Step one

Prepare the Oak ‘Knopper’ Gall Natural Dye (Please follow recipe steps here: https://materiom.org/recipe/594)

Step two

Prepare the Carrageenan - Dye mix

• Weigh out your carrageenan powder. You will have different results depending on whether you use carrageenan iota or kappa.
• Add the 15 grams of carrageenan powder into the glass jar.
• Measure out the prepared oak gall natural dye to 450ml
• Pour the cooled oak gall natural dye into the jar.
• Use a blunt knife or spoon to mix and scrape of any carrageenan lumps that may have stuck to the glass and that don’t have contact with the liquid (dye)
• Place the glass jar lid on tightly and shake the mixture.
• Leave for 12-24 hours

Step three

Once the mixture has had time to settle (the carrageenan absorbs the water in the dye), the mixture is ready to use. It can be quite smelly as the oak gall dye is partially fermented.

Step four

Pour the mixture into the saucepan and turn the stove onto a medium heat. Use 50 ml of water to rinse out the jar and also pour this into the saucepan. Stir continuously for 5 minutes breaking any lumps apart. After 5 minutes, add the vegetable glycerol in. This is the plasticiser and gives the material it’s flexibility. 

Step five

After another 5 minutes, or until the mixture has become very liquid, turn the stove onto a low heat.

Step six

Now prepare your mould on a flat, level surface, as close to the stove and saucepan as possible, as the mixture cools down very fast. When you are ready, turn the stove off and pour the liquid quickly and directly into the mould. 

For best results, dry the sample quickly in a food dehydrator or in an over at a very low temperature of 35-50 degrees celsius. Store any oak gall dye in the fridge