Botanical Inks

 Experiences with Natural Colours and Local Fibres 

In her work, in her art and within her home, botanical and mineral artist Babs Behan has come to embrace an organic lifestyle. From a vegan diet, to the products she uses and makes, she truly believes in a plant-based economy. From Botanical Inks, a natural dye studio based in Bristol, she offers enriching traditional natural dyeing workshops and other experiences such as for hen parties and other special occasions. She also offers private tuitions and workshops to individuals and business who want to develop their knowledge of local dye plants and learn new skills in non-toxic and ‘low impact’ surface application techniques.

Please tell us something about yourself?

I graduated with a BA in Surface Design at LCC, University of the Arts London, but soon knew I was disillusioned with the textile trade and wanted to live and work closer to the Earth. It was when I travelled to Peru that I learnt to identify and harvest dye plants and to extract their colour. Returning home to the UK, I found a wonderful range of colours from plants growing in the Cotswolds, which I use with a variety of contemporary and traditional surface application techniques, including block printing, screen printing, bundle dyeing, Hapazome, ice flower dyeing, Japanese Shibori and Batiq. I offer workshops to private clients and public groups throughout the UK, under the name Botanical Inks.

We would love to hear about the different and innovative techniques you use. Tell us a little more about the shibori tie-dyeing process?