Learn to Print with Mordants For Natural Dyeing
In this class, we will explore surface design through mordant printing with natural dyes. Learn how to create beautiful, one-of-a-kind designs on fabric using thickened mordants and a variety of printing techniques.
We’ll mix both aluminum (for bright hues) and iron (for darker tones) print pastes, and experiment with a variety of values and colors. You’ll learn how to apply the pastes through painting, block printing, and screen printing directly onto natural fibers, creating intricate patterns and values on a single piece of cloth.
In addition to the printmaking techniques, we will also dye your fabric in immersion baths. Learn about creating varied values, combining different mordants to achieve different design possibilities, and how to get the most out of your natural dyes.
Two Enrollment Options:
Option 1: Including Materials Kit + Domestic Shipping
This option includes a curated materials kit, including all the necessary supplies to make your own mordant pastes, madder and osage dyes, and more. The kit is shipped directly to you, saving you time in gathering supplies.
Sign up by March 18 to receive your materials on time. I will send you the Zoom link, a detailed materials list, and tips for preparing your workspace. This option saves you 20% on the materials kit.
Option 2: No Materials Kit — Purchase materials on your own
If you prefer to gather your own materials, you can opt out of the kit. After signing up, I will send you the materials list, class Zoom link, and setup recommendations. Please note that this email will be sent separately from your order confirmation.
What we'll cover
In this class, I’ll guide you through the process of creating one-of-a-kind designs on fabric using mordant printing with natural dyes. We’ll use thickened mordants, experimenting with both aluminum and iron-based pastes to achieve a wide range of colors and tones, from bright to earthy shades. You’ll learn various printing techniques, including block printing, screen printing, and painting, all while working directly with natural fibers to create a variety of patterns and designs.
You will learn:
- How to mix aluminum and ferrous print pastes
- Surface design techniques for applying thickened mordant pastes
- Basic design principles and how to plan your pieces
- How to prep your fabric and apply pastes through block printing, screen printing, and painting
- Dunging your cloth before dyeing
- Starting and working with immersion dye baths
- Ways to incorporate intentional, mindful practice into your creative process
By the end of the class, you'll have the skills to make your own hand-dyed pieces, print fabric with mordants, and further explore natural dyes.
What's Included
When you sign up for class at the $198 tier, you will get:
- A Mordant Printing Kit shipped to you, which includes all print paste materials, madder and osage dyes, and modifiers.
- A materials list and set up instructions
- The Zoom link for our live sessions
- Access to the class recordings for 180 days
Those who sign up at the $148 tier will receive all of the above minus the Mordant Printing Kit.
