Wild Dyeing – Colour from Nature! ~ 2 Places Left

Wild dyeing is the practice of using natural materials to create dyes, usually those gathered from wild plants, earth pigments and lichens.

In this day workshop experienced tutor Alice Thomas will be running an introduction to plant dyeing using seasonal plant materials.

Alice will demonstrate the processes of extracting dye colours from plant materials, sustainable harvest of wild plants and the use of mordant in dyeing.

This workshop will be focusing on the seasonal palette; each season offers different plants to harvest. The practice of wild dyeing offers a new perspective on the natural rhythms of the year, putting us in touch with our surroundings and what is growing in our local habitat.

We will cover:

• An introduction to wild dyeing; dyeing as a practice
• Identifying dye plants and sustainable harvest of wild plants
• Creating a dye bath
• The use of mordant in dyeing
• Making dye swatches

Alice will guide you through the processes with demonstrations and hands on practice.

Itinerary for the day:

Morning – introduction to wild dyeing; identifying dye plants, sustainable harvesting, creating a dye bath from natural material, preparing fabrics for dyeing.

Break for lunch

Afternoon – Dip dyeing and the use of mordant in dyeing.

Participants will be able to leave with information sheets and their dye swatches to be able to continue exploring Wild Dyeing at home.

Tutor: Alice Thomas

Alice Thomas is an Artist, Illustrator & Creative knot weaver based near Aberystwyth.

A self-taught Macramé artist, Alice has been successfully working and teaching for the past five years and stocks her plant hangers and baskets in her local towns of Machynlleth and Aberystwyth.

Her work is unique in its ethical and sustainable approach with nature and the natural world forming a strong influence in her creativity.

“I use only natural, biodegradable, ethically sourced materials. I am always searching for new ways to weave more from this land in to my creations.

Using a combination of found objects; nuts, seeds, drift wood and cones. With natural dyes – nettle and birch, gorse, oak and alder. I am creating pieces that resonate strongly with my surroundings and are rooted here in this land.”

Fee: £60 per person.

There is an additional fee of £5 for materials. Please bring this amount on the day in cash.

There will be maximum of 8 participants.

Click here to read our terms and conditions of booking

You may also be interested in other creative workshops at Denmark Farm. Please see our events calendar for our full list.