Botanical Printing

Day One

Introduction to natural dyes – discussion of samples. Preparation of fabrics for tomorrow’s printing. Essential knowledge before we begin. Creating sample prints using fabrics I have already prepared. Iron/tannin reaction, health and safety issues, foraging and environmental issues. Recording information.

Day Two

Finishing fabric prep from yesterday. Looking at yesterdays samples to understand plant properties. Bundling. Printing. Making an indigo vat. Tannin blankets.

Day Three

More printing – different layout techniques. Demonstration of printing a garment. Making a cochineal dye pot. Under/overdyeing

Day Four

Variations on intensity – more printing

Day Five

Print print print. Discussion on finishing/fabric care. Analysing everyone’s work. Final wrap.

No experience required.  Please note that you will be working with hot liquids.

Please bring the following on your first day of class:

Please don’t bring synthetic fabrics – they don’t take natural dyes.

• 2 metres linen
• 3 metres cotton
• 2 metres silk (your choice – could be dupion or charmeuse or georgette or wild silk or other)
• Blanket material 3 metres minimum
• Pegs
• 3 buckets
• 2 pairs washing up gloves
• Painters plastic drop sheet
• Needle
• Thread
• Waterproof marker
• String or 2-3 t shirts to cut into string
• Notebook
• Pen
• Camera to record layouts
• 1 packet large heavy duty plastic garbage bags
• 5 wooden dowels cut to 55cm long – minimum diameter broomstick handle – old wooden broomsticks are good
• Foliage from your garden, neighbours, flower market and the bush

Your class has an extra cost of $45 – this cost includes:

• Natural dyes, tannins, alum and other additives
• Gas cylinders
• Dyeing equipment
• Two panels of mordanted linen/cotton for use on the first day
• Some natural fibre threads to dye for stitching/embroidery in your work later

Payment details will be provided on booking.