Natural Dye and Medicinal Plant Group

For our January meeting we will explore Osage-orange.

Osage-orange dye is the shredded wood of the Maculura pomifera tree which grows throughout the South and Central US. Colors that can be achieved are yellows and greens. The wood and tree were used by Native Americans for bow making and dye (the Osage in the name comes from the Osage native American nation). The tree was also widely planted to provide hedges. I acquired a big bag of wood shavings from a bow making class at Arrowmont this fall, so we have plenty to use. If you have Osage Orange sawdust, bring that along so we can compare the shavings and sawdust. If you want to dye your own fiber prepare it with the mordant of your choice beforehand as we won’t have time to mordant on the day.

Looking forward to exploring color with you.