This workshop is part of the Garden Museum’s Branch Out programme, a series of free events and activities exploring gardening, art, floristry, plant science, history, design, and more!
Join The Gardening Drawing for a two-hour journey into the fascinating world of botanical dyes at the Garden Museum.
We will gather around the museum’s natural dye plant bed to explore, discuss, and draw the variety grown in this urban environment.
In the second part of this workshop, we will head to the museum to dive into the fundamentals of extracting natural dyes for cellulose fabrics, such as cotton and linen. Guided by permaculture principles of zero waste and creative reuse, second-hand fabric samples will then be dyed.
Through a live demonstration and guided discussion, participants will:
- Learn about the history of natural dyes.
- Learn about dye plants suitable for small gardens in England.
- Watch step-by-step as Johanna demonstrates the creation of two natural plant dyes, from plants harvested in England.
- Learn how to safely repeat the extraction and dyeing process in your own kitchen.
- Basic fabric knowledge (protein, cellulose, and synthetic will be discussed).
- Understand the use of non-toxic mordants to bind colours sustainably and safely into fabric.
No prior experience is required. All materials and a herbal tea break are included,
This is an entry-level, accessible and engaging adult-only workshop.
The session will include time for questions and conversation, and feature inspiration through books and samples of natural dyes as a creative and hopeful practice that helps us connect to the season and the land.
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ABOUT THE GARDENING DRAWING CLUB
Founded in 2021, The Gardening Drawing Club is a series of unique events with a holistic approach offering free access to arts and horticulture in Britain. With monthly happenings, The Gardening Drawing is hosted in a broad range of locations, from art centres to community gardens and temples; the events range from workshops to talks and experiences. Veganic gardening methods are employed through The Gardening Drawing Club, advocating for gentleness and compassion while supporting seed sovereignty, racial, climate and land justice and reparation, biodiversity, and animal liberation.
The Gardening Drawing Club is a form of Seva and is on a shared mission to integrate the joys of gardening and drawing in others’ lives for individual and community well-being.
More about the project: www.thegardeningdrawingclub.org
Follow TGDC on Instagram: www.instagram.com/thegardeningdrawingclub/
Learn more about other upcoming Branch Out Workshops here!
Free
Free
