Browsing Category

Natural pigments, watercolor paints, plant dyes & inks

Natural pigments, watercolor paints, plant dyes & inks Painting & Sketching

Lake Pigments vs. Natural Dyeing

31st July 2023

In the realm of color creations, two captivating worlds stand apart: the intricate process of making lake pigments and the age-old practice of natural dyeing. While both methods embrace the wonders of natural materials, they diverge significantly in purpose, techniques, and end products. In this blog post, we delve into the intriguing differences between the lake pigment-making process and natural dyeing, shedding light on their unique characteristics and creative possibilities. The Complexity of Lake Pigment Production The process of lake…

Continue Reading

Handmade Natural Dye Garden Natural pigments, watercolor paints, plant dyes & inks

Easy Natural Dye Plants to Grow on Your Balcony

23rd May 2023

For years, my balcony has served as a sanctuary for my gardening adventures. I’ve nurtured an array of plants, from blooming flowers to aromatic herbs, vegetables and salads, creating a miniature oasis amidst the urban landscape. But it wasn’t until last year that my gardening journey took an exciting turn. I was granted a small piece of land, a patch of earth to call my own. With this newfound space, I couldn’t resist the urge to experiment with something new…

Continue Reading

Natural pigments, watercolor paints, plant dyes & inks

The Magical Orange Lake pigment

22nd May 2023

As a child, I was enraptured by my late grandparents and parents’ tales of the vibrant festivities they experienced during Holi, the festival of colors. They spoke fondly of the natural hues derived from Butea monosperma flowers, also known as  Tesu or Palash, in my mother tongue. Cultural significance of Butea monosperma Butea monosperma,  holds significant cultural, ecological, and medicinal value in India. It is associated with festivals like Holi and symbolises energy and the arrival of spring. The tree’s…

Continue Reading

Natural Dye Garden Natural pigments, watercolor paints, plant dyes & inks

Discover the Vibrant World of Natural Dyes: Journey of Color Exploration!

9th May 2023

After three long years, I finally had the opportunity to embark on a journey back to my motherland, Bombay, over the easter break this year. This trip held immense significance for me, not only for reconnecting with my roots but also for the chance to explore the fascinating flora that Bombay had to offer. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect, as I was also running a course on how to grow an organic natural dye garden, “From Petals to…

Continue Reading

Natural Dye Garden Natural pigments, watercolor paints, plant dyes & inks

How to grow a natural dye garden?

15th February 2023

Are you an artist who dreams of creating your own natural pigments and paints? What if you could cultivate a garden filled with vibrant hues, ready to be used in your artwork, while also embracing a sustainable and fulfilling experience? I’m delighted to announce my latest course, “From Petals to Palette,” which is tailor-made for artists. Being an artist myself, I’ve long been captivated by the charm of natural pigments and the eco-friendly practice of gathering them. However, I eventually…

Continue Reading

Handmade Natural Dye Garden Natural pigments, watercolor paints, plant dyes & inks

A Beginner’s Guide to Eco-Printing: Learn How to Create Art with Natural Materials!

25th January 2023

In 2019, I discovered the art of eco-printing while on a week-long camping trip to the coast of Algarve in Portugal. Despite writing an article about my experience at the time, I never got around to publishing it until now, four years later! During our trip, we came across a small village called Alté. It was so charming that we decided to make a stop and explore the  village. As we were strolling through the narrow lanes of this charming…

Continue Reading

Handmade Natural pigments, watercolor paints, plant dyes & inks Painting & Sketching

Which paper is best for writing with (Natural) inks?

17th January 2023

Paper is a versatile medium produced by mechanically or chemically processing cellulose fibers extracted from wood, fabric rags, grasses, or other plant sources in water. The water is then drained through a fine mesh to leave the fiber evenly distributed on the surface, followed by couching, pressing, and drying. There are many different types of papers available today. The range of papers that work well with water- and alcohol-based natural inks is too vast for this article to explore. In…

Continue Reading