This hands-on workshop invites you to bring 100 grams of raw plant material to explore its potential as a natural dye or pigment. Using a range of chemical modifiers, including alum, iron, vinegar and soda ash, you will extract colour from your plants and experiment with shifting hues through pH changes and mordant reactions.

The session begins with the creation of a dye solution from your chosen plant, followed by a structured, collective process where modifiers are applied step-by-step, revealing a spectrum of colour transformations across the group. Standard dye plants will also be provided in case any foraged materials yield limited results. Along the way, key plant-based colourants and pigment families will be introduced to help ground the experimentation in scientific and historical context.

The workshop emphasises local biodiversity, creative process and collaborative discovery, culminating in a shared swatch chart, showcasing the unique palette created by the group. You will leave with a practical method for creating botanical colourants, which can be applied to other plant materials for further experimentation. You will also receive a detailed guide to common natural dyes and recipes.

Included

On this course the tutor will supply all of the materials, including:

Plant Materials:

• 100g raw plant material per student (foraged or garden-sourced)
• Standard dye plants provided by tutor (e.g. a selection of: onion skins, madder root, marigold, weld, indigo, hibiscus, avocado skins/pits)

Chemical Modifiers and Mordants:

• Alum (potassium aluminium sulphate) – mordant
• Iron (ferrous sulphate or rusty nails soaked in vinegar) – modifier
• Copper (copper sulphate and acetate)– modifier/mordant
• Soda ash (sodium carbonate) – pH modifier and lake pigment ingredient
• Potash (Potassium carbonate) - pH modifier and lake pigment ingredient
• White vinegar (acetic acid) – pH modifier
• Citric acid (pH adjustments)
• Cream of tartar (softens and brightens colours with alum)
• Chalk and various white clays (pH adjustments and opacity)
• Watercolour paper for swatches
• Filter papers, funnels and paper pots for straining

Tools and Equipment (for use on the course):

• Stainless steel or enamel pots (non-reactive) for simmering dyes
• Heat source (hot plates or stove)
• Measuring spoons and scales
• Jars or bowls for modifier solutions
• Tongs or gloves (for handling hot or stained materials)
• Strainers or muslin cloth (for filtering dye baths) Spoons/stirrers (wood or stainless steel)
• Labels or tags (for swatches and dye baths)
• Receptacles/ vessels/ bags for holding pigment/ink/dyes to take away
• Brushes for painting swatches
• Pestle and mortars

What students need to bring

• Pen/pencil and notebook for taking notes
• If you would like, you can bring your own receptacles/ vessels/ bags for holding pigment/ink/dyes to take away. Your tutor recommends 5 – 10 jars with a screw-top lid, around 200ml in size if possible.

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).

Student registration: 10.30am - 11am
Course teaching: 11am – 5.15pm 
Morning session: 11am - 1pm
Lunch break: 1pm - 2pm (lunch is not included)
Afternoon session: 2pm - 5.15pm (15 minute break, 3.30pm–3.45pm)
Teaching finishes: 5.15pm  
 

Short courses are open to anyone aged 18 and over. The course fee covers tuition and materials where stated. You will need to bring all other items listed under the ‘Materials to bring’ section.

Refreshments

Coffee and tea are included in the course fee, but you will need to bring lunch with you to eat in the refreshments room. There are also plenty of other local venues to purchase food.

Access

If you have any specific access needs, we will need to know about your access requirements in advance. Please tell us about your needs in confidence by emailing: [email protected] This venue has steps to the front reception, with limited access via a side gate to the ground floor. There is a small lift to higher floors or stairs.

Safety

Short course students are required to sign a safety compliance form as part of West Dean Health and Safety regulations.

Refunds and cancellations

Please refer to our terms & conditions below.

Disclaimer

The information given is accurate at the time of publication. However, West Dean College reserves the right to cancel or amend courses if circumstances require.

Terms & Conditions