Discover the Colors Growing Around You
A whole world of color is growing right outside your door! Join us to explore the art of natural dyeing and learn how plants found in our local landscape can be transformed into beautiful, natural colors.
During this class, you’ll learn how to ethically harvest plants for dyeing, choose and prepare fibers, and select the best plant materials for creating natural dyes. We’ll also explore both the historic and modern uses of plant-based dyes and how these traditional practices are being brought back to life today.
Tools, books, dye samples, and plenty of inspiration will be available to help you get started on your own natural dye journey. Each registrant will also receive a copy of Wild Color by Jenny Dean, a wonderful resource to continue exploring natural dyes and plant-based color at home.
About the Instructor
Michelle McCoskey is the Director of Education at Fernwood Botanical Garden, where she organizes educational field trips and public programs for both youth and adults. Before joining Fernwood, Michelle worked as an environmental educator and art instructor and helped run Great Lakes Fibershed and Color Wheel, a Detroit-based natural dye collective.
Come join us on November 18th for what is sure to be a fabulous class filled with color, creativity, plants, and inspiration!
A world of color awaits you in your local landscape! Learn how to ethically harvest plants in our region and process them for use as natural dyes. You'll explore the historic and modern uses of plant dyes, how to select and prepare fiber for dyeing, and how to choose your dyestuffs. Tools, books, and dye samples will be on display for inspiration and encouragement to get you started on your own natural dye journey.