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Backyard Bazaars

Backyard Alder Catkin Dark Tan Botanical Dye Powder Maker

Collect fallen alder tree catkins from garden ground, dry them in a shed, and grind them into dark botanical dye powder for wool dyers.

Startup Cost: £15 Location: Remote/Home Difficulty: Easy Useful side income A few hours a week

Earning and time figures are our broad estimates, not guarantees — actual results depend on your area, your effort and demand.

Why it's left-field

Textile artists buy dark tan dye powder ground out of alder tree catkins gathered off your lawn to colour natural wool yarn.

How it works

  1. 1Gather fallen alder catkins from garden lawn ground in autumn.
  2. 2Dry catkins thoroughly on mesh trays inside a warm ventilated garden shed.
  3. 3Grind dried catkins into fine dye powder and package into glass jars.

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