JOIN US AT MAINE MEDIA!
Join us at Maine Media in Rockport, Maine for an immersive five-day workshop to explore the art of natural pigments through eco printing, dyeing, ink making, and bookbinding. Discover sustainable foraging techniques, create unique prints on fabric and paper, and learn mindful stitching and bookmaking to unify your designs.
All levels welcome!
During this five-day workshop, participants will learn the alchemical process of botanical eco printing, natural dyeing, and ink making on both fabric and paper, as well as beginner techniques to create a series of handmade books. This class offers an amalgamation of outdoor foraging, printmaking, photography, bookmaking and fiber processes, thereby offering a realm of possibilities that allow for full exploration with each mode of making. Natural pigments dwell within many plants and objects, and hold vast potential for creativity. Shades of pigments vary depending on location, the time of year, process utilized, and materials employed.
Students will first learn how to properly prepare different fabrics & papers to mordant; an optional yet important step to ensure longer and more brilliant results. After an introduction to mordanting, students will create their own unique eco prints on a variety of decorative and functional surfaces. We will utilize seasonally foraged plants, food compost, and natural dye extracts to print on various types of paper and fabric, as well as explore ways to layer color and imagery through over-dyeing, painting, and stitching techniques.
Once printed and dried, students will engage in mindful stitching and book making techniques in response to the prints that have transpired, helping to unify printed imagery through color, shape, and imagination. These meditative processes yield unique, one-of-a-kind results, and provide opportunities to let go of visual expectations while collaborating with nature. Please note that all materials are provided, however, a list of suggested plants to forage and bring along with you will be shared prior to the class. All levels of experience are welcome!
Skills & Techniques
Sustainable & mindful foraging techniques
Suggestions for proper plant identification & safety
Basics of mordanting (fiber preparation)
A basic understanding of the eco printing process through recipes & step-by-step instructions on fabric & paper
Bundling and fabric preparation techniques that yield different printed results
A list of suggested regional plants to utilize seasonally
Basics of hand & machine sewing
Pamphlet stitch book binding techniques
How to care for your printed fabrics
Resources for continued making & learning on your own
Special Tools & Supplies
Students can bring:
Apron & rubber gloves (optional to keep clothes & hands clean, but not necessary)
Sketchbook or phone for note-taking (optional; full recipes & instructions will be provided digitally)
Foraged plants (Optional; many will be provided – A full list of suggested plants will be provided prior to the workshop)