For three years, I passionately studied herbalism. The pandemic years turned my mind off to it, and I found my mind and body shifted to simply growing food and plants. I let myself slide into survival mode.
This year, I realized how much I missed it when Kirk and I attended a permaculture class for a couple of days in June. I had forgotten how much I loved being in class and learning new things.
Then, I got an email from Herbal Academy about a new class: Natural Dyes Workshop. I was intrigued.
I love the workshops they run, as they are fast-paced and only require a weekend to learn new skills. It’s online, but the way it’s presented you feel like you are there with them. I have taken other short courses from them in the past.
There are so many flowers to work with and to grow in our gardens. Not only do pollinators love them, you can do art with them.
From Herbal Academy:
In this self-paced and hands-on workshop for all skill levels, you’ll explore how to use the plants you already know and love in a creative new way! From tie-dyeing to bundle dyeing and even learning how to dye with mushrooms, we have you covered with so many inspiring natural dye projects. You will learn exactly how to use dozens of natural elements to dye everyday items, including fabric, homemade cosmetics, paper, and more!
You’ll discover:
- The history of botanical dyeing, including traditional uses and sustainability
- Which plants create which colors – and how to unlock their most vibrant hues
- How to naturally dye fabrics, cosmetics, paper, wood, and more
- The supplies needed to get started – and the role they play
- Troubleshooting tips for any issues that may arise
- How to care for your naturally dyed items so the colors last
- A plethora of hands-on projects that will bring your lessons to life
- Reflections and advice on the natural dyeing journey from course contributors
- And more!
Having said all that, my first attempt at natural dyeing was in the pandemic years. In the fall of 2020, we were homeschooling under the local school district’s umbrella that first year, and as part of that, we were encouraged to attend the farm weekly at the school. The regular students, at home, learning online didn’t. It was very odd, but I signed us up, and we showed up that year. One of the things we worked on was dyeing with Indigo. That was a fun and very educational event, especially for me. I liked that year because I also participated with the boys (3rd and 5th grades) at the in person events.
I really wanted to try it again, so I jumped at the chance to learn more.
I opted to buy the Botanical Dye Kit, along with the course, for $34.99 extra. It came about a week later in a very sweet box.
While I could have sourced everything independently, let’s be honest: This makes it so much easier. That was a major reason I decided to buy the kit.
It has soda ash, Alum, Marigold flower, Calendula flower, and two pieces of fabric to work with.
Going back to the workshop, the videos they created for it, which are part of the class, are well done. Soothing and easy to listen to, you will be excited to make fabric and clothing naturally pretty. I am taking the class in the mornings, as I have time. I will be posting photos of my finished items on my Instagram page.
I am just waiting for early Fall to do the dyeing when it is cool and the kids are in school. Then it is my time.
PS: This is the season to save your botanical flowers and air-dry them in paper bags, so you have lots of botanical matter to dye with.
FTC Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. We paid for this course; all thoughts are ours.
~Sarah