Come and explore the wonderful world of natural inks and dye plants. During the first day, you will create your own drawing inks and learn how to modify colours using bicarbonate of soda, vinegar and iron. You will then collate these paper samples and present them in a small concertina book, noting which botanical sources you have used.

On day two, we look in more depth at the range of plants that can be used for natural dyes, learning about heritage dye plants and others that yield colour, including those growing in the West Dean gardens. You will then plan and design your own natural dye garden with individual guidance from the tutor.

Whether you are planning to start a dye garden to extend your own creative practice or setting one up in a community space, this course covers all the key considerations. We will look at plant yield, soil pH, irrigation, sunlight hours, harvesting and storage. Discover innovative ways to create raised beds and discuss watering systems and accessibility. Monthly tasks will be outlined so you can start a dye garden journal.

Natural dye plants increase biodiversity, are non-toxic and offer a great way to connect craft projects to the local environment. At the end of this course you will be able to:

• Make a range of natural drawing inks and explore mark-making.
• Design your own natural dye garden.
• Plan the seasonal tasks required to establish and maintain a dye garden.
• Take away a seed starter kit.

Included

On this course the tutor will supply all of the materials including a small booklet with growing advice, art materials, plus a small selection of dye plant seeds.

What students need to bring

• A scaled ruler, pens, pencils, and a notebook.
• A camera phone would be useful. A photo of the potential dye garden site and approximate measurements would be helpful, but not essential.

Available to buy

From the Gardens Gatehouse Shop: Notebooks, pens and sketchbooks.

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes). We will be extracting dye from a range of plants - this can include walnuts or other potential allergens so please make the tutor aware on arrival if you have any allergies.

Arrival day - first date of course
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration  
Student welcome, followed by dinner: 6.45pm (dinner included)
Teaching session: 8pm-9pm (attendance is essential)

Daily timetable
Course teaching: 9.15am-5pm  
Morning session: 9.15am-12.45pm including coffee/tea break  
Lunch break: 12.45pm-2pm (lunch included)  
Afternoon session: 2pm-5pm including coffee/tea break  
Teaching finishes: 5pm    
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Departure day - last date of course
Course teaching: 9.15am-3pm (lunch included)  
Teaching finishes: 3pm  

Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am.
Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required.

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