Natural Dyeing with Local Plants: Immersion Dyeing

January 27, 2024, 12 PM - 3 PM

Learn to harvest, process, and brew colorful natural dyes from abundant local plants in this workshop with artist and naturalist Erin Berkowitz of Berbo Studio. Together we’ll work with a palette of natural dyes derived from both native and non-native plants found around us, creating a set of two cotton bandanas dyed with local natural color.

Beginning with a walk to identify native dye plants growing at California Botanic Garden, we’ll explore responsible wild-crafting, seasonality, and indicators of natural dye. In the second half of class, we’ll get creative as we work with dye pots of multiple colors, in which we’ll immerse our fabric to create unique patterns using resist dye techniques. You’ll leave with dye recipes and knowledge to repeat the process on your own at home.

This workshop is suitable for all skill levels, ages 12+.