Posted by Miriam Splett
on October 14, 2025
Color isn’t just something we see, it’s something we feel.
For centuries, artisans have used natural botanical powder dyes to transform plain fabrics into timeless works of art. One of the most fascinating sources of deep, royal red comes from Laccifer lacca, a natural resin that embodies the spirit of eco-conscious crafts and slow-made dyes.
Our Burnt Velvet shade is crafted for those who believe in creating beauty without compromise - a chemical-free colour that connects modern makers with ancient traditions. Perfect for sustainable DIY projects, botanical dyeing, and ethical textile art, this rich, velvety red offers more than pigment: it’s a story of nature, history, and artistry.
Whether you’re a seasoned artisan or exploring natural dyeing for beginners, this plant-based dye powder invites you to dye your world naturally with respect for the earth and its cycles.
What Is Laccifer Lacca?
Laccifer lacca is a small insect native to India and Southeast Asia. It secretes a natural resin known as lac, which has been used for thousands of years as both a dye and varnish. When refined, the lac resin reveals a rich crimson pigment that glows with earthy warmth - a hue once reserved for royal robes, ceremonial fabrics, and sacred art.
Unlike modern synthetic dyes, this pigment isn’t created in a lab. It’s a gift from nature, formed through time, balance, and ecosystem harmony. The lac insects live on host trees, such as Schleichera, Ficus, or Zizyphus species, and the resin they produce becomes the foundation for our stunning red tone.
A History Steeped in Royalty
The use of Laccifer lacca dates back to ancient civilizations across India, China, and Southeast Asia. Its dye was so valuable that it became a symbol of status and divinity. Priests, nobility, and royalty wore fabrics tinted with this deep red as a sign of power, purity, and passion.
In fact, “lac” is the root word behind the term “lacquer”, the glossy finish seen in traditional Asian art and furniture. But before it coated objects, it colored fabrics, creating garments that shimmered under candlelight in shades of ruby, burgundy, and garnet.
At Wild Hue, we embrace that same connection between history and hue - crafting a modern, sustainable version of a pigment that once painted empires in red.
The Process: From Nature to Dye
The transformation of Laccifer lacca into natural dye is a beautiful example of slow craftsmanship:
- Harvesting the Resin: The lac insects encrust branches with their resin, which is gently scraped off once matured.
- Purification: The crude lac is cleaned to remove bark, insects, and impurities, revealing translucent flakes.
- Extraction: Through careful heating and filtration, the resin releases its deep red pigment.
- Grinding & Preparation: The pigment is dried and ground into fine powder, ready for natural dyeing.
Each batch is unique - reflecting the trees, climate, and time in which it was created. The result is a rich, velvety red powder that carries both history and heart.
The Shade: Burnt Velvet
Burnt Velvet is more than a color - it’s a feeling.
A powerful deep red that whispers stories of mystery, strength, and sophistication. It adds depth and drama to any textile, making it perfect for bold patterns, detailed prints, or artistic statements.
The shade feels luxurious and timeless, evoking antique fabrics and ancient tapestries, yet remains modern in its intensity. Whether you’re creating fashion, art, or home textiles, Burnt Velvet transforms natural fibers into living, breathing art pieces.
Why Choose Wild Hue Botanical Powder Dye?
- 100% Organic Botanicals: No synthetics, no toxins - just pure nature.
- Sustainable & Biodegradable: The production process respects natural cycles.
- Professional Results: Deep, consistent color with long-lasting vibrancy.
- Perfect for Home Use: Easy to apply, even for beginners.
This dye invites you to slow down and reconnect - to dye with intention, care, and creativity.
Sustainability and Ethics
Our commitment to sustainability goes beyond the product itself. At Wild Hue, we source lac resin responsibly, ensuring that harvesting supports local communities while maintaining biodiversity.
Every pouch of Burnt Velvet represents balance between artistry and ecology - where ancient tradition meets modern consciousness.
FAQ: Laccifer Lacca & Burnt Velvet
What is the source of Laccifer lacca dye?
It comes from the natural resin secreted by the lac insect, harvested sustainably from host trees in Southeast Asia.
How colorfast is it?
With proper mordanting, Laccifer lacca offers excellent wash and lightfastness, producing professional-quality results.
Can I use it on all fabrics?
It works best on natural fibers like cotton, silk, wool, and linen.
Start Your Eco Friendly DIY Project with Burnt Velvet
Every pouch of Burnt Velvet is more than just organic fabric dye - it’s a mindful choice. A step toward eco-friendly textile design, sustainable colour solutions, and a circular economy fabric dye model that honors both craft and the planet.
With our non-toxic fabric dye, you can create powerful red tones that carry the depth of heritage and the promise of a greener future. Perfect for sustainable craft supplies, DIY fabric dyeing, and artistic expression, this handmade natural dye powder transforms every piece of fabric into a canvas for conscious creativity.
Uncover the beauty of natural textile dye, embrace eco-friendly dye powder, and become part of a growing movement that celebrates ethical textile art and slow-made dyes.
Dye your world naturally with Wild Hue.
