High School

The Essential Question
How can natural materials be used to create color, and how does the strength of a dye influence the final result?

Objectives
Students will explore color through the process of natural dyeing. They will investigate how everyday plant-based materials can produce a range of colors and values, while learning how dye concentration and soaking time affect the final outcome.

Materials

• natural fibers such as cotton fabric or cloth
• watercolor paper
• soda ash (sodium carbonate / Arm & Hammer Washing Soda)
• containers for soaking
• warm water
• hot plate (optional)
• natural dye materials (turmeric, red cabbage, avocado pits, avocado skins, black beans)
• stirring tools
• gloves (optional)
• sketchbooks or paper for notes

Step 1
Begin with a discussion about the history of color in art, including early paint making and natural dyes used by cultures throughout history. Introduce the color wheel and how artists sourced pigments from plants, minerals, and natural materials.

Step 2
Prepare fibers by presoaking natural fabrics in a soda ash solution to help the fibers absorb color more effectively.

Step 3
In separate containers, create dye baths by soaking natural materials such as turmeric, red cabbage, avocado pits or skins, and black beans in warm water. Allow materials to steep until the water becomes richly colored.

Step 4
Encourage students to experiment by adjusting the ratio of natural materials to water. More material or less water will create a stronger dye bath.

Step 5
Students place fabric or watercolor paper into the dye baths. They may soak materials overnight or gently heat the dye bath on a hot plate for approximately thirty minutes at a low boil.

Step 6
Remove materials and rinse with water. Lay flat or hang to dry. Encourage students to compare results and record how different materials and concentrations influenced color outcomes.

Assessment
Evaluate students on experimentation, documentation, and understanding of color relationships. Student work should demonstrate exploration of natural pigments and thoughtful testing of dye strength, materials, and process.

Kristina Latraverse is the founder and lead instructor at Seagrass Pottery in Indialantic, Florida.