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Join Babs Behan, founder of Botanical Inks, at our Bristol natural dye studio, for a 2 day introduction to the basics of making and using organic natural dyes, inks and a range of ecological surface application techniques.

This will include making natural dyes from whole plant dyestuffs and extract powders. How to transform these dyes into inks suitable for drawing and writing, and also printing inks for use with block and screen printing. And how to set up and use a simple 1-2-3 step organic indigo sugar vat, along with some shibori tie dyeing techniques.to up-cycle an item of your own.

Day one will include:

An intro to the theory and practice of natural dyeing - preparing cloth, yarn and paper for dyeing and printing - preparing mordants - preparing plant material to make dyes - preparing paper cut stencils for screen printing - preparing binders for printing inks

Day 2 will include:

dyeing samples with the prepared dyes - making the organic indigo sugar vat - shibori tie dyeing your own item in the indigo vat - preparing printing inks - printing samples with blocks and paper cut stencil screen printing

This course is focused on learning the processes, rather than creating a finished item. You will be provided with small samples of different organic cloth and yarn made from a range of plant and animal fibres ( cotton, linen, silk, wool) and recycled paper. To create a collection of dye and print samples to take away with you. You are also welcome to bring a small item of clothing to up-cycle in the indigo vat. (A small vest or scarf would be ideal - nothing too chunk/heavy/fluffy - bring a selection to choose from on the day)

Class runs 10am-4pm each day. We will break for lunch for one hour 1-2pm both days and go to the Old Market Assembly (food not included in price). You are also welcome to bring your own packed lunch or make alternative plans.

You will take away a collection of naturally dyed and printed cloth and paper samples, and shibori tie dyed item of your own, and the skills to continue to use these techniques again yourself using simple equipment which can be found in the kitchen or home.

This is a great course for those wishing to kick start their natural dye practise with all the basics to get them going.

2 Day Course Ticket Price: Full Price: £285/ Conc’s: £265 - includes all required materials and handouts.

Please bring: A notebook and pen, a small item for up-cycling with indigo shibori tie dye  (A small vest or scarf would be ideal - nothing too chunk/heavy/fluffy - bring a selection to choose from on the day)

Places are limited to only 3 people, and will sell out fast, so please ensure you book quickly to avoid disappointment.