A small, hands-on study group delving into the art of natural dyeing.
Join tutor and artist Johanna Tagada Hoffbeck for an afternoon of practical study exploring the art of natural dyeing through a zero-waste and permaculture lens.
With the group limited to just eight participants, this focused four-hour session offers a rare opportunity for personalised guidance from Johanna as well as a collaborative learning environment.
This workshop is directly inspired by the methods Johanna employs in her own practice as an artist. Johanna will share her experience of extracting vibrant colours from everyday plant-based kitchen waste, responsibly foraging for plants, and founding a community natural dye plant plot in Oxfordshire where she grows pollinator-friendly materials.
The session includes a detailed demonstration of how to extract natural dye and dye fabric – samples of which participants will be offered to take home. The method shared is one be repeated at home with equipment found in most kitchens.
Across the afternoon the group will also discuss and learn about the history of natural dyes, the plant-based cooking waste that can be used as natural dyes, plants which can be safely and responsibly foraged for use in dyes, and what plants can be specially grown for use in dyeing.
Participants should leave with a good understanding of the various elements of the process, including about cellulose fabrics (eg. cotton and linen), non-toxic dye fixatives, safety, the role of tannins and how to care for dyed materials.
This is an adult-only workshop. Beginners welcome as well as those who have some previous experience with natural dyes – who may be seeking to refresh, refine or share their processes and practice, have questions about aspects of the process, and/or wish to delve a little deeper into this craft.
All materials will be provided and a small library of books and reference materials will be available for further study during the day.
As co-creator and co-editor of Journal du Thé, Johanna will bring and share specially selected herbal tea with the group.
