BioArt Workshop: Dyeing with Cochineal Bugs

The Making and Knowing Project, Columbia University
Last updated 2023-03-24 by NJR

Texas A&M PVFA/BIOL BioArt Workshop
March 21–24, 2023
Organized by Tianna Uchacz with Donna Janes and Naomi Rosenkranz

Cochineal Dye: History, Chemistry, and Preparation

Textiles

Linen canvas, 100% linen Utrecht unprimed Belgian linen canvas Type 185 (Blick Art Supplies)
Silk fabric, Jacquard Habotai Silk Scarves, 5mm, 100% silk Jacquard (amazon.com)
Silk thread, Undyed 100% silk lace weight yarn, Ready to Dye (amazon.com)
Cotton cheesecloth, Cheesecloth grade 50 - 100% unbleached cotton, Pure Acres Farm (amazon.com)
Cotton twine, 100% cotton, unbleached, Norpro (amazon.com)
Woven wool, 100% wool, undyed, Ortega’s Weaving Shop, Chimayo, New Mexico
Wool yarn, 100% wool, undyed, Lion Brand Fishermen’s Wool® Yarn

Mordants and Additives

Alum (aluminum potassium sulfate)
- Kremer Pigments, http://shop.kremerpigments.com/en/
- TALAS Bookbinding, Archival & Conservation Supplies, http://www.talasonline.com/
- Loudwolf, https://www.loudwolf.com/ (available through amazon.com)
Potash (potassium sulfate)
- Kremer Pigments, http://shop.kremerpigments.com/en/
- Loudwolf, https://www.loudwolf.com/ (available through amazon.com)
Iron sulfate
- Kremer Pigments, http://shop.kremerpigments.com/en/
- Alpha Chemicals, https://alphachemicals.com/ (available through amazon.com)
Copper sulfate
- Alpha Chemicals, https://alphachemicals.com/ (available through amazon.com)

Dyestuffs

Kremer Pigments, http://shop.kremerpigments.com/en/. Order online or visit the New York storefront
Natural Pigments, https://www.naturalpigments.com/. Order online
Maiwa https://maiwa.com/. Order online or visit retail locations in Vancouver, Canada