Cochineal (Dactylopius coccus Costa)
For ground cochineal look here.
Active dye components; carmine (aka e120)
The body of the insect contains 19–22% carminic acid.
Read more about anthraquinnes here; https://suzannedekel.com/post/what-makes-a-plant-a-dye-plant-part-2-anthraquinones
Part used: whole bug
Colour range: purple, pink, reds (Ph sensitive)
Mordant: none for wool, alum recommended for everything else.
Light fastness: very good
WOF: 10-20%
Cold dyeing: not so much
Hot dyeing: yes
Low Impact Method: yes
These dried cochineal insects come from a small sustainable farm in Peru where it is grown on nopals. High quality cochineal with a high content of carminic acid. Organic & fair trade directly from the farm!
Textiles can be mordanted previously for better results and deeper colour. Alum and tannin will each give slightly different shades. Cochineal loves acidity, cream of tartar will push the dye bath to more reds.
It is recommended to have a look at the different dye instruction modules available here.
Bugs are the best when ground before use.
-Securely packed in a re-sealable zip bag for easy use and storage
Cochineal Whole Dried Bugs (Dactylopius coccus) organic
Storage
Keep in a tightly closed container, stored in a cool, dry, ventilated area. Protect against physical damage. Maintain a constant temperature not to exceed 24° C. (75° F.). Containers of this material may be hazardous when empty since they retain product residues (dust, solids); observe all warnings and precautions listed for the product.
Heath and Safety
Do not ingest. Do not breathe dust. Wear protective gloves, safety goggles and a dust mask when handling fine dye powders and mordants.
Possibly harmful when swallowed or inhaled
Environmental Hazards
Natural dye powders are no known environmental concern. Mordants and mordanted dye baths should be disposed in a sensible way according to your local waste disposal laws.
Packaging
Natural dyes and mordants are shipped in a special packaging made from recypcled materials with a re-usable zipper.
Your pouches are shipped in either a flat padded envelope or a cardboard box depending on quantity and size.
We try to use reduce packaging and use recycled materials where possible.
Shipping Times
Most packages are sent the same day or next day of order.
Shipping times depend per country and are out of my hands once I send the parcel. Averages to the United States have been 6-14 business days.
Shipping rates.
Shipping is according to the total weight of your parcel including packaging materials.
ALL packages are shipped with a tracking number. The tarcking number will be updated by mail once available.
Please note that most tracking is only available from the moment the parcel physically leaves the country. This may take a few days.
You will see your total shipping rate in your order.
At this moment it is not possible to ship your dye materials by EMS.
