Hiding in Plain Sight: An Introduction to Natural Dyes on Paper

In this two-session virtual workshop, you will learn to draw out natural dyes that are latent in plants and insects and apply them on paper. Using substantive and mordant natural dyes—two groups of natural dyes that are accessible and safe to use at home—we will cover how to coax color out of dyestuff through aqueous extraction, the preparation and function of mordants, and several techniques for applying both dyes and mordants on paper. You will leave with a small collection of naturally-dyed paper featuring the character, depth, and texture that distinguish natural dyes from other media that can be used to color paper. No prior experience required.