“Nature is the source of all true knowledge.”
~Leonardo Da Vinci
PLANT MAGIC
🏵 ✹ 🏵
PLANT MAGIC 🏵 ✹ 🏵
The Magic of Natural Dyes Beginner Course
This skill building program will take you through the full natural dye process, using a combination of both traditional folk and modern dye techniques to successfully collect, extract, and use plant color on yarn and fabrics. This course consists of 15 pre-recorded Video Learning Modules, as well as a priceless resource- 40+ extensive, full-color downloadable study pages, containing detailed and step-by- step instruction for all aspects of the natural dye process, plant pigment recipes and formulas, plant pigment apothecary index with over 100+ plants for cultivating or foraging dyes, natural dye plant history and lore, wild dyer foraging guide, and blank natural dye note pages for you to document and keep track of your projects with ease and accuracy. All of this comes in a conveniently printable format. Using this resource, you can dive even deeper into the realm of natural dyes, and step away from this course as a confident natural dyer.
So, whether you are a textile artist looking to craft more sustainably, a clothing designer seeking a different approach to achieve sustainable fashion, or a shepherd or shepherdess with a flock of fiber animals and yarn or raw fiber you want to transform, this course will set you on the path of adding eco-friendly color to your creations.
A peek inside…
Module 1
Setting up your dye space and learning about dye safety. Yes- you can safely dye textiles using natural dyes in your very own home kitchen space! Or, you can create a space that works especially for you- even outdoors in nature. In this video I share the elements you will need to have a successful and safe natural dye experience.
Module 2
We will discuss the best types of natural fibers, yarn, fabrics, or textiles to use when creating a successful natural dye project.
Then we move on to sourcing our plant pigments. You can find pigment plants everywhere- grow them yourself, forage for them in your own back yard, or purchase dried plant materials from a reputable supplier. Together we will learn more about this vast plant color magic potential.
Module 3
In this information packed module, we will be planning our dye project together, and learning all that we need to know in order to calculate the mordants and plant materials we will need for any project. I share with you all of the tried-and-true mordant formulas for a variety of textiles. No more guessing what you need or want!
Module 4
We learn to extract our natural dye from our plants, and then dye our textiles the traditional way!
Module 5
We learn how to finish our dye projects with efficiency, ensuring the most colorfast results.
Module 6
Bonus video mini courses for Eco-printing fabrics, fresh color stenciling, and Hapa zome (flower pounding).
Intuitive programming allows you to experience the course anywhere- on your laptop, tablet, or phone!
Led by professional textile artist Serena Gomez.
Serena has been studying, practicing, and teaching all aspects of the natural textile arts for over ten years. She is the owner/ operator of Fiberculture Farm, a 36 acre fiber farm located in the heart of Appalachia.
Serena is also the creator and owner of Fiberculture.co, a full service online store specializing in botanical dye and sustainable textiles supplies and education. Her exploration of plant dyes and natural pigments stems from her history of agricultural science, plant biology, and herbalism studies, which led her to develop a line of internationally acclaimed, bestselling Natural Dye Kits, which have been featured in various major textile publications, and sold in local craft stores across the globe. She hopes you’ll find joy, fun, inspiration, and knowledge in this textile course, and looks forward to seeing what you create!
Enrollment Now Open!
🏵
Enrollment Now Open! 🏵
This skill building program will take you through the full natural dye process, using a combination of both traditional folk and modern dye techniques to successfully collect, extract, and use plant color on yarn and fabrics.
Supplement your dye experience with one of our Natural Dye Kits or accessories!
AS SEEN IN
* Note: Our bestselling kit has now been rejuvenated, including a new, fully handcrafted, eco-friendly printed journal!
Learn to dye beautiful textiles with sustainable, eco-friendly, raw pigments from nature. Dye cloth, yarn, clothing, animal fibers and more- there are no limits to your creativity!
Our Deluxe Natural Dye kit includes SIX different sustainable natural plant dyes, which can achieve a wide range of colors, from greys to reds, purples, yellows, golds and greens! This kit comes with the ingredients needed to dye natural PROTEIN fibers, such as wool, alpaca, silk, mohair, angora, camel, llama, yak, dog/cat hair, and any other animal sourced fiber. You can dye yarn, wool, roving, or fabric made from these fibers. The kit also includes a gorgeous 40 page handcrafted study journal for you to record your methods and creations, and refine your dyeing techniques. Journal includes in depth instructions on dyeing with your plant dyes, as well as a step-by-step project to follow along.
(Our CELLULOSE based dye kit- with ingredients to dye plant fibers like cotton, linen,hemp, bamboo, rayon, flax, etc. can be purchased here: Cellulose Kit )
Each type of dye is used to achieve different colors- you can experiment, mix or match to your heart's desire. Each tube contains .5 - .8 ounce of concentrated dye powder or shavings, for a complete total of 3+ ounces of natural dye in the Kit, allowing you to dye up to 3 pounds of fiber (or more!)**.
Perfect for the beginner natural dyer who isn't sure where to start or which natural dye they would like to try. In addition, this kit would also be great for experienced dyers who want simplicity and convenience in their dying routine. The kit is even great as a gift for the knitter or fiber artist in your life who would love to try something new!
The kit includes commonly used (and some rare) natural dyes.
SPECIFICATIONS
Included in your kit:
♦ Natural Dye Study Journal- An exciting new addition to this dye kit, is our handcrafted specialty dye journal, printed on premium textured art paper. The individually hand cut sheets are bound by hand using a traditional stitch binding technique. The journal is now truly eco-friendly and bio-degradable! This 40 page journal includes detailed instructions on dyeing all types of protein based fibers, tips and information to get you started, as well as one step-by-step follow along project. There are pages to take notes and sketch or paint, as well as four detailed project note pages. Journal is size A7 and measures approx. 4.5 x 6 inches.
♦ Alum (Aluminum Sulfate) (2 oz)- A mordant which is used to fix the dye to the fiber and to achieve different colors of natural dyes.
♦ Cream of Tarter (2 oz)- An ‘Assistant’ that increases the amount of alum absorbed by the fiber.
♦ Annatto Seed Powder (.8 oz)- Bixa orellana- Annatto is derived from the seed of a tree native to the East and West Indies that’s been traditionally used as seasoning, and to produce a natural yellow to orange dye.
♦ Black Walnut Hull Powder (.5 oz)- Juglans nigra- Black walnut is a hardwood tree native to eastern North America. The crushed hulls of the nuts it produces are used as a natural dye which can impart various shades of brown, grey or black.
♦ Madder Root Powder (.5 oz)-Rubia tinctorum - Madder is a common forage plant found throughout Europe and the Mediterranean region. The root of the plant has been used for hundreds of years to produce a red dye, which is why the herb is also known as Dyer's Madder. While madder root yields a reddish-orange color in either water or alcohol, the use of different mordants produces other colors, including yellow, brown, varying shades of pink and purple and even black.
♦ Turmeric Root Powder (.8 oz)- Curcuma longa - The long, golden-colored taproot is the source of the dried spice we know as turmeric and as the primary seasoning in curry. The spice is also used to produce a deep yellow dye for coloring various textiles. Because turmeric represents fidelity and fertility in Indian culture, it plays a role in traditional weddings.
♦ Alkanet Root Powder (.5 oz)- Batschia canescens- A perennial or biennial belonging to the Boraginaceae family, using the valuable and rare root can achieve a range of greys, and even purples and reds.
♦ Osage Orange Tree Bark Shavings (.5 oz)- Maclura pomifera- The tree is native to the Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas but has naturalized throughout many other states. The yellow inner heartwood of the tree makes a bright and lightfast yellow dye.
♦You can follow the simple dyeing instructions and recipe provided in the kit's included Journal, or you can research and experiment with the many other available techniques of using the dye- found in books, the internet, or from other experienced dyers. There are literally thousands of ways to create something beautiful with Natural Dyes.
The dyebaths can be re-used to get lighter shades. Experimentation is the best way to determine the right amount of dye for the type of fabric you are using and the color. This natural dye kit works best with protein fibers (alpaca fiber, mohair, silk, angora, wool).
♦Your Natural Dyeing Kit ingredients will come packaged together in a convenient, top open white cardboard box.
Please note:
* This kit comes with the ingredients needed to dye natural PROTEIN fibers, such as wool, alpaca, silk, angora, yak, dog/cat hair, and any other animal sourced fiber. You can dye yarn, wool, roving, or fabric made from these fibers. (Our CELLULOSE based dye kit- with ingredients to dye plant fibers like cotton, linen, flax, etc.can be purchased here: Cellulose Kit )
*Yarn and fiber are not included in this kit. This listing is for the above described items only. Any additional items seen in the photos are props and are will not be included in your purchase.
*Please note: Our handmade and custom made items may naturally have some slight variation between each item. Also note that we take our photos in natural lighting to try and display the most accurate representation of each product, however your computer, phone, or tablet device may display the photos and colors a little differently depending on that device’s individual settings.
*We recommend reading and following all safety information and instructions included with this Kit and its contents when dyeing. In no event shall our company be liable for any direct, indirect, punitive, incidental, special consequential damages, to property or life, whatsoever arising out of or connected with the use or misuse of our products.
** The recommended amount of fiber you can dye is an estimate and is not an exact amount. Depending on the methods and technique of dyeing you use, you can potentially achieve different results.
The most intensive natural, eco-friendly dye kits on the market! Learn to dye beautiful colorful textiles with sustainable, eco-friendly, raw pigments from nature. Dye cloth, yarn, clothing, animal fibers and more- there are no limits to your creativity!
Fiberculture® Original Natural Botanical Dye Kits have been internationally acclaimed, and have been published in multiple popular textile magazines- including Long Thread Media (Easy Weaving with Little Looms, Spring 2022), Golden Peak Media (Interweave Knits Magazine, Fall 2022), and GMC Publications (Knitting Magazine, March 2020, Autumn 2019). Check out our hundreds of Five-star reviews, our dyers find our kits extensive and easy to use, and the only of its kind.
This kit comes with the ingredients needed to dye natural PROTEIN fibers, such as wool, alpaca, silk, mohair, angora, camel, llama, yak, dog/cat hair, and any other animal sourced fiber. You can dye yarn, wool, roving, or fabric made from these fibers. The kit also includes a step-by-step pamphlet with full instructions for creating the dye vats and dyeing 2 skeins of natural Protein fiber yarn in the two natural colors included in the kit.
(Our CELLULOSE based dye kit- with ingredients to dye plant fibers like cotton, linen, hemp, bamboo, rayon, flax, etc. can be purchased here: Cellulose Kit )
Each type of dye is used to achieve different colors- you can experiment, mix or match to your heart's desire. Each tube contains .3 - .5 ounce of concentrated natural dye powders.
Perfect for the beginner natural dyer who isn't sure where to start or which natural dye they would like to try. In addition, this kit would also be great for experienced dyers who want simplicity and convenience in their dying routine. The kit is even great as a gift for the knitter or fiber artist in your life who would love to try something new!
SPECIFICATIONS
Included in your kit:
♦ Instructional Pamphlet- Step by Step With Pictures
♦ Alum (Aluminum Sulfate) (1 oz)- A mordant which is used to fix the dye to the fiber and to achieve different colors of natural dyes.
♦ Madder Root Powder -Rubia tinctorum - Madder is a common forage plant found throughout Europe and the Mediterranean region. The root of the plant has been used for hundreds of years to produce a red dye, which is why the herb is also known as Dyer's Madder. While madder root yields a reddish-orange color in either water or alcohol, the use of different mordants produces other colors, including yellow, brown, varying shades of pink and purple and even black.
♦ Safflower Powder- Carthamus tinctorius- Safflower is an annual plant in the daisy family native to the Middle East. The plant produces vibrant yellow to deep red flowers that have been used for centuries to make dyes for textiles.
♦You can follow the simple dyeing instructions and recipe provided in the kit's included Pamphlet, or you can research and experiment with the many other available techniques of using the dye- found in books, the internet, or from other experienced dyers. There are literally thousands of ways to create something beautiful with Natural Dyes. Visit www.fiberculture.co/tutorials for more ideas!
The dyebaths can be re-used to get lighter shades. Experimentation is the best way to determine the right amount of dye for the type of fabric you are using and the color. This natural dye kit works best with protein fibers (alpaca fiber, mohair, silk, angora, wool).
♦Your Natural Dye Kit comes packaged together in a compact, reusable, eco-conscious tin.
Please note:
* This kit comes with the ingredients needed to dye natural PROTEIN fibers, such as wool, alpaca, silk, angora, yak, dog/cat hair, and any other animal sourced fiber. You can dye yarn, wool, roving, or fabric made from these fibers. (Our CELLULOSE based dye kit- with ingredients to dye plant fibers like cotton, linen, flax, etc.can be purchased here: Cellulose Kit
*Yarn and fiber are not included in this kit. This listing is for the above described items only. Any additional items seen in the photos are props and are will not be included in your purchase.
*Please note: Our handmade and custom made items may naturally have some slight variation between each item. Also note that we take our photos in natural lighting to try and display the most accurate representation of each product, however your computer, phone, or tablet device may display the photos and colors a little differently depending on that device’s individual settings.
*We recommend reading and following all safety information and instructions included with this Kit and its contents when dyeing. In no event shall our company be liable for any direct, indirect, punitive, incidental, special consequential damages, to property or life, whatsoever arising out of or connected with the use or misuse of our products.
** The recommended amount of fiber you can dye is an estimate and is not an exact amount. Depending on the methods and technique of dyeing you use, you can potentially achieve different results.
🏵 Frequently asked questions 🏵
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This course is a wonderful introduction to the craft of natural dyes, and is appropriate for all ages (although children under the age of 12 would benefit from assistance from an adult).
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You don't need to have any previous textile art experience to benefit from this course! It is tailored for all skill ranges, but especially to beginners! This course is great for knitters, fiber farmers, crocheters, hand spinners, indie dyers, weavers, quilters, fashion designers, and more!
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Nope! You can take this course anytime. The instruction will guide you through the dye process suitable for any season.
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No, it's not necessary to purchase a dye kit- you can use whatever materials you have or want to collect. Starting with a kit does make the process simpler if you are a complete beginner.
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The course has a full Module explaining the supplies and set up you will need to successfully dye textiles, as well as a conveniently printable list of supplies and materials, and recommendations on where to acquire certain ingredients and supplies.
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Nope! This course is especially tailored to the beginner home dyer- we go over safety protocols and full instruction for working in your home kitchen.
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Indigo, while being a natural dye, requires a completely different process and set up from most other natural dyes, and therefore would need it's own full set of instruction. It is not included in this course, however, there is an Indigo Dye course that will soon be available here- and students who have purchased this course will be eligible to receive a discounted price for it!
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Nope! You can use dried dye powders, dye extracts, or other pre-purchased dye pigments with this course, if you do not have access to fresh plant materials.
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You can complete the course in as little as 1-2 days, or you can take your time and complete it over the span of weeks or months- the pace is set entirely by you!
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No. You will have lifetime access to all course materials after purchase, and you can always come back to reference them at any time.
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Yes, you will need an internet connection in order to view the course videos and download the printable course files.
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This course has been designed to work on any device, including desktop, laptop, tablet or phone. It does help to have access to a printer to print out your course files.
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Unfortunately due to the immediate delivery of digital products, I cannot offer refunds for my courses at this time. I thank you for your understanding. However, if you run into any specific problem, pleasecontact me as soon as you are able, and I will do all I can to assist you.
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That’s ok! Contact me here with any other questions you may have.
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