Not sure how long it has been on youtube, but Blue Ribbon Flies current Newsletter had a link to Craig Matthews' explanation of how to dye bird skins.
Thought some might be interested in watching.
https://youtu.be/IXIZF_QK7hE
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Not sure how long it has been on youtube, but Blue Ribbon Flies current Newsletter had a link to Craig Matthews' explanation of how to dye bird skins.
Thought some might be interested in watching.
https://youtu.be/IXIZF_QK7hE
I saw that Byron. I was kind of surprised when he never rinsed the soap out of the skins. I could see leaving them soapy during the dying process but seems like you would want to get the soap out sometime.
I agree with removing the soap.
Also, Matthews says to bring the dye bath to the boiling point to dissolve the dye. What he didn't say is that you don't want to put your feathers in at that the boiling point. It needs to cool down some before you do that.
interesting that he made a point of saying it was very important not to rise the soap out before putting the skins in the dye. I believe he said the dye would not thoroughly get into the base of the feathers?
Not sure, as I don't dye my own. Thought those who were considering doing this might enjoy the video.
What I'm looking for is an olive starling skin. I know it won't get completely olive.
No idea, really, last chance as I don't dye. BUT, could you do it twice without killing the feathers? Once sorta bleached and again later as olive?
Someone will know it doesn't work, but a question, really.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Byron haugh
I've seen dyed Starling skins for sale, but none in the color olive. I've seen blue, yellow, and chartreuse. Go figure.
Bruce
Hi Bruce,Quote:
Originally Posted by lastchance
Scroll about halfway down the page to see his dyed starling skins including olive. Many of his pages are not updated though, so whether he actually still has this in stock or not you'll have to contact him to find out.
http://www.eflytyer.com/materials/softhackle.html
Regards,
Mark
I used fit and denatured alcohol for years to dye cedar arrow shafts. Not sure how that would affect the feathers? Never used vinigar to set.
Thanks. I sent him an email.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark Vendon
Watched it and one thing I don't agree with is that his first wash getting any excess oils and blood off the skins you have to rinse that stuff off or it's still in the feathers. I'd rinse then from what I was taught 2 drops of dishwashing liquid (it does help) using koolaid and other drink mix's, food coloring, easter egg dye tabs, with clean water then agitate a bit and use the white vinegar to set the color.
According to the video he says "it's still steaming", he adds the vinegar then puts the skins in. Some will say the water is still to hot but if you watch Davy McPhail dye saddles he has them right in the pan on the stove burner.
Even with the Veniards and Fly Dye from Anglers Workshop say to use white vinegar to set the color.
With Olive you'll want to check the color charts or if ordering take a picture of what color you're actually looking for to match up more of the same color because there are different shades of Olive dye.
Would have to agree with you Fatman. Craig Matthews' shop does a GREAT deal of dyeing. They should pretty much know what they are doing, it would seem to me.
The very best I a product simply called Flydye . Gives great color from experience dying thousands of feathers during the feather craze for hair . Leaves feathers in great shape , these people make dyes for the food industry