Workshops and Classes
Teaching the art of capturing color from plants.
Learn how to use locally grown flowers, food waste, and foraged plants to make beautiful, naturally dyed textiles in my hands-on workshops and classes. Listings are updated often!
Natural Dyes: Patterns & Prints
Designed for beginners and seasoned crafters alike, this 10-week workshop is an exciting exploration into the art of creating dynamic patterns and prints on fabric using natural dyes. We’ll cover a variety of surface design techniques using stamps, stencils, and brushes in combination with a diverse array of natural dye sources and mordant pastes. We’ll extract dye baths from several natural sources, including food waste, locally grown plants, and traditional historic dyes, and use shibori resist techniques and dye modifiers to create vibrant colors and intricate patterns on cloth. Several methods for the direct application of natural dyes onto fabric will also be covered, including bundle dyeing and eco-printing. Gain a comprehensive understanding of natural dyeing techniques and their applications in surface design and discover the endless possibilities for creating works of art on fabric with natural dyes.
Foundations of Natural Dyeing
Discover the rich world of natural color in this four-week introduction to natural dyeing on cloth. Through hands-on practice, you’ll learn the essential processes that make natural dyes both beautiful and long-lasting. We’ll cover fiber sourcing, proper cleaning and scouring techniques, and best practices for pretreating fabric with tannins and mordants, all tailored to the specific natural dyes being used. We'll extract dye baths from a range of materials, from kitchen scraps and locally grown plants to traditional dyes with long histories of use. We’ll experiment with color variation through pH and iron modifiers, and incorporate shibori resist techniques to create layers of pattern and visual interest. Along the way, we'll discuss the history, science, and sustainability of natural dyes, gaining a deeper understanding of the relationship between plants, textiles, and color.
By the end of the class, you’ll have created a collection of naturally dyed fabrics. Additionally, you’ll transform a cotton or linen item of your choice—such as a shirt, baby onesie, or tea towel—from start to finish using natural dyes.
Eco-Printing with Eucalyptus & Autumn Leaves
Learn how to create beautiful, one-of-a-kind botanical prints on textiles using a variety of leaves. This hands-on workshop will guide participants through the natural dye process known as "eco-printing" using eucalyptus and autumn leaves to create an organic cotton bandana of your own design. Eco-printing is a direct dyeing technique that creates near-perfect plant prints on fabric or paper. As we work, we’ll discuss the fundamentals of natural dyeing, including fiber preparation, plant selection, and the unique dye properties of flowers and leaves. Experience the magic of extracting dye from ordinary leaves to impart rich colors and stunning patterns on fabric that will lead you to rethink the creative potential of the natural world. All materials are provided.
Philly Fiber Fest
I'll be taking part in the first annual Philly Fiber Fest hosted by PA Fibershed at the Village of Industry & Art (the newly reopened UArts building) alongside friend and collaborator, Cait Nolan. We'll be selling bundle dyeing kits, plant-dyed fabric and clothing items, plant-based inks, and other goodies. Stop by to say hello, browse over 30 other textile and fiber vendors, enjoy free demonstrations, kids’ activities, a fiber art exhibition, and a silent auction. There’s something for everyone!
FREE and open to the public! I hope to see some of you there!
Wrapped with Nature: Botanical Holiday Ribbon Dyeing
Celebrate the holidays at Winterthur by creating beautiful, botanical-printed silk ribbon to adorn your gifts, wreaths, or festive decorations. In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn the natural dye process known as eco-printing to create two yards of custom silk ribbon using leaves, locally grown flowers, and seasonal botanicals. Eco-printing is a direct dyeing technique that creates near-perfect plant prints on fabric or paper. As we work, we’ll discuss the fundamentals of natural dyeing, including fiber preparation, plant selection, and the unique dye properties of flowers and leaves. Draw inspiration from the beauty of Winterthur’s gardens and the spirit of Yuletide as you experience the magic of transferring color and pattern from plants onto cloth and gain a deeper appreciation for the artistic potential of natural materials.
This workshop is appropriate for ages 12+ and all experience levels. All materials and supplies are provided.