Plant Spotlight Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.) The Eucalyptus is a sacred tree native to Australia, with over 700 species that are now planted all over the world. In Portugal, it is an extremely controversial plant associated with vast monocultures planted by the paper industry that intensify Portugal's problematic wildfires and have replaced a lot of its native fire resilient forests. For natural dyer's it is a generous and exciting source of color. I would even say that it wa

Plant Spotlight Wild Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) Native to the Mediterranean, fennel is edible by humans and insects alike. In Portugal, its feathery fronds appear widely in disturbed soil. As the season progresses, snails often consume it entirely. Fennel is mostly known for its aromatic properties in culinary uses, but it is also highly medicinal. As a medicinal plant, it's mostly used to aid digestion. As a dye plant, I only use it for its detailed lace-like prints. Wild D

Plant Spotlight Coreopsis (Coreopsis tinctoria) Native to North America but widely grown in gardens, there are dozens of varieties of Coreopsis. The one I grow in the garden is Coreopsis tinctoria, a historial dye plant to indigenous North Americans. The full plant has dye and printing potential producing warm yellows, bright oranges, rusty reds, and even dark greens or browns depending on mordant and concentration. It’s a pollinator favorite, feeding bees and butterflies th

Plant Spotlight Oak - Quercus sp. The oak is the backbone of the Portuguese forest. Several native species, such as Quercus suber (Cork Oak), Q. ilex (Holm Oak), and Q. faginea (Portuguese Oak), are endemic to Portugal, supporting countless insects, birds, and mammals. The most famous oak in Portugal is Q. suber - whose outer bark is harvested for cork. Though there are many more introduced species, including Q. Negral which is one of my favorite for printing. Oaks contain

Garments on the left dyed with reseda and printed with bidens aurea and coreopsis grandiflora. On the right dyed with ruiva tinctorum and...

Each season brings its own rhythms and materials into the dye studio, and winter is no exception. While much of the natural world slows...

The following journal article is inspired by a Beatriz from Quinta das Relvas and a roundtable discussion we did together on art and...

In many ways, Fall is THE season for ecoprinting because this is when most leaves have the highest concentration of tannins and...

The beginning of 2024 found me presented with an extremely special challenge. Create an exhibition with Sara Simões for Casa da Cerca's...

The summer collection is dyed entirely with plants growing in the garden. Inspiration came from the growing wildness of the garden, with...

In the Spring I ecoprint with the spontaneous weeds that pop up after the winter rains.

Escondido em Plena Vista faz parte da iniciativa Efeito Estufa do Festival Jardins Abertos - 3 projetos de arquitectura e 6 artistas...

Learn to make easy watercolor paints from the plants around you!

Learn to make your own iron water to easily mordant fabric for natural dyeing.

The idea of colors hidden in plain sight has been floating in my head for the past year. This concept is inspired by my walks through...

On July 3rd, a group of curious, plant-loving humans spent the day in Monsanto Forest Park to learn about natural dyeing with me and...

I came to natural dyeing through a love for plants. I love growing plants, collecting plants, working with plants, and being around...

What happens when a natural dyer joins forces with two local brands? An unforgettable event that celebrates local businesses,...

In July I had the honor of assisting the inspiring Italian artist, Alex Cecchetti, on his exhibition 'Everything is Welcome'. In just two...

Welcome to July! Summer is in full swing and the flowers are blooming, bees are buzzing, and the sun is shining. The first half of the...