden produce, and recycled food into dyes and inks with Botanical Inks. The book shows you how to extract environmentally sustainable color from the landscape and use it to create natural dyes for textiles, clothing, paper, and other materials. Botanical Inks covers dyeing and surface application techniques, including bundle dyeing, Shibori tie-dyeing, hapazome, indigo sugar vat dyeing, wood-block printing, screen printing, and more. Itt also shows you how to turn your new inks, dyes, and technique knowledge into wonderful projects, from a simple bundle-dyed a scarf to a block-printed tote bag.

The process of turning plants into print can help you reconnect with nature, find a creative outlet and develop a mindful sense of presence. It also promotes an awareness of sustainable practices and how to reduce our impact on the planet.

Babs Behan is the founder of Botanical Inks – an artisan natural dye studio based in Bristol, UK. Her work ranges from natural dyeing for textiles, clothing and paper products, to surface application techniques, including Shibori tie-dyeing, bundle dyeing with flowers, and block printing. She runs regular workshops, as well as guest courses, and her clients include Saatchi Gallery, London Fashion + Textiles Museum, Ace Hotel, Soho House, and Wilderness Festival.