Dyes
This section is about the dyes used in making pysanky–the types that are available, how to prepare and and store them. For information about dyeing techniques, please go to that section.
Prior to 1828, the only dyes available were natural ones, those derived from plants, animals or minerals. Most pysanka dyes were botanical in nature, but pysankarky did utilize cochineal (from scale insects) and some other animal products. Industrial production of aniline dyes did not become possible until 1956, when William Henry Perkin discovered mauve dye. Even so, most pysanka makers continued to use natural dyes until the 1950s.
This section is structured thusly:
Types of Dyes
Natural Dyes
Chemical (Industrial) Dyes
Crepe Paper Dyes
Commercially Available Pysanka Dyes
Mixing and Storing Dyes
Preparing Dyes
Storing Dyes
Containers for Dyes
Maintenance of Dyes
Dye Problems and Their Solutions
Creating New Dyes
Creating Pastel Dyes
Creating Custom Colors (Color Theory)
Preparing Natural Dyes
Yellow
Orange
Pink
Red
Blue
Green
Purple
Black
NOTE: This section of the site is a work in progress, and not all of the linked pages may contain actual information.
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Pysanka Dyes
