In this small group workshop we will explore eco dyeing using natural materials and then look at shibori techniques. 

In the first part of the class you’ll use materials such as leaves, flowers, nails, beer caps, berries to dye a piece of silk that can be used then for a scarf, to wrap a gift or to form part of another project. 

While the silk bundles are steaming you can explore Japanese shibori techniques. Shibori dyeing is a way of making patterns on fabric by exposing only some portions of the fabric to dye. Tie, pinch, fold, concertina, clamp and stitch your fabric then dye it. 

This workshop is a great opportunity to enjoy handmade processes and have fun learning how to continue these traditional crafts.

Price includes:

Course notes and all materials and tools including fabric, dyes, natural materials (leaves, seeds, flowers, onion skins), metal objects (coins, bottle caps etc) resists, clingwrap, string, pots all provided. 

Feel free to bring anything smallish that you want to dye.

Wear old clothes and covered shoes. Also you may have some damp pieces to take home so an old shopping bag might be useful.

About your tutor:

Amanda Donohue studied printmaking at Sydney College of the Arts graduating with a Bachelor of Visual Arts (Honours). She also has a Graduate certificate in Cross Disciplinary Art & Design from the College of Fine Arts (UNSW). Amanda has been a printmaker for over twenty years and a member of the Newcastle Printmakers Workshop for eight years.  See more about Amanda at www.amandadonohue.org.