Join The Natural Dye Company at Merryspring Nature Center on Saturday, August 29 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 pm and spend the day making something beautiful from the great outdoors. Learn how to dye textiles using two plants you can grow right in your garden -- marigolds and madder root -- and walk away with a one-of-a-kind, wearable, naturally dyed textile and a real understanding of natural dyeing.

Choose your canvas: a silk scarf (8" x 54") or cotton bandana (22" x 22"). We'll start by dyeing our textile in a golden yellow marigold dye bath, then use a shibori-inspired resist technique to create a striking design. Finally, our textiles will go into a rich, red madder root dye bath, creating a bright and vibrant contrast against the yellow. Every piece will be unique!

This workshop is not particularly messy, but you are welcome to bring your own smock or apron. There will be plenty of time for Q&A and walking the garden at Merryspring where you can observe growing marigolds and madder root, connecting color to the source. No experience necessary, and beginners are encouraged to register.

We will be outside in Merryspring's Hexagon for the workshop. Bring your own water to stay hydrated (in a reusable bottle if possible!), a snack or bagged lunch, and anything else you might need to stay comfortable.

Kristan Green is an unconventional, innovative freelancer who enjoys creating and experimenting with natural botanical dyes. She enjoys seeing what magic and wonder plants hold and how they can transform their aliveness into colorful textiles. She has a degree in Fashion Merchandising Management, is a former art teacher, has owned her own brick and mortar vintage clothing store, and is now the creator and owner of The Natural Dye Co.

REGISTRATION:
Ages: 12+

Class fee: $75 Members, $80 Non-Members

Materials fee: Materials included - don't forget to state if you'd like a silk or cotton textile to dye!

To register, please call (207) 236-2239, email info@merryspring.org, or stop by Merryspring's location at 30 Conway Road Camden. Registration fees are non-refundable. Children aged 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult. If you are accompanying a registered child and would like to make a textile of your own, please register yourself as well.

Merryspring is your community nature center offering walking trails, cultivated gardens, wildlife, and ecology and horticulture educational programs all year round. The park is located at the end of Conway Road, just off of Route 1 in Camden behind Hannaford Shopping Plaza. For more information please contact info@merryspring.org or call (207) 236-2239.