Natural Dyeing and Fiber Science-based Workshops
Wildcraft Dyeing provides fiber-based workshops. We only need a well-ventilated space, tables, and a sink. Please note costs are inclusive for the day but additional travel costs may be required. Note: I am based in Vancouver, BC. Prices below are in Canadian dollars and do not include fees for recording or live broadcasting. All workshops are designed to be adaptable for adult participants, as well as elementary or high school students.
Note: all workshops can be adapted for elementary, high school and/or adult students.
How to Dye with Plants, Lichens and Mushrooms (1 Day, Max. 12 people):
An introduction to the magic and wonder of natural dyeing; a place where science, history, science and fiber come together. We will be exploring the variety of options for dye sources in and around your local area. Students will learn everything they need to know to dye their own projects. Each student will create a reference of dye samples to help guide further dyeing as well as their own sample skein to dye and take home.
2. Science and Artistry of Fungi (1 Day, Max. 12 people):
This workshop will explore the amazing world of mushrooms. From their importance in our ecosystems to how to identify, forage and process them for natural dyeing. We will cover dyeing with a wide variety of mushrooms. This is the perfect class for people interested in learning more about mushroom foraging as well as how to massively increase their colour palette for future fiber projects. Fungi are the ecological anchors of our forests and we’re only now starting to explore their importance to life on this planet. Each student will create a reference of dye samples to help guide further dyeing as well as their own sample skein to dye and take home.
3. How to Forage and Dye with Plants and Mushrooms (2-3 Days, Max. 12 people)
An in-depth workshop which includes a guided walk through the local forests looking for the plants, lichens and mushrooms which give us different colours, with an extensive natural dyeing component. If possible, we will also harvest materials for the class. The dyeing component will consist of using a variety of local and exotic plants, lichens, and mushrooms. Each student will create a reference of dye samples, a sample skein and additional dye days can be added to create sufficient dyed materials for further fiber arts such as knitting, weaving, etc.
4. How to Dye with Indigo (1 Day, Max. 12 people)
Let’s deep dive into this gorgeous and ancient blue dye. In this workshop we will cover setting up and dyeing with a vat of indigo and how to recharge it for endless shades of rich, vibrant blues. The class can cover yarn, students are encouraged to bring small natural fiber fabric pieces, including plant fiber articles like cotton or linen canvas shopping bags, to experiment with, etc.
Class will also explore historical and cultural aspects of dyeing with Indigo and its importance around the world.
Welcome to the incredible world of fungi! In this hands-on class we will focus on the extraordinary range of colours possible just using locally-harvested mushrooms. We will be demonstrating the vast range of colour possibilities as well as exploring some ethically-harvested lichens.
The dyeing component will consist of using a variety of local and exotic plants, lichens, and mushrooms. Each student will create a reference of dye samples, a sample skein
