African American Fabrics: Painting with Teas and Coffee

I found inspiration in my cup of tea. The colors are subtle pigments of soothing tones. This got me thinking about painting-- and, I started researching tea and coffee painting. What did I find out? People have been painting with teas from the beginning of humanity. It is not known how long tea dyeing has been around, but, I am willing to bet it may have been almost as long as the history of tea itself. Some historians believe that people probably began dyeing fabric to cover stains or minimize dirt. Others debate the ritual and cultural significants of dying fabric and linen. The dyeing of linen and leather in Mesopotamia and northern Syria and Egypt was being carried out as early as 2000 BC in temple workshops, where the sacred vestments for gods and priests were dyed. 

"Hold Still", by Kweli Kitwana (c)2012
www.africanamericanfabrics.com

"Hold Still", by Kweli Kitwana (c)2012 a design in progress
-note my sample sheet

Tea dyeing is a handy craft and an easy and economic way for anyone to dye clothing, linens and paper.
Tea dyeing is often used to give fabrics and papers an aged or antique look. Folks enjoy dyeing material with tea because of the variety of colors and shades that are possible, as well as the tradition itself of tea baths. Making your tea paint is easy!! Using black, herbal or fruit teas that has been steeped. The longer you steep and the less water you use will vary your results. Although, the fabric will smell like the tea after its tea bath, washing it once should get rid of any smell.

IMPORTANT!! Make yourself a sample on a piece the fabric or paper you plan to use before you start painting. Let the sample dry completely. This will help you with having a better understanding of final results. Remember all fabrics and papers are not equal--your colors will change based on your surface. A redish tea could easily turn blue or brown once dried.