Griffin Dyeworks & Fiber Arts

Understanding Mordants and Modifiers

Juniper

JUNIPER: (Juniperus spp.)

Description: Worldwide evergreen shrub or small tree, genus (Coniferae Pinaceae) with small hard berries often used in making gin.
Other Names: Holland balsam, sloe-berry tree
Dye Use: Alkali mordant mentioned in the Old Testament
Best On: Wool, cotton
Dye Recipe: Navajo dyers use 1 c hot green juniper needle ashes to 2 c boiling water as an alkali mordant.
Safety: Ash and water form a low-grade lye, which can be dangerous.
Disposal: Pour down toilet
Alternative: Soda ash, ashes from local trees; Thai dyers use tamarind leaf ash
Source: Any USA high desert or low mountain range

CODES: c = cup; gal = gallon; lb = pound (weight); tbsp = Tablespoon; tsp = teaspoon / [AF] Anglo-French; [Ar] Arabic; [AS] Anglo-Saxon; [Dan] Danish; [Du] Dutch; [Fr] French; [Ger] German; [Gk] Greek; [It] Italian; [L] Classical Latin; [LL] Late Latin; [ME] Middle English; [ML] Modern Latin; [OE] Old English; [OF] Old French; [ON] Old Norse; [OS] Old Saxon; [Port] Portuguese; [Sp] Spanish; [Sw] Swedish / CE = Common Era; BCE = Before Common Era

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