Classes in Cheshire, New York
Joan Morris will be in Cheshire, New York, June 22-26, 2012 to teach:
Shibori and Natural Dyes.
This is a classdescription for a 5 day class in shaped-resist dyeing using natural dyes,including indigo, woad, a variety of natural dye extracts, madder root,cochineal bugs, and walnut galls. This class is geared towards studentsat various levels of experience; from the beginner to those with prior experience and a desire to expand their vocabulary, experiment, sharpen skills and gain greater control of materials. All levels are welcome in this class. The beginner can expect to learn 10- 12 forms of shaped-resist (shibori),while they gain knowledge of mordanting with alum, and dyeing with the above mentioned natural dye stuffs. New to my classes will be the addition of a woad dyebath, a process at once similar to and different from indigo dyeing. As they are available, new natural dye extracts will be added to thematerials we’ll use in class (e.g. coreopsis extract). Colorshifting (with ammonia, vinegar and iron) presents additional color possibilities for each of the dyestuffs we’ll use. For those with priorexperience, bring images of your work, or actual pieces, includingwork-in-progress, if you would like to engage in a dialog about possible directions that your work could take. Please note that this is a forumfor making samples, experimenting, and making small pieces. It will not be possible to dye large yardages in this setting.
See Joan Morris’s website to learn more about her work : http://www.joanmorrisartist.com.
September 5-7, 2012 Lisa Klakulak will teach a felting class, also in Cheshire New York.
A Naturally Dyed Palette for Surface Design: Patterning and Imagery with Partial Felts
Natural dyeing of wool fleece necessitates a cautious approach, especially working with Merino wool, so that fibers don’t mat in the processes prior to intentional felting. Experience an alternative technique Klakulak uses to create a broad palette of naturally dyed partial felt for application in surface patterning and image articulation. Learn her strategies for layout, ideal amounts of water and soap and the type of agitation for making quality felt as well as thedifferences between wet felted partial felt and needle felted pre-felt. After creating partially felted sheets of wool fleece in a gradation of the wool’snatural colors, mordant and over-dye with the most light-fast natural materials and dye extracts: Cochineal, Madder, Weld, Indigo and Walnut. The dyed sheetsof felt will then be cut and arranged on a background of loose fleece to createvarious patterning effects and recognizable imagery that can be applied to theparticipants future felt projects or fulled and finished for wall display.
See Lisa’s website for more information on her work : http://www.strongfelt.com
Contact Sara Burnett for more information and sign up for the class: sjburnett@frontiernet.net
Leave a comment