Mamie’s Schoolhouse on the Road at Fern’s School of Craft, in Edmonton

• Sunday, May 24, 2020

• 10:00 AM  5:00 PM

• Sky Office (map)

Natural dyes can be used for whole cloth/yarn dyeing, but they have also been used for hundreds of years to create stunning surface designs, through a a range of printing techniques. In this hand-on class, you will learn to use several methods to create beautiful natural dye surface designs on cloth using stencils, print blocks, and free-hand drawing, and will gain confidence in the easy to understand basic science behind why certain methods and materials work, and others don’t. All materials will be provided along with a detailed handout of the methods used in the workshop.

INSTRUCTOR: Mel Sweetnam, Mamie’s Schoolhouse ($135)

PROJECT: You will learn about fibre types and which are best suited to surface printing and why, and how to make a range of mordant print pastes and dye print pastes to achieve different effects. You will print four 10 x 10” samples using different pastes and stencils/blocks provided. We will discuss which natural dyes are best suited to surface design techniques, and why, and then will dye your samples using several different dye baths. You will learn how to finish your work to achieve the crispest, most beautiful effect.

PREREQUISITE: None!  This is an intro class, no experience necessary

NOTE: Class size limited to 14 people.  All materials provided, cancellations must be made 48 HOURS BEFORE class date for full refund. Class subject to cancellation if minimum registration of 10 people is not met. Class end time may vary by 15 minutes. Please arrive 5-10 minutes before class start time.