Here’s what you will need:
natural fabric- silk cotton or linen
marigold powder, madder root
snow - fresh and clean if possible
a large tray or bin
alum + for mordant
Step 1: Mordant (the most important)
mordant your fabric- natural dyes need something to bind to. soak in for one hour in water with 10-15% alum. Rinse and use damp or dry.
Step 2: Setting up your snow bed
you can use it directly outside in a snowbank or a shallow plastic bin. Lay your fabric down either scrunched or flat (dealer’s choice) and pile about 2-4” of snow on top. The snow works as your resist and diffusion system.
Step 3: Sprinkle your marigold and madder powder over the snow. If you want an earthier mix, you can mix them. I mixed the above together.
Step 4: Let it melt naturally
Step 5: Rinse and Cure
Once the snow has fully melted, let it sit for another 1-4 hours. Rinse in cool water until it runs mostly clear and wash with a pH-neutral soap like a Meyers.
Enjoy your weathered masterpiece!
