THE COLOURS OF NATURE

n October 2021 we published an English language print edition of our popular Danish book about natural dyeing, En Farverig Verden (2015). The book is a simple, easy-to-follow guide to getting started with natural dyeing, introducing and giving an overview of colours, plants, fibres and tools along with basic recipes for lasting colours.

The primary focus of the book is dyeing on wool but it also briefly introduces other fibres and woven fabrics.

Plant dyeing is thought to be difficult and to demand several years of experience to achieve a good result, but that is not necessarily so. Plant dyeing is an activity in which everyone can take part. It does not demand any particular skills and good results can come even with the first dye bath.

The book is based on our personal experiences with natural dyeing and how to achieve a good result.

Some knowledge of the basics will serve you well when you start out. Therefore, we have put together a beginner’s guide on how to collect plants, how to interact with nature and how to recognize the plants that give the best, most beautiful colours.

Natural dyeing with plants is an exciting adventure to embark on, bound to give you extraordinary experiences when you encounter the interaction of nature and craftsmanship.

We live in a world in which time for losing oneself in a single task and carefully labouring on a handmade item to a high degree has had to make room for technology and mass production. Furthermore, we currently notice a tendency to view the pursuit of handmade crafts as acts of overachievers. However, for modern people being completely absorbed in creative activity can provide much-needed relief and be a stress-buster in a busy everyday life. We believe that 21st century people need unique elements in their lives and that items crafted slowly are worth waiting for.

At G-uld we know firsthand what the craft of natural dyeing has to offer even today - we have lived this for years, work ing every day at the dye pots. Natural dyeing can be regarded as a workout for body as well as soul. You will walk for hours in nature, get to know new plants, feel the wool, smell the dye bath, test your patience, think creative thoughts and feel the happiness of pulling YOUR yarn out of the dye pot.

With our different backgrounds as a trained archeologist and a graphic designer, we have one foot in the past and the other in the present. Despite our differences, we both feel strongly that old crafts must not die out. We want to see them live on - but in a context which makes sense for modern people.

Most importantly, we want to pass on the fascination of nature’s resources and the crafts of former times. Therefore it is important to us to reach a larger audience with an English edition of our book.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE BOOK:

• Titel: The colours of nature
• ISBN 978-87-998678-1-3
• Release date: 15th October 2021
• Author: Anne Støvlbæk Kjær &

Louise Schelde Frederiksen

• Publisher: G-uld I/S
• Language: English
• Format: 17 x 24 cm
• Weight: 615 g
• Number of pages: 160
• Printing house: Narayana Press, Denmark • Graphic design: Anne Støvlbæk Kjær • Editor & Translation: Hanne Kær Pedersen & Julia Billings

CONTENT:

• A short history of natural dyeing with plants in Nordic culture.
• A beginner’s guide on how to get started with natural dyeing and collecting plants in nature. • An overview of colours and fibres suitable for natural dyeing.
• Recipes for dyeing with fresh and dried plant material.
• An overview of plant materials to collect in Nor dic nature and which to buy such as madder root, cochineal and indigo.
• A guide to preparing yarn and fabric for dyeing that lasts.
• A guide to tools used in the various processes dyeing.
• 8 recipes covering mordanting, dyeing with fresh and dried plants as well as historic dyes such as indigo, madder root and cochineal.

ABOUT G-ULD / WWW.G-ULD.DK

Anne Støvlbæk Kjær / graphic designer

Louise Schelde Frederiksen / archaeologist

G-uld was established back in 2013 by Anne Støvlbæk Kjær & Louise Schelde Frederiksen.

Our work is based on high standards of workmanship re specting and understanding the materials we work with, quality and nature. When dyeing, we use materials roo ted in old traditions and aim to merge past with present in the results.

At G-uld we make a living from dyeing yarn naturally, selling it online in our web shop and from our farm shop in Ravning, outside Vejle, Denmark. Furthermore, we provide workshops for local as well as international par

ticipants and through online platforms we present infor mation and inspiration about natural dyeing.

Our mission is above all to inform about and pass on the craft, produce appealing, naturally dyed yarn, beautiful design and inspiration.