Learn the basics of natural dyeing right in your own kitchen, using materials you can find in your cabinet and refrigerator. Information and resources on the best-practices materials to use will be provided, as well as how to DIY using materials from the grocery store and your kitchen. A brief demonstration will yield 8" x 10" scraps of naturally dyed fabrics. Students are encouraged to follow along for using turmeric, tea, and coffee. Some history of natural dyeing processes and practices will be shared with slides while fabrics are dyeing. A recording of the class will be sent to participating students to continue to experiment on their own.

Materials List

• 100% Cotton fabric (white or light color, muslin or a basic woven cotton is preferable, can be purchased or recycled from t-shirt or other cotton scrap)

• Pots, Bowls, and/or Crockpot

• Turmeric

• Coffee grounds

• Tea bags/leaves (Black tea)

• Cabbage*

• Onion skins*

• Boiling Water

• Wooden spoon

• Salt

• White Vinegar

• Rubber gloves

*will be demonstrated in class. Optional: Cabbage and onions need to be prepped in advance of use. To prep, you can boil each separately, up to an hour, strain out the solid material and keep the water in a glass jar. This can be done a day before class. 

Optional Materials

Alum/Mordant — We will discuss mordants but will likely use only alum and/or kitchen materials — salt, vinegar, ammonium.

Resources

Natural Dyeing Materials

Please consider supporting IS183 Art School by making an additional donation.

Online Classes at IS183

Though IS183 Art School has temporarily closed its doors due to the evolving COVID-19 situation, we are committed to our mission to provide hands-on art-making opportunities, keeping creativity alive during this challenging time. Our new Online Art series offers digital opportunities to work with talented IS183 Faculty Artists, bringing the studio experience to you!

How It Works

Register for a class (or series) on our website, and we will email you a Zoom meeting link along with instructions. Simply use the link to join the online class at the designated time! Download the Zoom app on your smartphone or tablet, or use your laptop/desktop web browser. The web browser client will download automatically when you join your first Zoom meeting. (Have a look at this Zoom overview.)

You will join a live, interactive lesson presented in real-time by an IS183 Faculty Artist. Small class sizes will allow you to engage personally with the instructor and other students, just like in the studio! Faculty lessons will primarily be demonstration-based, but may have segments in which students are challenged to work on independent assignments. Each class and faculty approach will be unique! 

Thank you for continuing to make art and support IS183 Art School! We look forward to seeing you in the (virtual) studios! 

Please see our policies on cancellations, refunds, and more.