Making natural dyes

more experiments from the weekend...

Something caught their imagination with mixing, crushing and sifting. I wish I had caught the spark that started it all because I always love seeing what gets their minds going. They fully expected that I would say no when asked if they could make some dyes. What mother in her right mind would say yes, after-all?

I set them up with cups and spoons and let them have at it while I busied  myself about the house (never too far, 'cause I'm not completely insane).

When they asked for red wine, I handed it over with a caution that it was not for drinking. They snorted and giggled.

When they asked for cherries, I handed them a bowl-full (without the caution).

They got vinegar, water, rocks, dirt, petals, leaves, bits of wood, roots, berries, and who knows what else.

They had a massively fun time and didn't make too horrible a mess. Exactly the sort of fun this blog is all about.

{UPDATE}

As Dan suggests, you can use onions to make natural dyes at home. Other things from the kitchen or garden that will work wonderfully (but require a bit more supervision), are spices like tumeric or curry, tea leaves, coffee, and beets. Miss M was very disappointed that I didn't let them paint on white t-shirts with the concoctions... this is something I will definitely give a try sometime when my very active and curious toddler isn't around.

Comments

[Mama Luxe]

Very very very cool. I hope I can help my children explore the world the way you guide yours.

[Dan]

Onions make yellow dye I seem to remember from my schooldays.

The hardest dye to make was purple, therefore it's associated with royalty who are the only ones who could afford it.

[Elizabeth]

I'm impressed! I can hardly stand to let me kids have play-doh because of the mess.