Shades of Nature
My deep appreciation of nature began when I was a small child growing up in this beautiful rural area to which I’ve recently returned. Much of my time was spent roaming, dreaming and collecting objects outdoors. The wonderful natural dyed colours of Shades of Nature's fiber offerings are extracted from flowers, leaves, mushrooms, bark, lichens, nuts, seeds, berries, roots and even vegetables! Most dye materials I collect from the local countryside or my own treasured organic flower garden. The natural fibers such as wool, mohair, silk, cotton, linen and hemp all accept natural dyes beautifully.
Green Living, existing in harmony with nature, is the essence of Shades of Nature. As individuals we have the power to help protect the environment by being environmentally conscious consumers. Buying natural products is beneficial to the earth, our waterways, land and air. Making green choices allows the energy of the plant and mineral kingdom into our lives and honors our Mother Earth.
Shades of Nature utilizes the infinite and renewable energy found in the sun and soil. The flowers used for my herbal dyeing are grown with organic methods. I use earth friendly non-toxic dye methods that are non-polluting. The biodegradable leftover plant material is composted and returned to the garden. The entire process, from foraging or growing dye materials to rhythmically weaving the colourful results, is tactile and satisfying. It also keeps me spiritually connected to our planet earth, and to our ancestors who first discovered the amazing secret colours hidden in plants.
Linda L. Doucette