Online Workshop RECORDING: Cosmic Nebula-Otherworldly Surface Design for Cotton, Hemp & Silk

Description

Cosmic Nebula: Otherworldly Surface Design for Cotton, Hemp & Silk

Online RECORDING Via Zoom : You will receive a PDF with the Vimeo recording link after purchase. 

Instructor: Cara Marie Piazza

Join us for Cosmic Nebula: Otherworldly Surface Design for Cotton, Hemp & Silk! This is a fun and information-rich tutorial on creating dynamic natural dye patterns using a few simple ingredients.

Learn how to create dramatic cosmic night sky patterns on natural fibers in this fun informative natural dye class. The effect is easy and eye-catching and is perfect for scarves, a t-shirt for your Goth astrophysicist cousin or anyone who loves to play with impressive natural dye alchemy.

Cara will first lead a demonstration on working with a variety of tannins to create shades of rich black on cotton, silk & hemp. Once these colors are dyed, she will demonstrate her signature dynamic style to create patterns resembling the night sky. She will work with auxiliaries to shift pH and demonstrate how to discharge color and set the fabrics to make swirling patterns. This is a great technique for tea towels, covering stains and up-cycling garments! Cara will demonstrate on our Handwoven Hemp Cotton Towel Irregulars, one of our mordanted cotton bandanas, a yard of silk charmeuse, a T-shirt AND a pair of organic cotton socks.

No previous natural dye knowledge necessary, all levels of experience are welcome. This is also a perfect add on to our Back to Black class, as you already have the foundation for making some deep charcoal tones.

Cara recommends that you watch her demonstrate the techniques, and then work on your own with the video recording. The video will be available for 90 days.

Workshop details

• This was an online Zoom workshop with a live demo and detailed instructions, the recording and available for viewing for 90 days after purchase.
• Purchase your supplies for this workshop following the links below, or if you purchased the Botanical Colors Beginner Kit, you already have Liquid Logwood (a good option for Rich Logwood Purple), Ground Oak Gall, Iron, Soda Ash and Citric Acid, along with the other dyes, mordants and dried flowers that come with the kit.
• We recommend getting the smallest versions of soda ash & citric acid (each 250g) as you will be using a small amount for the workshop. Both ingredients are natural dye studio staples, so you will use them again and again as you grow your practice.
• You may choose 1 or more of the tannins noted below. Each creates a different gray-black shade. Logwood and Oak Gall are the traditional “bottom” or base tannins for black, combined with Chestnut.  Wattle and Cutch also create beautiful deep shades.
• And the magic ingredient in this workshop is Ferrous Sulfate or Iron Powder.  It is a strong color changer with tannin-based dyes.

Recommended Products
Aluminum Sulfate 
Ferrous SulfateChoose 1 or more Tannin : Ground Oak Gall, Logwood Extract , Quebracho Moreno, Wattle, Cutch or Chestnut
Citric Acid
Soda Ash
* Cara demonstrates with Ground Oak Gall, Quebracho Moreno & Logwood Extract.

Tools & Equipment Needed
Stainless Steel or Non Reactive Bowls
Gloves, dust mask, apron
Stirring spoons or chopsticks
Kitchen scale that measures in grams
Thermometer
Tongs
Drying Rack with drop cloth underneath to catch drips
Protect work surfaces with drop cloths or use an easy to clean surface.
2 Non Reactive Pots such as enamel or stainless
Heat Source for dyeing
A large rag or scrap of fabric
Rags or paper towels for clean up
Notebook and pen for any note taking