Zoom Class : Natural Dyes and Pigments

Natural Dyeing – 3 part online course 

with Local Earth Studio

Live online class via Zoom.

Each class will be recorded and shared for future reference.

Time: 11-1 pm Fridays for three weeks (April 16th, 23rd, and 30th)

Shipping for kits is an additional $10 for out of town participants - If you would like to participate and live out of town please message your address!

We will explore creating print and color on fabric using natural dyes and modifiers and earth pigments. We will learn all about different mordants and modifiers that are natural and non-toxic. We will also explore local plants and the amazing color available to us in our own backyards. You will leave with your own custom printed silk bandana and knowledge about earth pigments, natural dyes, and how to create lasting color on fabric.

Part 1: Mordanting 

 (April 16th, 11-1 pm MST)

In this class we will cover the basics of natural dyeing and how to set up your workspace and prepare your fabric, including scouring (deep cleaning) and mordanting. You will learn about both plant and mineral mordants.

Homework -- after watching the tutorial, you will prepare all of your fabric for the next class and start collecting dye material such as avocado and onion skins and/or local plants.

Part 2: Dyeing with Food Scraps and Plants

 (April 23rd, 11-1 pm MST)

In this class we will learn how to extract color from plants and how the dye interacts with different fibers and mordants. We will then create a swatch book to document the colors achieved.

Homework -- Continue to explore what you have learned and record any questions that arise for the next class. You will also prepare your fabric for the final class in patterns.

Part 3: Creating pattern 

(April 30th, 11-1 pm MST)

In this class we will explore different techniques for creating print with your naturally dyed fabric using modifiers, mordants and earth pigments.

Materials Included : Take-home kit includes:

Fabric swatches (cotton, silk, linen or hemp and wool)

Mordants (alum sulfate, aluminum acetate and tannin)

Silk scarf

Soybeans (for making soymilk binder)

Earth pigment (carbon, vine black)

Iron powder

Citric acid

Shipping for kits is an additional $10 for out of town participants - If you would like to participate and live out of town please message your address! 

At home supply kit (all designated for craft, do not use kitchenware)

At least 2 Stainless steel pots (5 qt or larger)

Wood spoon and/or tongs

Gloves

Face covering

Kitchen scale

Strainer

Notebook

Scissors

Soap (I use Sal’s Suds)

Paintbrushes of various sizes

Access to stove and sink

Local Earth is the studio of Mariah Palmer an artist and designer living in the forest near Bozeman, Montana.

 Her art practice is deeply rooted in nature. Her background is in Clothing, Textiles, and Design with a degree from the University of Idaho. Since then, she has explored many different mediums including; clothing design, metalsmithing, graphic design and photography, printmaking, pottery, and more. In her latest endeavor, she co-founded Wilder Studio + Goods—a community art studio and local artisan shop. Now, she has happily returned to her home studio and is focusing on her original love of textiles and diving deeper into her connection with nature by working with natural dyes, earth pigments and clay. She is most inspired by the simple act of creation and wants to share that joy with others.

Social: Insta @everythinggolden

Website: Local Earth Studio