Intro to Natural Dyes

Friday, March 20th - 9am-4pm (1 hour break included)

Techniques of natural dyeing will be taught using traditional methods. Students will learn the difference between dyes and stains. Mordants, assists and their effects on dyes will be taught. We will use dyes dating back over 500 years, learning their history, importance to ancient cultures and Native Americans. Each student will create a dye notebook and ring of samples to take with them. Dyes used will include, but are not limited to, madder, Osage orange, black walnut, cochineal, logwood, black oak, and alkanet. Although natural dyes can be used on a variety of materials including paper and reeds for basketry, we will be dyeing 100% wool yarn samples in class. Participants are encouraged to bring small samples of their own art medium (cotton, reed, other types of animal fibers) to drop into dye pots. Students may bring milk jugs or jars if they desire to take home remaining exhaust baths and should wear older clothing and/or aprons.

Materials Required: Dyeing apron or older clothes