The Slip-Deck Dyeing Technique

Dyeing bark paper requires specific techniques to ensure the fibers absorb the color evenly without becoming brittle.

Assembling the Slip-Deck

• Build a wooden frame that fits snugly over a shallow dye bath to contain the fabric.
• Line the frame with a fine mesh screen to separate the individual layers of fabric.
• Secure the fabric in a tight, overlapping crisscross pattern to maximize contact with the dye.

Balancing the Dye Bath

• Mix the mordant with warm water before adding the natural dye powder to fix the color.
• Stir the mixture continuously for at least twenty minutes to ensure homogeneity.
• Test the water temperature frequently to keep it between eighty and ninety degrees.

Patience during the dyeing process is key to achieving vibrant, long-lasting colors on the bark paper.