Learn the foundations of plant dyes, as well as their history and cultural significance in this 6 week online course. We will connect back to nature, our local-ecosystem, the land, and each other as we create art with the flowers, leaves, and barks of Mama Earth.
Experience an intimate group from many different landscapes as we work through the full cycle of working with plant dyes. The why, the where, the how.
Each student will receive a beautiful and thoughtful box before our time together begins. This box will be full of all of the dyes and materials needed for the duration of our class time.
The format of these classes will be lecture based, however I encourage students to use their materials and create dye baths during class as I go over and teach it all in real time. Therefore, there will be space and time to answer all questions as students move through the process.
Topics Covered
Week 1- Welcoming circle and introductions, history of plant dyes, how the indigenous folks used plant dyes, the importance of plant dyes, the consequences of synthetic dyes in the fashion industry, the importance of connecting back to nature though our local eco-systems, & the cultural significance of plant dyes
Week 2- the science and process of scouring and mordanting, animal fibers vs cellulose fibers, mordanting for eco-printing
Week 3- learning how to dye shades of reds, oranges, and yellow, the history of plants used to achieve these colors, native plants that can also achieve these colors
Week 4- learning how to dye shades of green, purple, pink, and brown, the history of plants used to achieve these colors, native plants that can also achieve these colors
Week 5- everything you need to know about indigo! History and significance, process for creating long lasting natural indigo vats, troubleshooting
Week 6- how to achieve the clearest, most vibrant eco-prints on both cellulose and animal fibers
This course is a comprehensive learning experience into the world of plant dyes, covering SO many important topics and offering extensive knowledge to propel your journey into successful creating.
Dates being offered: January 13th, 20th, 27th, February 3rd, 10th, 17th
Each box will include the following: Custom Plant Dyer's Field journal to record notes and swatch experiments, cotton, silk, and wool to dye with, materials to scour & mordant, the following plant dyes: madder, coreopsis, marigold, chlorophyllin, indigo, logwood, lac, and cutch, driftwood stirring stick, pressed dried flowers for eco-printing, a dowel for eco-printing, and cotton string for eco-printing
Not included, but needed for class: pots for dyeing (I recommend obtaining 3 so that when we get to the class where we will begin dyeing, you can make multiple dye baths at once) (pots can be purchased at thrift stores or online) gloves, scale for measuring, bowls for mixing, strainer, mask
*PLEASE NOTE- please do not use plant dye pots, bowls, and any utensils for preparing food
Each student will also recieve a PDF pamphlet with all information talked about in classes, as well as a recording of each zoom class. There will be time at the end of each class to answer any and all questions!
"This course was worth every penny! Although I have some experience in traditional citric acid and pigment fiber dyes, learning about the magical colors you can obtain from natural sources such as Brazilwood, Logwood, Walnut, Indigo and Marigold, Cutch, Lac, Coreopsis and Madder was like stepping into a whole new world! Allie was very organized and provided all the materials and information in a way that was thoughtful and meditative, emphasizing a holistic view of the historical, social and cultural aspect of each material, as well as the way to manage the practical aspects of the dye process for each one, with both cotton and silk swatches. Learning how to properly mordant before dying is an essential key skill to being successful with natural dyes. I have a whole new respect for the artform, and appreciate our land and resources, feeling more connected to it. I recommend this course for a comprehensive immersion into the amazing rainbow of color you can obtain from natural dyes, and a way to tune into the Zen of the process. Allie is so knowledgeable, kind and patient, and has organized the course in a way that is well thought out and anyone can succeed at, step by step. The results are keepsake treasures as well!" - Sarah Fields