Curious about Natural Dyes and Ecoprinting? Meet with me and other interested folks at the Point Reyes National Seashore for a relaxed workshop to learn the basics of how to transfer color from plants onto fabric. This is a hands-on workshop in which you will work directly with plant material in creating a pot of natural dye, and in preparing a silk scarf for the ecoprint process. The finished bandana and scarf are yours to take home!

We will also cover how to prepare fabric for dying, which fabrics take natural dyes the best, and discuss plant matter that can be used for natural dyes, some of which may already be found in your home or local grocery store. I will have several books on Natural Dyes as well as samples from my own natural dye practice for you to explore during the lunch break. Don’t forget to bring a bag lunch!

All supplies for the workshop itself will be provided. However, feel free to bring any non-toxic leaves or flowers from your garden for the ecoprint portion. Maple leaves, Plum leaves, and Red-bud leaves work well, as do coreopsis, marigold, and dark rose petals. While colors from many other flowers tend to be less lightfast, they may be fun to try.

Come explore the beauty and wonder of Natural Dyes!

Kathy Goss is an artist who lives and works in Oakland, Ca. She is inspired by the people and natural settings around her, and spends as much time as she can at Point Reyes National Seashore. While working in watercolors, she leans toward a precise, realistic style. Working with natural dyes and ecoprinting allows her to be more abstract and opens new avenues of creativity. She has shifted from thinking, “How would I make the color of that plant,” in watercolors, to “What color would that plant make?” as a natural dye. Kathy loves to share what she has learned and to share the joy and surprises of natural color. www.Kathygosswatercolors.com

Details:

-We will be meeting at the Red Barn Classroom in Bear Valley, Point Reyes

– Please arrive 10-15 minutes early to check in

– Refunds available for all classes 7 days in advance of the start date, after 7 days and before 2 days, participants can credit their class for a future date. All requests before 48 hours in advance will be declined. For COVID cancellation policy, see below.

– Please follow the parking instructions for the facility used that day

– Please provide an email you check regularly for updates and reminders about your class

– Registration is required online prior to the event in order to maintain class sizes

– Sales end 48 hours before the start date.

– Waitlists are available when the class sells out

What to Bring:

Day Pack

Lunch Bag

Warm Variable Weather Clothing

Hiking Shoes

Water Bottle

Notebook and Pen/Field Journal

Eventbrite Confirmation Email

Binoculars (Optional)

Camera (Optional)

About the PRNSA Field Institute:

The PRNSA Field Institute offers hands-on environmental education classes throughout the year that foster enjoyment of Point Reyes National Seashore. Our classes are led by expert instructors, who take you out of your everyday life and into the natural world. We host a variety of classes about the arts and sciences and have something for everyone. You can reach the Field Institute at (415) 663-1200 x304 or by email at fieldinstitute@ptreyes.org.

Interested in becoming a member of PRNSA? Click Here!

Interested in becoming a PRNSA Field Institute facilitator? Want to take classes for FREE while helping out a great cause? Give us a call!

Are you an outdoor educator or artist who would like to teach a PRNSA Field Institute class? Shoot us an Email!

For any questions, please email us at fieldinstitute@ptreyes.org.

COVID-19 Field Institute Guidelines

In accordance with Marin County and CDC guidelines for public health, we will require all participants to respect the following COVID-19 procedures:

• Perform a health self-check before coming to class using the CDC Symptoms of Coronavirus as a guide

• Do not attend class if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, suspect you have been exposed to the virus, or are suffering from any other flu-like or respiratory illness.

• Participants exhibiting signs of respiratory illness may be asked to leave class

During class all participants will be required to do the following

• Masks are optional outdoors for fully vaccinated individuals, but we recommend continuing to maintain a 4’-6’ distance from other participants or wearing a mask if gathered closely together

• Unvaccinated individuals are required to wear a face covering at all times

• Masks are optional indoors for vaccinated participants but strongly recommended

• Bring your own food and water

• We reserve the right to modify requirements as recommended by NPS regulations or local county health orders at the time of class

NOTE: Refund policy exceptions will be made for participants cancelling last minute due to COVID-19 infection or symptoms. Please contact us in this case.

Thank you for your continuing cooperation in following these guidelines to help keep everyone safe.