Spend a glorious full day learning how to transform plants and metals into beautiful dyes as you create your own eco-dyed fabrics!

WHAT IS COVERED IN THIS CLASS: In this small group workshop we will explore eco dyeing using natural materials.

In the first part of the class we’ll use materials such as leaves, flowers, nails, beer caps, berries to bundle dye a piece of silk that can be used then for a scarf, to wrap a gift or to form part of another project.

While the silk bundles are steaming you can explore Japanese shibori techniques with other natural dyes. Shibori dyeing is a way of making patterns on fabric by exposing only some portions of the fabric to dye. Tie, pinch, fold, concertina, clamp and stitch your fabric then dye it.

This workshop is a great opportunity to enjoy handmade processes and have fun learning how to continue these traditional crafts.

PRICE INCLUDES: Course notes and all materials and tools including fabric, dyes, natural materials (leaves, seeds, flowers, onion skins), metal objects (coins, bottle caps etc) resists, clingwrap, string, pots all provided.

Wear old clothes and covered shoes. Also you may have some damp pieces to take home so an old shopping bag or cardboard box might be useful.

BREAKS & REFRESHMENTS

• tea, coffee and biscuits and sweet treats are provided

WHO IS THIS CLASS SUITABLE FOR:

• adults and students 18 years and over
• those who want to learn to create natural liquid dyes for working with fabrics and textiles - suitable for beginners and those who have done some experimenting at home and want access to expert tips and ideas!
• this class is messy fun! not suitable for people who don’t like splashing around colour, wet fabric and strange materials like onion skins and old nails!!

About your tutor:

Amanda Donohue studied printmaking at Sydney College of the Arts graduating with a Bachelor of Visual Arts (Honours). She also has a Graduate certificate in Cross Disciplinary Art & Design from the College of Fine Arts (UNSW) where she studied textiles. Amanda has been a practicing artist for over twenty years and is a member of the Newcastle Printmakers Workshop