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Native natural dye workshops in Bristol and the South West. Learn how to forage for dyes, extract colour, and dye uk grown cloth.

Learn how to identify dye plants. Explore the possibilities of sustainable textiles harnessing local renewable materials.

Pioneering british natural colour

Regenerative, organic textiles, plant dyes and creative learning with artist and author Babs Behan.

Meet Babs

I’m Babs Behan, a natural dye artist, author and educator, and the founder of Botanical Inks and Bristol Cloth.

My work begins with plants, place and a curiosity for colour. Through hand-dyed textiles, ink making and teaching, I explore how the things we make can deepen our connection with the living world.

Working with organic fibres, regenerative farming and traditional craft, I bring together beautiful colour and thoughtful ways of making - from locally produced cloth to creative practices you can explore at home.

I’m also the author of Botanical Inks and Botanical Dyes, sharing the knowledge and discoveries that grow from my practice.

More about me →

clients include;

BLANKETS & SCARVES

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Introducing the third edition of Bristol Cloth: a small collection of scarves and blankets, woven in Bristol and individually hand dyed by Babs Behan in her studio. Rhubarb root, oak and acacia bring shades of mustard, tan and blush - a warm autumn palette to carry into winter and beyond.

Made with organic lambswool from a regenerative Somerset farm and reclaimed British wool yarn, each piece brings together local materials, skilled weaving and traditional plant colour. Soft, breathable and naturally warm, these are thoughtful everyday companions, made to be worn, cared for and treasured for years.

Each scarf and blanket carries subtle variations in colour and markings, recording the meeting of plant, fibre and hand. Available in limited numbers.

Natural Colour MENTORSHIP

ONLINE Training

WAITING LIST REGISTRATION

Natural Colour Online Mentorship

A personal, professionally structured framework, supporting the transition into ethical, sustainable natural colour practice.

Designed for artists, dyers, designers and graduating students, this 6-month course offers practical guidance, studio frameworks, and individual consultation - supporting the development of a financially viable, values-led natural colour livelihood.

Grounded in cyclical working, soil-to-soil thinking, and non-toxic, locally grounded systems.

BOTANICAL DYES

PLANT-TO-PRINT DYES, TECHNIQUES & PROJECTS

(Quadrille Books, 2023)

Botanical Dyes features recipes and top tips on everything you need to know to make your own natural dyes.

The process of turning plants into print can help you reconnect with nature, find a creative outlet and develop a mindful sense of presence. It also promotes an awareness of sustainable practices and how to reduce our impact on the planet.

Extracting from and updating her book Botanical Inks, Babs talks the home crafter through everything from foraging for dyes, making mordants, creating an array of colours and then putting your new knowledge to the text through a collection of simple projects.

BUY HERE

With more than 10 dye recipes, clear step-by-step instructions, troubleshooting tips and explanations of what works and why. Botanical Dyes is the accessible handbook that modern makers everywhere have been waiting for.