Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Botanical Valentine


Romantic Reds from Ancient Days

Lac is a natural dye that has been prized since antiquity for its' luminous reds and sweet pink hues. The dye itself comes from sweet exudates of the Lac insect. As early as 1200 BC, Lac was collected and used for decoration. The word lac is the English version of Persian and Hindi words that mean “hundred thousand,” indicating the large number of the minute insects required to produce lac dye. It is gathered by spreading cloths on the ground under infested trees, during the season of “red rain”. It is considered a very romantic time, because the natural smell of the Lac is very pheromonal, promoting vibrant health and libido.


Roxana Illuminated Perfume and Sunsprite Handwork come together on Saturday, February 7th to offer you a chance to experience this most interesting color!  At 1:30 Mona will share a bit of history, lore and wisdom about the process followed by the opportunity to dye your very own square silk using a rare and beautiful material! 


From 2:00 to 4:00 we will be brewing a little pot of Lac dye brewing with silk hankies, pre-printed with leaves of Rose and Eucalyptus, for you to dye. You may choose one and dip dye it in the Lac to lay a veil of red color over the print. The finished silk may be used tucked in a pocket, tied into a potpourri pouch, displayed on a table to enjoy under a favorite vase or gifted to a beloved.

The cost is just $5 per person to cover materials.

1:30 Lecture
2:00 - 4:00 Dye Process

Please contact Roxana to reserve your spot, spaces are limited.


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