Nature is not only a source of colo

Nature is not only a source of colour ideas, for many centuries it was the only means to make colour. Blue was derived from the plant sources indigo and woad. Red was made from madder, another plant, or from cochineal and kermes, both insect dyes. Weld, the bark of the American black oak, broom, heather, birch and poplar twigs were all used to make yellow. These basic dyes in various combinations were the means of making black, green, purple and orange.