Date: Saturday 5th September Class Time: 9:30am - 4:00pm With Tutor: Birgit Moffatt Spend a creative weekend discovering the magic of eco dyeing on silk. In this playful, hands-on workshop you’ll explore the Eco Dye (leaf print) technique, using leaves and natural materials to create beautiful patterns on fabric. You’ll learn which plants give the best results, how to make your own iron mordant, and experiment with a range of techniques to achieve different effects. By the end of the workshop, you’ll have created your own naturally dyed silk scarf and gained the knowledge and confidence to continue exploring eco dyeing at home. What You'll Learn: You will learn how to extract pigment from leaves and other natural materials such as bark and seed pods using the eco-dye method. You are invited to bring your own plant materials and will also take a short walk around the studio grounds to gather seasonal foliage and learn some basic plant identification. You will work with iron as a mordant, learning how to make your own and how to use it safely on silk samples. You will experiment with different ways of wrapping bundles to achieve varied results, opening your test pieces before lunch. In the afternoon you will design and eco-dye your own silk scarf while also learning more about natural dyeing theory and having the opportunity to ask questions. Samples of the tutor’s work will be available for inspiration, and you will receive a handout by email after the workshop to support further exploration at home. What Are Some Benefits of Doing This Workshop? Learn the fundamentals of eco dyeing on silk using leaves and natural materials Discover which plants and leaves create the most successful prints Make and use your own iron mordant to enhance colour and pattern Explore several eco dye techniques to achieve a variety of beautiful effects Create your own unique silk scarf to take home Gain practical skills you can continue using at home Develop a deeper connection with natural materials and seasonal plants Enjoy a relaxed, creative weekend experimenting with natural colour and design What You'll Take Home: Participants will gain a deep connection to nature, along with the skills and confidence to continue eco dyeing at home. You’ll walk away with your own handmade silk scarf, a collection of dyed samples, and a newfound appreciation for the natural beauty that can be harnessed from the environment around you. About Your Tutor: “There are many ways to connect – in my work I trust my hands and my instinct making that bond. My art is influenced by my rural life on our papakāinga, Māori art and matauranga fostered by my whānau connections. Over the last few years, I have established my arts practice around using natural elements, often from the ngahere, then being transformed into sculptural work in the broader sense through traditional and modern weaving techniques. My connection and affection with te taiao become visible in my art through a subdued autumnal colour palette and rich textures. Equally important to my finished work is the process, which includes wandering in the forest, listening, photographing and playful experimentation before developing a new body of work.” - Birgit Moffatt Testimonial: "Thank you so much for a beautiful day, I loved how you managed the class. I loved the chance for an intro at the start. You were very patient with such a range of experience and attitudes to bleach! Your beautiful smile and sense of humour carried the day. The amount of activity you had set for the day was perfect. The whole thing was set up for success. I learned enough to have the mojo to try again." – Rachel, Wellington (2025) What to Bring: A detailed list will be sent to students closer to the day What Will Be Provided: All equipment (pots, mordants, jars, paper towels etc.) Silk and wool samples to experiment with One silk scarf per student Can Anyone Do This Class? Yes, this workshop is designed for beginners and anyone with an interest in natural dyeing and sustainable art practices. No prior experience is necessary, and everyone is welcome to join and create something beautiful. This workshop is eligible for our ongoing Creative Immersion Offer!
