Upcoming workshops
Dyeing to Weave: Natural Dyeing for Historical Band Weaving
This hands-on class is comprised of two full days of natural dyeing a range of colors on silk and wool, followed by three days of historical tablet band weaving. We will explore a range of colors and historical design options and techniques that can be used for modern projects such as pet collars, instrument straps, clothing, handbags, and more. Beginners welcome; some weaving experience is helpful. If possible, we will also explore and harvest from the natural dye garden on site depending on availability.
Historical Tablet Weaving: Using the Warped-in Method
Welcome to the historical world of angular band weaving. The warped-in method will encourage newer weavers to use creativity in colour choices, with classic patterning for more complex techniques. You will explore how to warp and use different techniques to produce up to two different weaving patterns.
How to Dye with Plants and Mushrooms
Explore the deepest colours from plants and dye mushrooms using wool. This class will introduce you to the wonder, ancient history and chemistry of natural dyeing. You will create a reference of dye samples to guide further dyeing, and dye a sample hank to take home.
Lessons from the Forest: Mushrooms, Lichens, and Plants
Learn the basics of foraging for dye materials as well as how to use these to create beautiful colors on natural fibers.
Natural Dyes on Silk and Historical Tablet Weaving
Dye silk yarns using natural, historical dyes, then use your silk colors and precious metals to explore tablet weaving, a creative type of band weaving that was common in various forms across the ancient world.
Natural Dyeing Workshop for Indigenous Youth: Blending Traditional Coast Salish Knowledge with Science
This in-depth workshop will help mentor Indigenous youth participants to the magic and wonder of natural dyeing using local sources.
Natural Dyeing with Mushrooms, Lichens & Plants with Zoe McDonell
Join local textile artist Zoe McDonell for a presentation and live demonstration on the nexus of colour, nature and conservation from the forests of the Pacific Northwest. Participants will be introduced to foraging and harvesting for natural dyes using mushrooms, lichens, and plants. This talk is for anyone looking to view the forests around us in a different light and for anyone who is wondering just what is out there after the rains come. The demonstration will specifically focus on dyeing with a variety of mushrooms — local dye sources which can exponentially boost your colour palette as a dyer. This event will be held in-person at the Blue Cabin. Zoe will be joined by our current artist-in-residence Debra Sparrow for this event.
How to Dye with Fungi and Lichens
Welcome to the world of traditional natural dyeing!
This hands-on workshop will be taught by a traditional Musqueam Coast Salish artist as well as an ecologist as they cover the many facets of our natural world through fibre. They will cover how to identify, process and dye with a wide range of different mushrooms and lichens from our forests. Your dye colour pallet will grow exponentially as we explore and celebrate the rich networks under our feet.
Dyeing with Indigo: Online Demonstration
We will be exploring the incredible history of Indigo while participants learn how to set up an indigo vat, as well as techniques on dyeing their own animal and plant fibers. Learn how you can zero in on the perfect shade of blue and how indigo can be used for many more colours.
Natural Dyeing with Plants, Mushrooms and Lichens
A one-day workshop on how to forage and use your own natural dyes from plants, mushrooms and lichens. We’ll be covering both the science of dyes as well as traditional Coast Salish knowledge as I co-teach with Rita Kompst from the Musqueam Nation.
Foraging and Dyeing with Plants and Mushrooms: Blending Traditional Coast Salish Knowledge with Science
This in-depth, fun workshop will introduce workshop participants to the magic and wonder of natural dyeing using local sources. Workshop participants will learn the basics of foraging for dye materials as well as how to use these in practice to create beautiful colours. The workshop is a balance between traditional Coast Salish ecological knowledge and western science. Both perspectives provide students opportunities to deepen their connection with the natural world. Workshop taught in partnership with Rita Kompst of the Musqueam Nation.
Booking information will be available soon through the Museum of Vancouver events program.
Foraging and Dyeing with Plants and Mushrooms: Blending Traditional Coast Salish Knowledge with Science
This in-depth, fun workshop will introduce workshop participants to the magic and wonder of natural dyeing using local sources. Workshop participants will learn the basics of foraging for dye materials as well as how to use these in practice to create beautiful colours. The workshop is a balance between traditional Coast Salish ecological knowledge and western science. Both perspectives provide students opportunities to deepen their connection with the natural world. Workshop taught in partnership with Rita Kompst of the Musqueam Nation.
Booking information will be available soon through the Museum of Vancouver events program.
