upcoming courses
Dates & Details
natural dyes for fabric & yarn
Explore the breadth and variation of colour that can be achieved from dyeing with plants using traditional techniques to dye fabric and yarn samples. Whilst working in a group to create and share dye baths, you will learn how to mordant fabric so that it will catch and fix the dye to fibres and be light-fast.
By the end of the 2-day course, you will know the basic principles and practice of natural dyeing. Spaces are limited to ensure you receive plenty of space and guidance. This course is suitable for beginners and those with little experience who would like additional support and practice. All dyestuffs, fabrics and yarn for dye samples are included in the course price. You will be introduced to solar dyeing, dyeing with heat and slow dyeing practices and you’ll find how differently cotton, silk and wool take the dye. In addition, you will practice modifying initial dye samples to extend the colour range. Working in a group you will create dye baths and record your findings throughout the two-day course so that you have reference notes and know how to extend your exploration at home. In addition, I will send you comprehensive course notes after the course.
natural dyes for fabric & yarn
Explore the breadth and variation of colour that can be achieved from dyeing with plants using traditional techniques to dye fabric and yarn samples. Whilst working in a group to create and share dye baths, you will learn how to mordant fabric so that it will catch and fix the dye to fibres and be light-fast.
By the end of the 2-day course, you will know the basic principles and practice of natural dyeing. Spaces are limited to ensure you receive plenty of space and guidance. This course is suitable for beginners and those with little experience who would like additional support and practice. All dyestuffs, fabrics and yarn for dye samples are included in the course price. You will be introduced to solar dyeing, dyeing with heat and slow dyeing practices and you’ll find how differently cotton, silk and wool take the dye. In addition, you will practice modifying initial dye samples to extend the colour range. Working in a group you will create dye baths and record your findings throughout the two-day course so that you have reference notes and know how to extend your exploration at home. In addition, I will send you comprehensive course notes after the course.
Ecoprint on Paper
You will be shown a fascinating way to transfer leaf form images to paper, making 15-20 Ecoprints. Local, familiar flowers and leaves will be used to make 15 – 20 contact prints revealing colour, texture, and pattern to your papers. You will learn the process of layering plants, applying mordants, clamping papers together, and simmering your bundles in a pot to reveal magical outcomes.
Ecoprint on Paper
You will be shown a fascinating way to transfer leaf form images to paper, making 15-20 Ecoprints. Local, familiar flowers and leaves will be used to make 15 – 20 contact prints revealing colour, texture, and pattern to your papers. You will learn the process of layering plants, applying mordants, clamping papers together, and simmering your bundles in a pot to reveal magical outcomes.
playful paper pots
In this fun-filled creative 3D workshop you will experiment with at least two to three different construction methods to create sculptural pot forms using repurposed card and papers wherever possible. You will also practice at least two decorative surface design techniques using paint, ink, papier mache, and collage.
handmade art brushes & gestural markmaking
Using numerous Prairie Garden plants you will make at least 4 Handmade Art Brushes, more if you are a fast worker. There will also be readymade natural plant brushes available for you to use and take home, expanding your self-made collection. This is a compelling activity using naturally available materials to make unusual, unexpected, and exciting mark making tools and brushes.
creative visible mending
We can sometimes get attached to certain items of clothing whether it be a faded pair of jeans of a well-loved knitted garment. It may be due to the comfort of wearing it or the memories found in the shape of the garment, the patterns, stitches, the feel of the fabric. Mending is a great way to extend the life of our clothing. You will be introduced to traditional darning for knitwear, using a warp and weft technique to create a woven patch to repair holes with colourful wools and threads. You will also be shown two alternative ways to make a patched embellishment for repairing and decorating jeans or other cotton clothing. You will begin to understand how to adapt your mending techniques to different weights and textures of fabrics and you will start a journey to find your own style of reparation and decoration.
