Eco-Arts Workshops
About
Ever wondered how to make fabric dyes using plants? Our Colour Me Local Workshops will bring you into the fascinating world of natural dyes! These workshops welcome both beginners and avid dyers to explore different natural dye processes using a wide range of materials. Participants learn the essentials of dyeing with local plants, including the types of mordants to use and how to shift colours by changing pH and temperature. Natural dyes are a compound of art and science – and a fun way for community members to coalesce while appreciating art and nature.
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Learning Goals and Class Details
- Learn to prepare and mordant fibres for dyeing
- Learn to dye with silk, cotton and wool (class dependent)
- Learn about different dyeing techniques such as mordanting, bundle dyeing, immersion dyeing, colour mixing and modifying (class dependent)
- Learn to identify a variety of dye plants that may be found in your own garden or naturally around the city
- small class sizes
- Receive hands-on learning with experienced teachers and dye artists
- Take home fabric samples and class projects
- Take home dye recipes and instructions
- Skills-based learning will give you the groundwork to continue natural dyeing and experimenting on your own
Sign Up For a Class
To find out about upcoming Natural Dye Classes and other Ecological Arts workshops, view our upcoming events or join our newsletter. We also offer private workshops.
Colour Me Local Dye Garden
Colour Me Local Natural Dye Classes take place at our studio, the Alder Eco-Arts Hub, and Still Moon’s Colour Me Local Dye Garden. The garden was installed and planted by Still Moon and community members in the Spring of 2019. The Dye Garden and the surrounding Renfrew Ravine provide plants to use for these dye programs, in addition to supporting pollinators and Indigenous medicinal programs.
Dyes are created using the roots, stems, bark, leaves, flowers, and fruits of plants from the garden. These natural dyes create a range of vibrant colours which can be used for dyeing natural materials including cotton, linen, wool, and silk.
Our Eco-Art Projects are Made Possible by our Funders and Partners
