Wild Dyers Lab
June 21 @ 10:30 am - June 22 @ 4:30 pm
$295.00
The Wild Dyers Lab is a fun and experimental class for both beginners and experienced artists looking to explore the addictive craft of natural dyeing. Create a journal of experimental swatch samples, hand dye a pair of linen napkins and make a one of a kind bandana while gaining a wealth of information to continue your practice at home.
In this exciting 6 hour, 2 day, eco-friendly workshop, you will discover natural materials like Madder Root, Marigold and Indigo that offer soft, beautiful colors direct from nature.
Learn how to make 3 lasting primary color dyes (red, yellow and blue) to produce stunning fabrics in a collaborative, fun and creative environment. We will discuss workspace setup, tools, mordants, sustainable dyeing methods and fabric care. With easy-to-follow instructions and handouts, Annie will guide you in successfully creating your own beautiful natural dyes and to appreciate the wealth of colors at your fingertips in the natural world around you!
Itinerary:
Day 1: Gather at Cedar North and begin the day with some introductions. Balancing lecture, demonstration, and hands on work, you will begin to learn about the properties of natural dye plants and the processes involved in producing colorful fabrics! After a break for lunch, you’ll continue with your projects, wrapping the day up with some time together to ask questions and review the day’s work.
Day 2: Returning for day two, students will gather to discuss the plan for the day. Lessons and dye processes will continue. There will be another lunch break, an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful outdoor setting at Cedar North, and ample time to finish your dye projects. At the end of the class, students will share pieces, reflect, and close.
What you get from the class:
- An introduction to the tools and materials necessary for natural dye
- Practice dyeing your own pieces
- Insight to a variety of plants that can be used for dyeing
- The foundational skills necessary to continue your individual exploration of the craft
Meet Your Instructor:
Annie Rybak
Annie Rybak is a certified teacher with degrees in Environmental Science and Arts Education. She has taught on the K-12 and college level in both private and public schools for the past 17 years. Annie’s infatuation with natural dyes initially began just out of high school working for the MI DNR and as a Waldorf School teacher’s assistant where natural dyes were central to a child’s arts education. After traveling to SE Asia and Central America to learn weaving and batik from indigenous mentors, Annie studied at the Fiber Craft Studio School in New York with a focus on natural dyes and pigments. This inspired her love for foraging and growing her own medicinal and plant dye gardens. For Annie, her journey with natural dyes has been an evolving, heart centered exploration, allowing her to connect more deeply with the earth while embracing a sustainable and non-toxic lifestyle.
Playful Discovery:
Exploration and play are essential for our brains—they ignite curiosity, deepen learning, and foster creativity. In this natural dye class, students reconnect with the natural world by experimenting with plants, colors, and traditional techniques. It’s not just about making something beautiful; it’s about the process of discovery, the delight in the unexpected, and the hands-on learning that stays with you long after class ends.
Green Door classes are immersive and intentionally long. We find that over prolonged time together, students form deeper bonds with each other, the craft, and their instructor for an over all more impactful experience. Even if you are a Traverse City local, the intention is that these classes feel a bit like a retreat away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. If you are visiting from afar, the experience can be even deeper.
Class Details:
Where is the class held?: This class will be held at the Cedar North Classroom, where you’ll have access to inspiring natural surroundings, and a collaborative space for learning.
Cost: $295 (includes a $45 materials fee: includes all necessary tools and materials)
Date/Time: June 21st and 22nd @ 10:30 am – 4:30 pm each day
Prerequisites/Skill Level/Age Requirements:
- No prior experience required.
- Ages 18+
Booking Information and Policies:
What happens after I book the class?: After you book, we will send you a confirmation email that you are IN! A week out from the class, we will send you an email with more details about our meeting locations and some housekeeping items.
Want to make sure you have all of the information before you dive in? Here’s our cancelation policy: We understand that plans change, and we do our best to accommodate while honoring the time, energy, and resources that go into preparing for each class.
Cancellations made more than 14 days before the class start date Receive a full refund, minus a $25 administrative fee. This fee helps cover the cost of filling your spot. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer refunds for cancellations made less than 14 calendar days before class begins.
At this time, we are not able to offer:
• Course credit
• Transfers to other courses
This policy allows us to keep class sizes small and intimate, while minimizing pressure to increase overall course costs.
If the class is canceled by the school: In the event of inclement weather or other disruptions, we will issue a full refund and do our best to offer a reschedule option.
Policies:
Go for it! If you’ve ever tie-dyed shirts for a community event, approach most things with a “see what happens” mindset, or have a deep desire better know and understand the natural world, this is the class for you!