Natural Dyes on the Farm

Natural Dyes on the Farm

Saturday, September 21, 2024

1:00 - 4:30 p.m.  $90 per participant

Curious about natural dyes but don't know where to start?  Interested in deepening your understanding of plant-powered color?
All skill levels are welcome to this WFCF Adult Workshop, with experienced local natural dyer, textile artist, and educator Amanda Smith.

Participants will be introduced to plants and methods for creating their own lasting colors on plant-based fabric using the natural world around us; flowers, leaves, and nuts are just some of the materials we will explore. We will take a short tour of the Farm to identify dye-plant materials that can be foraged, and visit the experimental dye garden to experience the cultivation of dye plants first-hand.

Participants will be taught how to prepare cellulose fabric (cotton/linen) to receive natural dye and participate in making their own dye baths.

All registrants will explore several methods for making paterns on natural fabrics using plants and flowers, and will go home with a set of:

Two (2) self-dyed cotton napkins

One (1) table-runner

One packet of information to support registrants on their journey with natural dyes

Opportunities for seed sharing

This program is geared towards adult learners, however, WFCF realizes that some young learners are developing their skills along with the adults in their lives.  Young learners 12 years and older may register as a participant, but are required to attend with an adult registrant and work side by side. Their adult is responsible for attendees 12 - 17 years of age, at all times during the workshop.  Please contact Director of Education and Community Programs at jessica@communityfarms.org about registering a young learner 12 - 17 years old. 

More about Our Guest Instructor, Amanda Smith

Amanda Smith is a life-long crafter and nature explorer. Since learning to sew in afterschool programs, she has developed a passion for passing on her extensive knowledge of fiber crafts. Her loves of plants, foraging, color theory, and fiber arts merged when she discovered the world of natural dyes. Amanada specializes in dyeing cellulose fibers for quilting, and then using those materials to create functional fiber art that attempts to capture the amazing characteristics of the natural plants of special places.

WFCF Education Programs Cancellation & Refund Policy: Cancellations made 21 days or more in advance of the start date will receive a full refund minus a $35 administrative fee. Cancellations made between 14 and 20 days in advance will receive a 50% refund minus a $35 administrative fee. Cancellations made within 13 days or less of the start date are non-refundable. Waltham Fields Community Farm reserves the right to change, modify and/or cancel program dates at our discretion.