An in-depth class on dyeing with natural indigo and working with clay paste resist, as well as processing wild clay and dyeing directly with clay.

  • Class meets every Tuesday from January 20 to February 17
  • Classes meet live every over 5 weeks
  • All classes are recorded
  • Pricing from $198
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Learn to Dye with Indigo + Clay

Learn to dye with natural indigo at home and work with clay paste resist to create your own beautifully printed fabric.

In this class, you will create unique patterns on fabric using clay resist and natural indigo dye. Learn how to mix your own natural clay paste to create beautiful resist patterns when dyeing in a natural indigo vat. You can screen print, block print, and paint with clay paste on natural fibers. The clay paste repels the indigo dye, leaving you with one-of-a-kind designs. We will also cover dyeing in a natural indigo, vat care, upkeep, and maintenance. As a bonus, we will explore methods to work with clay as a dye and as a surface design techniques for direct application with clay.

Two Enrollment Options:

Option 1: Includes materials and shipping: $274 - includes the cost of indigo dye, clay paste, and clay dyeing materials and shipping. US-based students only.

Option 2: Class participation, no materials: $198 - Join us for class and collect the materials on your own. A materials list will be sent along with the Zoom link. Great for international students!

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What we'll cover

In this class, I’ll be guiding you through the process of creating beautiful, hand-dyed fabric using natural indigo and clay paste resist techniques. We will dive into indigo dyeing, learning the steps to prepare and dye your fabric. You'll also explore the technique of clay paste resist, where you’ll apply a natural paste to create intricate, textured patterns that resist the dye, allowing for beautiful contrast and design.

Along the way, you will learn:

  • How to mix and work with a natural fructose indigo vat
  • Surface design techniques for applying clay paste resist 
  • Basic design principles and how to plan your pieces 
  • Processing and working with locally foraged clays
  • Ways to incorporate intentional, mindful practice into your creative process
  • Bonus sessions: Dyeing with clay and direct application of clay pigments. Surface design with direct application of clay.

By the end of the class, you'll have the skills to make your own hand-dyed pieces, maintain your indigo vat, work with clay paste on your own, dye with clay, and more

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What's Included

When you sign up for class including the materials kir, you will get:

  1. An expanded Clay Paste and Indigo Kit shipped to you -- In addition to the clay paste resist and indigo dye, you will also receive ingredients to dye with red clay and do direct application with clay pigment
  2. A video that teaches you how to mix your indigo vat
  3. A materials list and set up instructions
  4. The Zoom link for our live sessions
  5. Access to the class recordings for 180 days
  6. Access to a private community to connect with other students, ask questions, and share your work

Those who sign up at the $198 tier will receive all of the above minus the Materials Kit.

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IN CASE YOU WERE WONDERING...

FAQS

Do I need dyeing experience?

No, this workshop is friendly to all levels-- beginners to savvy dyers.

What materials do I need?

Those who sign up with the materials kit will receive an expanded Clay Paste + Natural Indigo Dye Kit. All participants will receive a materials list and set up instructions, as well as a pre-recorded video to mix your vat.

What type of indigo vat are we using in class?

This class will teach this method with a natural fructose vat.

Can I use any type of indigo vat with this method?

You can use most types of indigo vats for this method - fructose, iron, and thiox vats all work well. In my experience, the only vat that has less promising results is a lye-reduced indigo vat.

Does clay resist work with other natural dyes?

No, clay paste resist only works with indigo dye.

What type of fibers does this method work with?

Any natural fibers will work, from silk to cotton canvas. We highly recommend going to a thrift store to find natural fiber clothing to dye!

Can I use clay from my yard?

Yes, you can use the dirt from your yard, especially if you have clay-rich soil. I’ll do a demo on this for anyone interested!

Can I chat with the other class participants?

Yes. When you sign up, you will be invited to a private community forum where you can introduce yourself, ask questions, share your work, and more.

Will class be recorded?

Yes! Class will be recorded and the recording and chat will be shared with you at the end of each session.

When will the recording be shared?

We will email out the class recording at the end of each day, and you will have access to it on the cloud for 180 days.You will also get a copy of the chat (which is where a lot of folks ask questions) with the video recording.

I don't live in the United States. Can I still join class?

Yes! Sign up at the $198 tier to join us. A materials list and set up instructions will be sent via email.