Explore the basics of natural dyes on this one day workshop with textile artist and printmaker Kirstie Williams.
During the day you will create your own vibrant colour chart of fabric swatches using a range of plants and vegetables such as onion skins, madder root, turmeric and marigolds.
You’ll be guided through the process of boiling dye pans to extract colour from different natural sources.
Using mordants such as iron and alum you’ll also explore how pre-soaking fabrics in mordants can help to alter the colours which can be achieved.
Come away from the day with a range of different small fabric samples and lots of ideas for future dyeing projects at home.
Perfect for beginners, as well as those who have some previous dyeing experience and would like to explore natural plant based colour.
Please note there is a £5 material charge payable on the day.
What to expect
Time at ArtisOn is designed to take you away from it all and provide the environment, the time and the guidance you need to create. You can expect a warm welcome, skilled and friendly tutors plus the chance to meet like-minded people keen to share ideas and experiences. You can even leave us to clear up the mess! There will usually be two workshops going on and we encourage everyone to mingle and be nosey about what the other workshop is up to.
Arrive in time to meet other participants over a cup of tea or coffee and biscuits before beginning your session at the appointed time. There will be a mid-morning break for refreshments and a chance to talk over progress with others. Lunch is usually around 12:45 for about 45 mins – you can expect a homemade 2 course lunch. The main course will be delicious but don’t overdo it as the puds are usually worth waiting for! There will be a further afternoon break with the most wonderful cakes from Roots & Fruits Home Bakery, a North Yorkshire micro-bakery producing handmade bread and cakes. All food and refreshments are included in the price of the workshop.
Finish time is given as a target – there are occasions when the session may overrun so do let us know if you need to be away promptly.
We aim for your day to be a real treat… of course you could always learn a new skill in a shed or a draughty village hall with a curly sandwich, but we want you to have more fun than that! So we make it a day being looked after, with good food, good company and great inspiration!
What you’ll need to bring with you
