Natural Dyes
The story of natural dyes takes us back to our ancestors. Before 1856, all dyes would have been sourced from nature. Whether by tree bark, flower, leaf, mineral, or animal source. Meaning every garment you may see that pre-dates that would have been colored from nature. For this, we are honored to have traveled to ancestral spaces where the art of natural dying has not been lost. Many indigenous cultures still hold this practice close. To continue to preserve this ancient knowledge, we explore the love in nature, in our home, Barbados. Below, we will share the plant-sourced dyes we use and honor from our home land.
Sea Grape Bark
The Sea Grape Tree is a Caribbean icon. Found throughout the island, this tree bears a sweet treat through its sweet yet salty grapes. Growing up as a child, this tree was one we climbed, sat under , and ate her fruits, and now able to use her barks as natural dye. This bark gives a beautiful pink and sometimes brown hue to our garments. Thank you Sea Grape Bark.
Onion Skins
Onions, honored in their staple role in our ancestral diet, the flavor it brings, the memories of meals it holds. Yet the gift that it gives as a dye is the sunshine yellow hues we get from its skins. Thank you Onion Skins.
Indigo
Once upon a time, Indigo was a primary industry in the Caribbean. Even here in Barbados, before sugar cane took over. Sought after for its deep, rich blues that are produced from processing the leaves. This plant, rich in history, has made a special place in our natural dye catalog. Growing wildly around Barbados, we seek its resting places and process its blue hues.
Hibiscus Flower
The Hibiscus Flower, a tropical symbol that usually rests behind the ear. Found in a rainbow of colors, with only one day of life, it is our favorite flower to print. Leaving behind an image of its love. Thank you Hibiscus Flower.
Bundle Dye
Bundle Dye is such a joyful method of natural dyeing. With a variety of different plants, leaves, flower petals ect, we can leave imprints on the clothing. Our most used combination is rose petals, onion skins, and hibiscus petals. With other featured materials that sometimes join. Thank you everyone who is used in our Bundle Dye.