Plants collected from the field become dyes and printing ink on cloth. We use natural fibers (wool, alpaca, silk, cotton, linen, etc.) and a firepit. Learn to identify known dye plants, experiment with plants you bring to class, and learn to transform dyebaths into printmaking pigment. The class will teach basic methods and why they work, so you can confidently make dyes on your own. Students can make sample notebooks of dyes on fibers from previously dyed fibers. This class does not repeat Earth Colors (Week 2) but extends the experience of making and using plant pigments.

Limit: 10 students, ages 16 and up.

Materials fee: $25 includes fee to cover various fiber samples, collection notebook, dyes, chemicals, essential tools. In addition, Pat’s book, Gardening and Foraging Natural Dyes, and mordant kits for home use, are offered for sale separately.

Students should bring: Natural fibers to dye, i.e., skeins of yarn and/or clothing, plus journal, pen, gloves, apron, or old clothes, flowers, and plant materials to cook into dye.

NOTE: Students must wear natural fibers and closed toe shoes. Synthetic clothing melts when exposed to fire.

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