Sylvia Rose
Lye (NaOH): Caustic Soda for Soap & Glass
Lye or sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is a vital part of human history. Also called caustic soda, lye is a white odorless solid. A strong...
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Sylvia Rose
Nov 15 min read
Guar Gum: Unique Qualities for Art & Crafts
Guar gum is recognized for its unique natural properties in visual arts and crafting. From enhancing textures to creating custom paints,...
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Sylvia Rose
Oct 314 min read
Aromatic Cold Oil Infusions: DIY Alchemy Perfumes
Aromatic cold infused oil is a rich artisan tradition of culture and the art of allure. This ancient form of perfume-making connects...
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Sylvia Rose
Oct 176 min read
Paints of the Artist's Palette in Renaissance Europe
Artists of Renaissance Europe cultivate palettes rich in colors sourced from elements both enchanting and lethal. The Renaissance is...
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Sylvia Rose
Oct 166 min read
10 Ancient Spices of Trade, Health & Beauty
Spices come from distant lands along ancient trade routes. These commodities bring flavor to food, health and beauty to consumers and...
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Sylvia Rose
Oct 154 min read
Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum) Art, Food & Medicine
Gum arabic, also known as acacia gum, is a natural substance derived from sap of Acacia trees, especially Acacia senegal . This sticky,...
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Sylvia Rose
Oct 154 min read
Secrets of Xanthan Gum for Artists & Chefs
Xanthan Gum, a versatile ingredient with various applications, is a growing trend in multiple industries. In art and food it's valued as...
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Sylvia Rose
Oct 155 min read
Gum Arabic, Guar, Xanthan: Guide for Artists & Artisans
Thickening gums such as gum arabic, guar and xanthan gums are indispensable for creation of inks and pigment by individual or industrial...
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Sylvia Rose
Oct 145 min read
Carbon Steel: Origins, Composition & Uses
Carbon steel is an essential material in various industries, renowned for versatility and strength. Uncover the secrets of carbon steel:...
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Sylvia Rose
Oct 125 min read
Tungsten: Elusive Metal of Light, Art & Industry
Tungsten, also known as wolfram, is a rare and versatile metal. In nature, tungsten is found in ore form, combined with other elements....
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Sylvia Rose
Oct 116 min read
Women Brewers: Brewing History of Europe
Women have a significant role in brewing through history. Before brewing is industrialized, it's a domestic activity seen as providing...
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Sylvia Rose
Sep 294 min read
Hydrogen Peroxide: Chemistry, Production, Risks
Hydrogen Peroxide (H₂O₂) is one of the most versatile chemicals today due to powerful oxidizing properties and a wide range of...
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Sylvia Rose
Sep 264 min read
Ardent Spirits Alchemy: the Fiery Elixirs of Life
Ardent Spirits in alchemy are liquors obtained after repeated distillations from fermented fruit and vegetables. They are thus called...
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Sylvia Rose
Sep 247 min read
Acetic Acid: Vinegar 🜊 in Ancient Alchemy
Acetic acid is a compound with many uses. With chemical formula CH₃COOH, this colorless liquid has a sharp pungent smell and sour taste....
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Sylvia Rose
Sep 246 min read
Platinum (Pt): Junk Metal to Pure Treasure
Platinum (Pt) is one of the most treasured metals in the world. Known for its durability, rarity and luster, platinum is a symbol of...
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Sylvia Rose
Sep 233 min read
What is Alum? Origins, Production & Use
Alum has a multi-toned nature. Alum denotes a group of chemical compounds characterized by double sulfate salts. Alums are used across...
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Sylvia Rose
Sep 234 min read
Aluminum(III) Oxide: Secrets of Precious Gemstones
Aluminum oxide or alumina (Al2O3) is the secret to the composition and allure of precious gems such as sapphire and ruby. This white,...
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Sylvia Rose
Sep 234 min read
Making Sapphire & other Precious Gemstones
Synthetic sapphires and lab-grown gemstones mimic the brilliance and allure of natural gems while often surpassing them in quality and...
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Sylvia Rose
Sep 224 min read
Indigo: Extract Dye from Indigofera Tinctoria
Indigo, deep blue dye from the Indigofera tinctoria plant, often associated with blue denim, is one of humanity's oldest dyes. The...
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Sylvia Rose
Sep 213 min read
Mordants - Essential Ancient Dye Techniques
Mordants are part of the dyeing process and help achieve vibrant colors. Dyeing fabrics goes back to the Stone Age. Mordants are also...
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