Learning about Colors with Minecraft

Today we are going to talk about one of my favorite things to do: mixing colors. I remember experimenting by mixing different paint colors to see what cool color I could create when I was younger!

Mixing Colors in Minecraft

Though there are some limitations in Minecraft®, the basic concept is there. Whether you mix colors in survival or creative, you will need the three main colors of red, yellow and blue. Begin your crafting adventure by collecting these dyes.

Red dye is found in many flowers.

Blue dye is found in the form of Lapis Lazuli (found in caves).

Yellow dye is found in flowers.

Most of the other colors can be made with the proper combinations just like in real life. However, due to how they are made in Minecraft – green, grey, black, brown, and cyan (teal-ish), cannot be made using the above colors. In addition, if you are planning on making pink or light blue (and other colors requiring white) you will need either the light grey dye or white dye.

For your younger kids, I would suggest doing this in creative so that you have endless supplies. For the older ones, I would consider mixing your colors in survival mode, which will require you to search for dyes in your surroundings and adds another level to the lesson.

Finding Dyes in Minecraft

Here are some hints to get you started with finding additional dyes for mixing colors.

Green Dye is made by cooking cactus and lime green is made by adding white to green.
Cyan is found in a flower only found in swamps.
Pink is made by adding white to red or finding a certain flower.
Orange is found by adding yellow and red or an orange flower.
White is found by defeating a certain white hostile mob.
Brown is found in the form of cocoa beans, only found in the jungle.
Black is found in the form of Squid Ink only found in a squid in the water.

Your children will love the adventure of finding even more color possibilities on their own. I know I did. Once you have dyes and you’ve mixed a variety of colors in Minecraft, you can have fun dyeing wool, banners, carpet, leather armor, glass, and even fireworks.