The Process

Before the prevalence of synthetic dyes, all cultures created colour from their natural environments.

Reds came from madder root, blues came from the indigo plant, yellows came from marigolds, and purples came from the bark of the logwood tree. An ancient art of creating natural dye baths of flowers, trees, and insects flourished in every corner of the planet.

At Selfso you will find the art of eco-printing and natural dyes. Each collection of natural textiles are hand-crafted into wearable works of art. The distinct whimsical floral and leaf botanical prints are created with plants foraged from the local environment. The wonderful display of colours come from dyes created with flowers, plants, trees, and insects. No two pieces are the same. Each one is a true treasure.

  • A wicker basket filled with yellow, purple, and white flowers with green leaves, set outdoors with a blurred background of trees and sky.

    Plants and leaves are foraged.

  • A hand touching yellow flowers with dark centers on a parchment sheet, surrounded by baskets of similar flowers on a wooden table.

    Flowers from my garden are
    pressed throughout the season.

  • Cloth or fabric submerged in water inside a large metal pot or bowl.

    Fabric is prepared for
    printing by scouring it of
    any impurities.

  • Flat surface of a white square cake covered with smooth white frosting, surrounded by fresh herbs and leaves, a metal bowl with mixed greens, and a white paper towel with yellow flowers.

    The fabrics are then mordanted so that it will take the colour and the print.

  • A fabric sheet with various pressed flowers and leaves arranged on it, placed on a plastic-covered surface.

    Plants and flowers that
    are high in tannins are placed on the fabric.

  • Close-up view of a round wooden stick wrapped with multiple beige and gray rubber straps, placed on a smooth, light gray surface, with green leaves partially visible in the top left corner.

    It is rolled in a tight bundle and steamed for hours.

  • Close-up of dried autumn leaves and small plant stems layered on a textured surface.

    The results are magic.