Botanical Printing and Natural Dyes

Instructor: Suzanne Connors

Thursday & Friday, July 27 & 28

10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.  

Adult 18+ 

All levels are welcome. No experience required. 

This jam-packed workshop explores several botanical printing techniques, including using the steaming method and dye blankets to enrich the colors obtained from leaves. Discussion topics and demonstrations include when to use mordants, how to prepare cellulose and protein fibers for printing, and an overview of acid and natural dyes. Completed projects include a one-of-a-kind, eco-printed silk scarf and several fabric samples to use in textile art or sewing projects.   * Please wear closed-toed shoes and clothes suitable for messy dyeing.  

There will be a 30-minute lunch break. Bring a sack lunch or explore local dining options. 

A materials kit Fee of $40 PAYABLE TO THE INSTRUCTOR at the time of the workshop provides all mordants, natural dyes, and other class auxiliaries 

*Payment by cash or check is required for materials fees.  

Student Supply List: 

PRE-SCOUR ALL fabrics before bringing to class (wash in hot water with mild soap and boil for 20-30 minutes). https://www.ayafiberstudio.com/scouring-fabrics-1 

During this workshop, we will be creating samples- you may use well-scoured second-hand fabrics torn into 14” strips (1-2 yards long), or scarves no wider than 14”, you may also choose to bring one piece of clothing or a yard of fabric (100% cotton or silk).

• Leaves (with high tannin content) 
• Plastic shoe box or container 
• Old sheeting torn into 2” strips for bundling or medical ACE bandages ( 4-6) 
• Apron (optional) 
• Note-taking materials (optional) 
• Additional fabric for dye blankets – The instructor will have some flannel sheeting available for blankets. You may wish to purchase your own. You will need one piece of flannel for each piece you plan to mordant or dye. Larger items require a piece of flannel large enough to lay the garment or yardage on with an overhang of at least 1” around (If flannel is unavailable, you can use french terry cotton or as a last resort, old cotton sheeting) 

Sources:  

• https://www.onlinefabricstore.com/hanes-heavy-flannel-drapery-lining-natural-fabric 

• https://www.fabric.com/buy/uk-522/hanes-drapery-lining-heavy-flannel-natural 
• https://www.amazon.com/Hanes-Drapery-Lining-Heavy-Flannel 
• https://organiccottonplus.com 

 Suzanne Connors has always loved art and textiles and has maintained an active fiber art studio since 2008. Her academic background in architecture and design lays the groundwork for her practice using traditional shibori techniques. Creating a body of detailed design, establishing order, combining simple techniques and textures and using design repetition are the foundations of her work. Suzanne enjoys sharing her passion for texture, color, and pattern through her artwork and while teaching workshops. 

Suzanne’s teaching experience includes studio and professional practices at institutions throughout the U.S.  

These include The Arrowmont School of Art & Craft, (Gatlinburg, TN,) River Ridge Retreat Center, (Menominee, WI,) Carborro Art Center, (Carborro, NC,) Morakami Japanese Museum, (Palm Beach County, FL,) Foosaner Museum, (Melbourne, FL,) Lighthouse Art Center, (Tequesta, FL) and the Aya Fiber Studio; her own studio in Stuart Florida where she hosts national and international artists who give workshops to over 500 students from all over the country each year. Suzanne is the founder and past President of the Martin Artisans Guild, and is also president of Florida SPIN (silk painters international) and South Florida Regional representative for Surface Design Association.