Upcoming Classes & Events
This is an up-to-date listing of my public events and classes available to register for. If you’re interested in scheduling a workshop or class, or you’d like to include dyeing in a private event, email me for more information.
February 29, 2020
10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Camera Obscura Art Lab, Santa Monica, CA
Intro to Natural Textile Dyeing
We’ll cover the basics of fiber preparation for natural dyeing, including scouring and mordanting and some basic resist techniques, as well as a basic overview of how to prepare the dyes.
There will be vats of indigo (blue), osage orange (bright yellow), logwood (purple), and madder (red/brown/orange tones) available for dyeing. These dyes are all plant-based and vegan-friendly.
2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Camera Obscura Art Lab, Santa Monica, CA
Next Step: Overdyeing & Multi-Color Patterns
This class can be taken as a stand-alone, but is designed to build on the basics included in the Intro class offered in the morning. We’ll talk about how procedure and chemistry can work for or against you in creating textiles with multi-color patterns, and complex colors created by applying one natural dye over another. One I’ve shared these basics, the class is all about having fun and seeing what happens when you try this and that. I’ll share examples and inspiration, then let you experiment with creating your own colors and combinations.
The possibilities are endless, and the tone of this class is light and playful. If any of this sounds interesting but intimidating, I strongly encourage you to come and approach this as an opportunity to play.
March 21, 2020
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Camera Obscura Art Lab, Santa Monica, CA
Intro to Shibori-Style Indigo Dyeing
This class will cover major shibori resist techniques like Kanoko (similar to western tie-dye), Kumo (pleated and thread-bound resists), Arashi (pole-wrapped resists), Itajime (folded fabric using clamped resists), and includes examples of Bomaki (pleated and wrapped to include texture as well as color) and Nui (sewn resists), though we will not have time in class to do these forms.
2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Camera Obscura Art Lab, Santa Monica, CA
Shibori-Style Stitched Resists for Indigo Dyeing
This class will focus on the wide variety of stitched resist patterns used in Shibori dyeing, and how to combine them to create more complex and versatile designs. I’ll have plenty of examples and inspiration, along with designs you can trace or copy freehand, and templates you can use to mark your fabric for stitching. You don’t need to be an expert at sewing or drawing. If you can use a pen and you know how to make a basic running stitch, you’re set!
April 19, 2020
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Proto-Cathedral of St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church, Sherrman Oaks, CA
Griffin Dyeworks Fiber Frolic
The Fiber Frolic is an all-day event with a variety of short classes, designed to allow people to sample different fiber arts. You decide how many classes you want to sit in on an what you’re most interested in. Spend all day in the dye area or wander from spinning to weaving to button-making workshops, or try your hand at Kumihimo. The flat fee covers all class fees and includes lunch.
April 25, 2020
10:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Camera Obscura Art Lab, Santa Monica, CA
Dyeing & Printing With Materials Found in SoCal
This is a class for people who love to explore and experiment! We’ll be looking at potential mordant, modifier, and dye materials you may have growing in your Southern California yard, things you can gather in local parks, and materials you may find while you’re out hiking.
While this is not specifically a botanical printing class, we will cover some very basic print and resist techniques using leaves and other plant matter. All of the materials we will be using in class are vegan-friendly, though I will be bringing an example of cochineal-infested cactus, so students can identify it in the wild.
May 16, 2020
10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Camera Obscura Art Lab, Santa Monica, CA
Intro to Natural Textile Dyeing
We’ll cover the basics of fiber preparation for natural dyeing, including scouring and mordanting and some basic resist techniques, as well as a basic overview of how to prepare the dyes.
There will be vats of indigo (blue), osage orange (bright yellow), logwood (purple), and madder (red/brown/orange tones) available for dyeing. These dyes are all plant-based and vegan-friendly.
2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Camera Obscura Art Lab, Santa Monica, CA
Selective Dyeing With Natural Dyes
This class is intended to build on what you learn in Laura’s Intro to Natural Textile Dyeing class, which will be held in February 2020, and again in May 2020, immediately before this class. It’s not a pre-requisite, but you will definitely get more out of this class if you’ve learned the basics first.
Selective dyeing gives you much more control over your dyed designs by allowing you to carefully place each color, creating contrast and visual drama. Selective dyeing with natural dyes can be accomplished in many ways. We’ll focus on two methods, mordant “painting” and using carrier blankets to apply dyes or modifiers, and several variant techniques.
August 5 – November 11, 2020
Camera Obscura Art Lab, Santa Monica, CA
Artist Residency
During this 14-week artist residency, I’ll be focusing on madder dye: various materials, formulas, procedures, and processes.
In addition to a continually updated visual display, I’ll have open studio days and weekly hands-on workshops. I’ll update with more specific dates and activities once they’re scheduled.
October 3-4, 2020
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Antique Gas & Steam Museum, Vista, CA
Vista Fiber Arts Fiesta, Griffin Dyeworks Booth
The Vista Fiber Arts Fiesta is an amazing gathering of spinners, weavers, knitters and crocheters, basket makers, and other fiber artists. The shopping options are almost endless, and there are demonstrations throughout the weekend.
The Griffin Dyeworks booth hosts Dye Your Own activities from 10:30 to 3:00 each day, and offers a huge selection of natural dye products, hand-dyed items and yarn, and hand-crafted tools for a variety of fiber arts.
Admission and Parking are free!