Colours From Nature: Extracting Natural Dyes

Step outside and discover the vibrant world of colour hidden in nature! ‘Colours From Nature: Extracting Natural Dyes’ will be led by artist and plant aficionado Mikhail Moosa. The workshop will begin with a guided nature walk where participants will learn to identify native plant species that can be used to create natural dyes, how to harvest plant material ethically and sustainably, and which plants and insects to avoid. Back in the studio at Chroma Colour Textiles, you'll learn how much plant matter is needed, how to prepare different types of fabric for dyeing, and how to effectively transform plant material into rich dye extracts. Explore the fascinating chemistry of mordants and how they can be used to shift and deepen colour. Participants will then learn techniques for creating permanent, lightfast, and washfast colours on fabric. This hands-on workshop is an opportunity to slow down, connect with the natural world, and discover the remarkable colours that can be found growing all around us.