Botanical Dyeing with Igora Opala

An eco-printing technique that utilises plant materials as natural dyes, botanical printing offers an enchanting and immersive creative experience. Under the guidance of textile artist Igora Opala, participants will learn how to use direct contact printing to draw pigments from various botanicals, creating unique imprints on natural fabrics such as silk, wool, cotton and linen.

Participants will be guided through the process of composing, preparing and printing their own designs from provided plant materials, and learn the crucial role of mordants in forming chemical links between fibre and colourant to create long-lasting colour, before applying these skills to dye two silk scarves in their own designs.

This workshop is suitable for complete beginners. All printing tools and materials will be supplied including a range of botanicals to use, a range of small fabric pieces for printing and silk to create two scarves; participants are welcome to bring in sample fabric and/or small textile items in natural fibres (silk or wool recommended) and botanicals to experiment with if they wish.