Indigo is the colour of wisdom, clarity, and deep inner knowing. Join us as we share in the brilliant hues of one of the oldest natural plant dyes in the world, indigo dyeing, which has an alchemy and process especially unique to this 'queen plant'.
In this workshop you will be creating and designing with Shibori and Indigo on your own shawl + Furoshiki wrapping cloths - a traditional Japanese technique to package and transport gifts - as a sustainable alternative to wrapping paper! The wraps are a beautiful and environmentally friendly way to gift-give, and can be used over and over again for other occasions.
The day will be held in the Pavillion over looking the farm. To begin with, we'll learn a little about indigo as one of the oldest plant dye methods in the world, it's lineage, brief history and a discussion of it’s importance in cultures around the globe. We will address issues and challenges around sustainability, chemical dyeing, cultural loss, as well as explore our connection back to Earth.
We will then design our own dyed projects using a natural fructose sugar vat - one of the easiest and basic ways to be introduced into indigo dyeing, and we will learn several basic and beautiful Shibori techniques to apply on our indigo pieces.
Participants will learn how to use the fructose indigo vat to achieve different shades of blue, and will leave with an understanding of indigo dyeing as well as their own finished Furoshiki pieces, ready to use for gift-giving.
This workshop uses a chemical-free and all-natural dyeing process.
Suitable for: All ages and skill levels. (Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.)
Cost: $155
Provided: Materials + an arvo drink (beer, wine, kombucha, tea or coffee). Material provided will be a 100% natural fibre project piece for participants to take home, in addition to sample fabric for practicing in the vats and shibori.
Bring: Clothes you're happy to get messy in, and pen + paper if you'd like to take notes.
Please note: Due to class size and preparations, this workshop has a no refunds policy unless we can fill your spot.
Our teacher: Victoria Larnach is an artist, designer, and plant dyer who holds workshops for Natural Indigo Dyeing around the globe. Victoria's art and designs are focused on sustainable, natural colours and the elements of nature. She is dedicated to inspiring others to live sustainably and from their creative self-expression with freedom to be.