Traditional Alder Bark Dyeing on Cedar Bark and Wool

Join special guest Elder and Medicine Woman Jeri Sparrow of the Musqueam First Nation as we set out to explore the traditional knowledge and ancestral art of this beautiful and rich dye. Alder bark (Alnus rubra) is known as an ancient traditional medicine in the Pacific Northwest, used as a tea to help strengthen the lungs and fortify the body. Alder trees (Alnus genus) are also commonly found throughout North America, Asia and Europe.
Indigenous oral history includes using alder bark to achieve reds for weaving designs in cedar basketry, mats, clothing, regalia and other items. Yet what is involved in drawing out the colour of the inner bark? Here we cover both dyeing plant (cedar bark) and animal (wool) fiber as we harvest, process and use the power of the sun to turn bright orange to rich reds. Note: while we use a blender and washing soda, original methods would likely have involved chewing the bark up and stale urine for the necessary pH boost.
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Note: caramel coloured yarn in the video was achieved with a premordant of alum (aluminium potassium sulfate), while the purply brown was achieved with a premordant of iron. Yarn for this video was donated in part by Urban Yarns (urbanyarns.com). Much appreciated!
For more in-depth discussion on mordanting, check out my video on dyeing with acorns: • How to Naturally Dye w...
New to dyeing? Start with this playlist: • New to Dyeing? Start h...
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I'm a wildlife ecologist who specializes in management and conservation of endangered species. I'm passionate about exploring the natural world and connecting people with nature through fiber and science. Please never cook using any of your dye equipment and always store your plants, lichens and mushrooms safely.Warning: please use good ventilation when dyeing with this plant as it can be toxic.

[@katefynn5593]

That pry bar looks like a beekeeper's hive tool to me!

[@WildcraftDyeing]

Oh interesting!!! I wasn’t sure what it was. That makes sense!

[@cghall74]

Awesome video - thanks so much!

[@micahmilne]

The cedar turned out such a beautiful rich red! Also I appreciate so much that you learn from actual native people when working with indigenous dye materials, and share knowledge in turn. It feels to me that you approach dyeing and plants and people with great respect.

[@WildcraftDyeing]

Wow, thank you. This made my day. We have a lot to learn on the western side from Indigenous views on healing this earth and staying in balance. We’ll need to blend both views to help save our precious blue and green marble. 💕

[@NadineMcSpadden]

Wow I can’t believe the beautiful red you get!

[@WildcraftDyeing]

It was amazing!

[@AnimeShinigami13]

I'm looking for information on turning cedar bark into dye but I can't find any sign of it on google!!!!

[@WildcraftDyeing]

It’s going to depend on the colours you’re after in terms of the mordants and ratio of bark to fiber. If you can find a downed cedar, you can harvest the bark without fear of harming the tree to experiment with.