Natural Dye Eco-Printing Workshop

Workshop Details:

Level:

Beginners / Taster

Duration:

3 hours (11am – 2pm)

Location:

Blueway Art Studio

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Harness the power of natural dyes

Harness the power of natural dyes when you join a taster eco-printing workshop at the Blueway Art Studio. This hands-on beginners’ workshop is an excellent taster experience if you’d like to learn how to make natural dyes. The fun and informative experience will give you the chance to create your own natural, botanical art print on paper using leaves and flowers from the local trees and plants in Ireland’s Ancient East.

The majority of the natural dyeing workshop will take place outdoors at Blueway Art Studio, located in the band hall in the gorgeous village of Narraghmore. We will take time to chat over a cup of tea as we wait in anticipation for the dyes to fix.

I’ll introduce you to the history and traditions of the dye process, from natural dyeing techniques to the bright colours associated with our ancestors. When the natural dyes have set, you’ll get to reveal original and unique design, which can be used as a wall print, card design, or book cover. It’s a beautiful experience to watch nature and your creations transform into something new in this fun and creative workshop.

Workshop highlights:

Learn traditional and sustainable dyeing skills that will last a lifetime
Experiment with using different natural dyes and layouts on handmade Japanese and oriental papers
Discover how to capture the spirit of Kildare’s lush landscape by gently rolling your designs into bundles

FAQs

What’s included in the price?

Just bring yourself! All materials, and tea and coffee are included.

You may either bring your own lunch or opt for the local community café – known as the Old Hardware. It’s a great place to find hand-made scones or cakes, and Mel’s Gastro Pub across the road from the Blueway Studio, serves food from 2pm at the weekends and from 5pm during the week. There are lots of options for things to do, places to stay, eat and drink in nearby Athy too.

What should I wear?

It’s a good idea to wear comfortable waterproof shoes and bring a rainproof jacket.

How accessible is the workshop?

Blueway Art Studio is on the ground floor so there are no stairs to climb. However, it’s an old building with a smaller than usual door so not all wheelchairs fit through.

You might not believe it, but everyone is creative! Some of the people who join us at the workshops may be practising creatives and others will be absolute beginners. All are welcome! You just need to bring an open mind and you will create something you will cherish.

What Our Participants Say

“Wonderful how story and history of medieval times in the area are revived and animated through this artist’s method – the monkey the mermaid and the gateway to heaven all just fascinating.”

YouTube Review February 2022

— SO Whelton —

“This is a really fascinating film, incredible to think of lithographs been made in Antarctica at this time.Thanks for the lithography demonstration. The whole project is so interesting ,thank you.”

YouTube Review January 2022

— Carol Kennedy —

“I never knew how prints were made or anything about lithography. I can’t believe they did this in Antarctica. I’m a huge Shackleton fan and this is a completely different insight for me. This is fascinating. Thanks for demonstrating”

YouTube Review January 2022

— Experiencing Ireland —

“Brilliant afternoon with Angelina.Spent a sunny afternoon with Angelina at Kilkea Castle. Learnt the art of grave rubbing – Angelina is a great teacher. She is patient, highly skilled and great fun. We all came away with something we’d made in the two hours”

Trip Advisor Review August 2021

— AnitaBreak41 —

“A very infomative and pleasant experience. Angelina was an excellent teacher. The practical, hands on experience allowed me to learn as we worked. Delighted with the results of the process”

Google Review June 2021

— Cristeen Kilkenny—

“Thank you angelina for a really great course on ecoprinting on japanese paper you were very generous with your knowledge and i had great fun. And so glad i could buy that awagami japanese paper from you wow its gorgeous”

Google Review June 2021

— Deirdre Crofts —