Design Practice | Natural Dyes

Build your design toolkit! Design Practice is a series of free, drop-in workshops for high school students exploring techniques, strategies, and careers in design. No prior experience required—just bring yourself and a creative mindset. This month, join us for a workshop with textile studio Loop of the Loom. Participants will work with Bengala mud dye and learn the traditional Japanese dye technique itajime shibori to create their own hand-dyed pillowcase. All materials will be included and snacks will be provided!

Design Practice is developed for teens only, no adults are permitted.

Program Length: 2 hours. Please join us any time between 4:30-5:15 so you have enough time to enjoy the event!
Interactivity Level: High. Participants will dye their own pillowcase. Please wear clothes you feel comfortable getting messy in. Aprons will also be provided.
Intended Audience: High school students ages 13-18.

Design Practice is developed for teens only, no adults are permitted.

Format: This in-person program will be a hands-on design drop-in workshop (stay for as little or as much time as you like). No previous design experience is required. All materials are included.

About the space: This program will take place in Cooper Hewitt’s Lecture Room on the ground floor of the museum, as well as in the galleries. It is fully wheelchair accessible. In the Lecture Room, there will be group seating at tables. There is an accessible restroom on the same floor. Read more about accessibility at Cooper Hewitt.

Accommodations: If we can provide services to support your participation, email us at [email protected]. Please make your request as far in advance as possible—preferably at least ten days before the program date.

Design learning at Cooper Hewitt is made possible by The Pinkerton Foundation, The Richard and Jean Coyne Family Foundation, The Hirsch Family Foundation, PwC Charitable Foundation, The Milton and Sally Avery Arts Foundation, internal Smithsonian Institution funds from the Youth Access Grants for Youth Innovation in Rural America, and public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.

Info: Check in for Design Practice in the lobby of the museum. You may arrive at any time, but arriving before 5 p.m. will ensure that you will have enough time to finish your project.

Info: We will pre-treat the pillowcase with fabric fixer and dye it with a variety of Bengala mud dye colors using the Itajime Shibori technique.

Host or Publisher Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum