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Eco-Dyeing Experience

$280.00 $280.00
Tax included. 
Description

Date: Sunday 19th January, 9:30AM till 4:00PM

This playful and hands-on workshop invites you to explore the eco dye technique, where you’ll learn how to extract pigments from leaves and other natural materials to create a stunning silk scarf. 

Learn to identify the best leaves for dyeing to make your own ‘iron mordant’, a substance that helps dyes fix to fabric. 

What you’ll walk away with

Participants will gain a deep connection to nature, along with the skills and confidence to continue eco dyeing at home. You’ll walk away with your own handmade silk scarf, a collection of dyed samples, and a newfound appreciation for the natural beauty that can be harnessed from the environment around you.

Summary of What You Will Learn
  • Plant Identification: Learn which plants and leaves produce the best dye results.
  • Eco Dye Technique: Master the eco dye method using natural materials like leaves, bark, and seed pods.
  • Iron Mordant Creation: Learn how to make and safely use your own iron mordant(substance that helps dyes fix to fabric) to enhance dye colours.
  • Silk Dyeing: Experiment with dyeing silk samples in the morning, and design and dye your own silk scarf in the afternoon.
  • Creative Exploration: Explore different wrapping techniques to achieve unique dye patterns.
  • Theoretical Knowledge: Gain a deeper understanding of natural dyeing through an afternoon discussion session.
How to Know if This Class is for You
  • You are passionate about nature and want to explore how it can be used creatively.
  • You’re interested in sustainable and environmentally friendly art practices.
  • You enjoy hands-on learning experiences and are excited to experiment with natural dyes.
  • You’re a beginner looking for a guided introduction to the art of eco dyeing.
  • You appreciate the beauty of natural fibres and want to create something meaningful to take home.
  • You love the idea of connecting with like-minded individuals in a creative and supportive environment.
Artist Bio: Birgit Moffat

Birgit is a textile artist with a passion for natural fibres and sustainable living. 

Born in East Berlin, Birgit studied textiles and later expanded her expertise by studying raranga (weaving) and harakeke (flax weaving) after emigrating to New Zealand in 2011. Now living on the Kapiti Coast, she draws inspiration from the native New Zealand bush, infusing her work with the essence of te ngahere (the forest). 

As a popular teacher of environmental art, Birgit is known for her deep connection to the whenua (land) and her ability to guide students in expressing their own connection to nature through art.

"For me, making art is not about creating a product – it’s an expression of how I feel connected to the whenua [land] and how my work ties in with the idea of sustainable living." – Birgit Moffatt

FAQs

What should I bring?
Participants are encouraged to bring plant materials such as leaves, bark, and seed pods that they’d like to experiment with. You may also bring your own silk fabric for test pieces, as well as sharp scissors and any other tools you’re comfortable using. All other materials, including silk for the scarf, will be provided.

Remember to bring a packed lunch and a bottle of water as it will be a full day of creating.

Can anyone do this class?
Yes, this workshop is designed for beginners and anyone with an interest in natural dyeing and sustainable art practices. No prior experience is necessary, and everyone is welcome to join and create something beautiful.

If you wish to cancel, email us at least 14 clear days before your class begins. You'll receive a full refund less an admin fee of $20 via the same payment method (e.g., credit card or Afterpay) if you cancel within this timeframe.

Unfortunately, refunds aren't available for cancellations with less than 14 days' notice, nor for missed classes within a series.

If you are required to bring specific supplies to this class you will be sent full details via email. Please make sure you keep the receive emails ticked at checkout to ensure you do not miss out on this informattion

This class will be held on campus at The Learning Connexion located at 182 Eastern Hutt Road, Lower Hutt. Specific details of where on campus your class will be held will be sent to you the week prior to the commencement of your class

All our tutors are qualified and practicing artists who are skilled in specific art forms and regularly teach to support others in their own art practices.