Plant-dyed textiles workshop with Wildcraft Studios | Seattle, August 2

Plant-dyed textile workshop with Wildcraft Studios | Seattle, Aug 2 Photo by Aran Goyoaga

When I moved to Seattle, I discovered a whole new set of interests that stem from all the natural beauty around us. Last summer, I began experimenting with dying fabric with elderberries and other fruits I found around. Dying natural linen to use at home and for props I use for my styling work. The results can be fascinating and it has been a bit of an obsession for me.

So I am very excited to announce that Chelsea Heffner of Wilcraft Studios will be coming to Seattle to teach a workshop on how to dye fabric using plants that are local to our area.

Plant-dyed textile workshop with Wildcraft Studios | Seattle, Aug 2 Photo by Aran Goyoaga

As a sample of the work, Chelsea sent me some napkins she made by dying cotton with madder root. All of the napkins turned out slighty different and aren’t they amazing? I have been using them to style food.

I find that I am drawn to styling food simply – in a very organic way. I love the idea of creating my own props whether it is by making my own ceramics (coming soon) or dying my own fabric to create the ombre effects I love or to get a specific intensity.

Here are the details for the workshop.

WHAT: In this one-day intensive, students will learn to extract dye from plants, bark, flowers and weeds found in the neighborhoods and urban spaces surrounding the studio. We will use non-toxic mordents and animal fibers (wool, silk, alpaca) to create a journal of swatches and samples, recording the multitude of colors hidden in the world around us. Students will leave with a swatchbook of dye samples, as well as a hand-dyed, silk scarf.

WHEN: Saturday, August 2.

WHERE: Aran’s studio in Seattle.

FEE: $200 (includes lunch and materials)

REGISTER HERE.

Selfishly, I cannot wait for this class. Hope you will join us.


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6 Responses to “Plant-dyed textiles workshop with Wildcraft Studios | Seattle, August 2”

  1. This sounds so lovely, Aran! I can’t wait to visit Seattle one day and make sure it lines up with one of the fantastic variety of workshops at your studio.

  2. Billy Parisi says:

    Even some of your most simplistic food styling is still gorgeous. Thanks for the food photog inspiration!

  3. Sara says:

    I used to dye and sell yarn from plant-based dyes. I loved the colors so much, and I learned something new every time I dyed a batch or used a different mordant. Sounds like a fantastic workshop.

  4. Mary Frances says:

    I love the idea of using plant based dyes. They have such soft, beautiful colors.

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