Description

Chromatic Transformations: Natural Dye Chemistry and pH-Responsive Color Shifting on Cotton & Silk

Join us for:

Chromatic Transformations: Advanced Natural Dye Chemistry and pH-Responsive Color Modulation ( Formerly Cosmic Nebula – We are back and better than ever )

 

Instructor: Cara Marie Piazza
August 9th
Starts at 12pm PST/3PM EDT 
Ends at 2:30pm pst/5:30pm EDT
Online Via Zoom : You will receive a PDF with the zoom link after purchase. Once the date nears closer to August, Cara will send the class curriculum and PDF. 

Originally Cara’s workshop on creating cosmic night sky patterns,  Cara has now modified this workshop to include an entire range of tannin bases, along with other dyes that are susceptible to being modified with simple kitchen chemistry. A great addition to Twilight Tannins, you will build and create swatches on both Cotton & Silk in this workshop. Cara will guide you through methodical approaches to dyeing and how simple changes in pH can create stunning, shifting colors on fabric.

What This Workshop Is About

Natural dyes have a unique magic, terroir and alchemical properties. Many of them change color depending on their chemical environment. In this class, you’ll learn how to work with these dyes in a thoughtful, hands-on way, experimenting with acids and alkalis to shift colors and create beautiful, otherworldly surface designs inspired by our galaxy. Has anyone seen the new image of IO?! , Jupiter’s Moon?

What You’ll Learn

• Understanding Botanical Colors response to pH changes
  Discover how plant-based tannins like logwood, sumac, cutch, chestnut, and oak gall create rich, earthy colors, and why some are especially responsive to pH changes.

• How to work pH to Shift Colors:
  Use natural pH modifiers such as vinegar and soda ash to transform colors from warm reds and purples to cool blues and greens, unlocking a whole spectrum of hues.

• Using Mordants and Modifiers:
  Learn how iron (ferrous sulfate) and other mordants deepen colors and add complexity, helping you create dramatic, layered effects reminiscent of the night sky.

• Creative Surface Design:
  Experiment with techniques like ice dyeing and botanical printing to produce swirling, cosmic patterns that feel truly otherworldly.

• Setting and Caring for your Samples
• Learn how to steam and set your samples, and the proper care for maintaining your naturally dyed goods.

Who This Workshop Is For

Whether you’re new to natural dyeing or have some experience, this workshop offers a clear, practical approach to understanding the chemistry behind color shifts. It’s perfect for artists, makers, and anyone curious about how nature’s palette can be transformed through simple, intentional processes.

What You’ll Need

• Natural fibers such as cotton, hemp, or silk ( Cara will demonstrate on silk charmeuse & Cotton from Tuscarora Mills.

• Botanical dyes rich in tannins (logwood, sumac, fustic, cutch, chestnut, oak gall)

• pH modifiers: citric acid, soda ash and

• Iron powder (ferrous sulfate) for color modification

• Basic dyeing tools and safety gear

What You’ll Take Away

By the end of the workshop, you’ll have a collection of beautifully dyed textiles showcasing shifting colors and intricate surface designs. More importantly, you’ll gain a solid understanding of how natural dyes work and how to use pH to create your own unique color stories.

If you want it adjusted to be even more casual or more detailed, just let me know!

Recommended Products
Handwoven Hemp Yardage
Aluminum Sulfate 
Ferrous Sulfate

Choose 3 Tannins, A clear tannin, a yellow tannin, a brown tannin & Logwood.

Clear Tannins: Gallo Tannin Extract, Tara Powder

Yellow Tannin: Fustic, Sumac

Brown Tannin: Cutch, Quebracho Moreno

Logwood

 

Modifiers

Citric Acid
Soda Ash

Tools & Equipment Needed
Stainless Steel or Non Reactive Bowl
Gloves, dust mask, apron
1 quart (32 ounce) wide mouth Mason jars, quantity 4
Stirring spoons or chopsticks
Kitchen scale that measures in grams
Thermometer
Tongs
Drying Rack with dropcloth underneath to catch drips
Protect work surfaces with dropcloths or use an easy to clean surface.
2 Non Reactive Pots such as enamel or stainless
Heat Source for steaming
A large rag or scrap of fabric
Rags or paper towels for clean up
Notebook and pen for any note taking