Plant Dyeing and Eco Printing Workshop
Thursday 5 November, 10am–4pm, Oakbrook Community Farm
Spend a day learning how to create beautiful colours and botanical prints using leaves, flowers and natural dyes.
This practical workshop will introduce you to plant dyeing and eco printing on silk, paper and wool. You’ll learn about preparing different fibres, choosing plants and colours, mordanting techniques and the process of transferring the shapes, colours and textures of foliage directly onto fabric.
You’ll leave with several pieces of fabric printed during the workshop, along with the knowledge needed to continue experimenting at home. Hemmed silk scarves will also be available to purchase if you would like to dye your own after the workshop.
No previous experience is required. Places are limited to six participants, allowing plenty of time for individual guidance.
This workshop is also a fundraiser for Stroud Community Agriculture.
Workshop schedule
10–11.30am: Introduction and planning
- The basics of plant dyeing
- Protein and cellulose fibres
- Mordanting techniques
- Colours produced by different plants
- The eco-printing process
- Examining samples and choosing leaves and colours for your own work
11.30am–1.15pm: Creating your botanical prints
- Preparing the textiles, barrier material and kraft paper
- Preparing the dye blankets
- Arranging foliage
- Rolling and binding the textile bundles
1.15–2pm: Lunch
The textile bundles will begin steaming during the lunch break.
2–3pm: Plant dye experiments
While the textiles continue to steam, you’ll experiment with preparing selected plants for dyeing.
3–4pm: Unwrapping and reviewing
The bundles will be unwrapped to reveal the finished prints. We’ll look at everyone’s results and discuss modifiers, different effects and the equipment needed to continue eco printing at home.
Please bring:
- An apron
- A plastic bag for taking your freshly dyed textiles home
- Two clean jam jars
- A packed lunch
- Warm clothes - you will be in the polytunnel - so nearly outside - for most of the day
Charlie will provide:
- Dye swatches and finished samples
- Pre-mordanted textiles
- Kraft paper and protective barrier materials
- Pre-dyed colour blankets and binding strips
- Steamer pots, dowel and other specialist equipment
Prices
£120 for SCA members
£140 for non-members
