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Wrap Yourself in the Colours of Nature

WITH CREATIVE EXPERT BIRGIT MOFFATT

Eco Dyeing

Intro to

at our Lower Hutt Campus

Saturday 26th October, 9.30AM to 4PM

JOIN US FOR A DAY OF LEARNING THE ART OF ECO DYEING 


Discover the vibrant world of natural dyeing in our one-day Eco Dye Workshop for Beginners. 

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 will you make?

Take home your own scarf!

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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.
Take home new skills!

What you will learn:

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  • 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.
  • Still not sure?

    This workshop is for you if:

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  • 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 or gift.
  • You love the idea of connecting with like-minded individuals in a creative and supportive environment.
  • Meet your Tutor & Creative Expert...

    Birgit Moffatt

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    Birgit Moffatt 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
    Introduction To Eco Dyeing
    $280.00 Save { sale }%
    Tax included.

    join this playful, hands-on workshop which will guide you to explore the amazing eco dye technique. You’ll learn how to extract pigments from leaves and other natural materials to create a stunning silk scarf

    This is a unique and beautiful class with a popular tutor that will give you the ability to bring eco dying into your art practice and will teach you the skills  to easily create more eco dyed designs from home

    Quantity

    What Birgit's students have to say

    "I liked the opportunity to learn a totally new technique, and the ability to explore the different directions you can go in depending on different uses of mordants and types of plants, etc."

    Still have questions?

    FAQs

    Where and when is the class held?

    Introduction to Eco Dying will be held at 182 Eastern Hutt Rd, Lower Hutt on Saturday 26th October. The class will run from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

    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.

    What is the refund policy

    To cancel, email us at least 14 clear days before the workshop or series 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.