Introduction to Natural Dyeing

Tutor: Kirstie Williams

Lunch: Price includes a hearty lunch.

Level:
All Levels

Typically for a max of 8 people.

Full Day

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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. We provide the environment, the time and the guidance you need to create. You can expect a warm welcome, skilled and friendly tutors and the chance to meet like-minded people keen to share ideas. 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.

We encourage you to arrive at 9.30am. This will allow time to meet other participants over a cup of tea or coffee and biscuits before beginning workshops at 10am. 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 delicious homemade 2 course lunch. There will be a further afternoon break with tea or coffee and cake. All food and refreshments are included in the price of your workshop.

The finish time given is 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. 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 sure we provide a day where you will be looked after, with good food, good company and great inspiration!

What you’ll need to bring with you

Please bring an apron and a pair of rubber gloves along with you. Small fabric swatches will be provided along with all the natural dyes and mordants. If you have any of your own natural fabric pieces you'd like to test, please do bring these along with you too.

Reference notes will be provided but you may also wish to bring a notebook and pen.

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