Thesis (MVisArts)--University of South Australia, 2001

This study examines the dye plants in the Texas plains region and the extent of their dye-producing qualities. It describes the interest in handicrafts, lack of information on vegetable dyes in plains region, and a variety of other dye details.

The problem of investigating the possibilities of direct design transfer from plant to fabric and paper was divided into two parts. The first part is concerned with the exploration of the mechanics of the transfer. Invloved in this process are the technique of manipulating tools, of selecting suitable fabrics and paper, of determining chemicals that would facilitate the printing process and of experimenting with ways to preserve the finished design. The evaluation of the usability and durability of the finished print was based on a series of color fastness tests. The second part of this problem is concerned with the exploration of the design possibilities of the medium. The plants were tested and rated according to their visual attributes relative to the elements of design. Combinations of the successful plant prints were used to produce variations of pattern and texture. The results of the investigation were evaluated to determine the versatility of the medium as a design tool and the usefulness of the technique as a practical printing method

My thesis deals with dye plants and possibilities of their use. The first part contains classification of dye plants and history of their use. In the next part, there is a summary of dye plants and colors we can get from them. Methodology of coloring is also introduced. At the end, there are botanic parameters, environment needs and cultivation methods of eight selected dye plants. The thesis include database of dye plants in electronic form.