So many options!

Click on the links below to view full details - you may have to cut and paste them into your browser as they don't always work!

I have a beginners online course which runs continuously - it's an independant learning course and you can start anytime and work at your own pace.

https://www.smore.com/jvu6s

Also online courses for more advanced printers, ecoprint with natural dyes part 1 and 2

https://www.smore.com/4sk6y

https://www.smore.com/qc7r2

July 2024 Ecoprint with natural dyes 3 day course at Littleheath Barn. 

Details coming soon

April 2024 Morrocco - 2 workshops

https://www.smore.com/sr6wn

June 2024 Dordogne France. Full  but worth putting your name on the waiting list

https://www.smore.com/5devm

https://www.smore.com/sr6wn-ecoprint-in-morocco

UK workshop dates will be released in the New Year. Enquiries about private workshops for individuals or guilds always welcome- in person or online

Photos from the 2 week ecoprint workshop at L’Epinoux France

wonderful work produced by a talented group of participants of all ages and nationalities

Natural dye with ecoprint. June 30th-July 2nd 2018

Natural dye with ecoprint

3 day workshop

A three day course exploring the exciting world of combining natural dye with ecoprint

Held in my studio and dyeplant garden in long Compton, Warwickshire

Come and learn how to print beautiful textiles, with clear leaf prints against plain or patterned natural dye backgrounds. Working in a small group,with a maximum of seven students, you will get all the individual attention and support you need

During the three days you will:

· Gain a clear understanding of how mordants work

· Learn to mordant both protein and cellulose fabrics

· Gain an understanding of how different leaves interact with different natural dyes to discharge, modify or resist them

· Prepare and use a variety of natural dye extracts

· Learn a number of different techniques to colour your cloth before during or after ecoprinting

· Learn how tannins and metal salts can enhance your results

Programme

On day 1 we will work with samples, so you can experience a range of techniques. We will learn about mordants, and mordant cloth ready for days 2 and 3

On days 2 and 3 we will work on dyeing scarves, garments or yardage, and continue to enlarge your repertoire of techniques

There will be an optional guided evening walk in Batsford Arboretum,to help you identify leaves that print well

You will go home with all the knowledge and skills you need to continue to explore these techniques independently. And a stash of gorgeous printed garments and fabric!

Who is it for?

This course is for people who already have some experience of ecoprinting and are able to produce clear prints. Basic bundling techniques will not be covered. If you are a beginner and wish to come on this course we can arrange a supplementary day to provide you with the necessary skills. If you are a felter you are very welcome to print samples on felt, but we cannot handle large felt pieces as they instantly exhaust the dye baths!

What’s included

Three days’ tuition in a small group setting

A sample pack of mordanted fabric so you can get printing straight away on day 1

Plenty of fabulous foliage ( though you may also bring your own)

Tea, coffee, cold drinks, cookies

Lunch on day 1 will be ‘ bring and share ’

Lunch on days 2 and 3 will be provided

Optional guided walk in Batsford Arboretum

There will be an additional materials fee of £20 per student to cover dyes and mordants for the whole three days

What’s not included:

Fabric, apart from samples for day 1

Accommodation - there are lovely options nearby , details on request

Entry fee to Batsford Arboretum

A detailed list of the things you need to bring, and suggested fabrics to source will be sent nearer the time

Fabric and scarves will be available to purchase if wished

Price

£300, plus £20 materials fee

How to book

Booking is open now

Please contact me : caroline.nixon@btinternet.com

I will email you a booking form

3 day beginner/improver workshop at National Trust Claydon House

7 - 9 July 2018

10am - 4pm

A 3 day immersive workshop in eco-printing and botanical contact printing. Taking cuttings from the gardens of Claydon, this introductory workshop will show you a contemporary adaptation of the ancient method of colouring cloth with plant pigments.

This workshop is designed to teach you all the techniques you need to produce clear and vivid prints from botanical materials. It is suitable for absolute beginners, but will also be entirely relevant to improvers, especially those who are hoping to achieve clearer prints, richer colours, and greater technical knowledge. Some of the natural materials shall be gathered from the beautiful gardens of Claydon or you'r welcome to bring some of your own. 

The  following areas will be  covered:

·         Sourcing fabric, including recycling and upcycling

·         Preparing fabric to print – protein and  cellulose fabrics

·         Mordants and  modifiers, iron blankets

·         Essential equipment for ecoprinting at home

·         Sourcing  plant material

·         Design and placement

·         Preparing dye pots from plant  material

·         Dyebath and steaming techniques

·         Laundering and aftercare  of ecoprinted fabric

·         Safety and  environmental issues

Day 1  

You will make samples, using a variety of different fabrics and techniques. All of the fabric you need will be provided, and some of it will be mordanted ready for you. You will work with silk, wool and linen. (If you are a felter you are welcome to make a small sample using your own felt) You will learn about mordants, and mordant some fabric or garments ready for day 2

Day 2

You will spend the day putting your new skills to use, printing  scarves and garments, or paper. You will also discuss how to source suitable fabrics, including charity shop finds to up-cycle.

Day 3 

We will increase our repertoire of mordants and techniques, and tackle more complex garments - larger pieces or pieces with sleeves that require more complex folding techniques.

By the end of the course you will have the knowledge and skills to continue eco-printing at home as well as leaving with at least 4 beautiful wearable items, or printed yardage to sew at home, printed paper to frame or incorporate into projects.

What to bring;

A detailed material list of basic studio essentials shall be provided nearer to the start of the course. 

Course fee £240.00

Materials fee £12 per student for a fabric sample pack and £10 per student for other materials (mordants and sundries)

All bookings handled directly by the Courtyard Studio at Claydon House https://www.thecourtyardartstudio.com/artcourses/eco-printing-workshop

2 day Beginner / Improver Workshop

2 day Ecoprint Workshop

21-22 April  2018 9.30-4.30

Long Compton Warwickshire

This workshop is designed to teach you all the techniques you need to produce clear and vivid prints from botanical materials.

It is suitable for absolute beginners, but will also be entirely relevant to improvers, especially those who are hoping to achieve clearer prints, richer  colours, and greater technical knowledg

Day 1  - can be taken as a  one day workshop

Today we will be making samples, using a variety of different fabrics and techniques. I will provide all the fabric you need, some of which will be mordanted ready for you. You will work with silk, wool and linen. (If you are a felter you are welcome to make a small sample using your own felt)

You will learn what equipment you need to start ecoprinting (inexpensively) at home

You will learn about mordants, and mordant some fabric or garments ready for day 2

Day 2

You will spend the day putting your new skills to use, printing  scarves and garments

We will also discuss how to source suitable fabrics, including charity shop finds to upcycle

You will go home with at least 2 beautiful wearable items, or fabric to sew into garments at home

We will not be combining natural dye with ecoprint this time. This will be covered  in a future workshop

What is included

Fabric samples for day 1

Mordants

Foliage (you are welcome to bring your own too)

Tea, coffee, soft drinks, biscuits

On day one we will arrange a ‘ bring and share’ lunch. Those travelling from afar will be able to obtain their contribution at our excellent  village shop

On day 2 lunch will be provided

Accommodation is not included, there are excellent b and bs and hotels nearby, info on request

Price:

Day 1 only £90

Days 1 and 2 £190

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