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Fiber Art

Natural Dyes in the Steam Box

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Course Overview

Dyeing cloth using natural materials is a magical process: Add a bit of steam and assorted leaves, flowers, and old rusty nails, and wait an hour…the results are extraordinary. Who knew all the colors of nature were hidden in plain sight? In this course, you’ll learn a bit about the history, chemistry and new innovations in natural dyeing processes and use a variety of materials that will vary seasonally. You never quite know what you'll pull out of the steam box, and working with other students allows for a wide variety of experiments and collaborations to occur. The materials fee includes three silk scarves students will complete during the course.

Dates

Fri, Sep 15th, 2017

Course Details

Length: 1 Day
Skill Levels: Beginner to Advanced
Hours: 9am-4pm
Intergenerational age: na
Tuition: $125.00
Materials fee: $40.00

Required

You will need the following tools for this class:

Please bring plant materials - the more the better, to add to the selection we will have available.  Flowers can be picked a few days beforehand and kept in a cool place - do not dry them.  Bring delphinium, begonias, geraniums, snapdragons, zinnias, berries... any plant that leaves a stain when rubbed against your skin has dye potential.  Wild grapes were our favorite new dye material last year - more of those, please!

Optional Tools

You will be provided with 3 silk scarves. Wear clothing/shoes suitable for working with dye and the wood-fired steam box.

More Information

Once registered, students will receive a confirmation email with further class information. Please call us if you haven't received it within 24 hours.

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Meet the Instructor

North House Folk School photo of instructor, Cheryl Larsen
Cheryl Larsen
Grand Marais, MN

Meet the Instructor

Karen Smaby
Grand Marais, MN

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Natural Dyes in the Steambox