Seasonal Natural Dye Workshop

Saturday, October 3rd | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Location: Blawesome Flower Farm, 1002 Cane Valley Ln, Chapel Hill, NC

Cost: $200 (Sliding scale available—contact sayde.laine@gmail.com to register)

Join us for a hands-on exploration of plant-based dyes on the flower farm. Designed for anyone looking to deepen their relationship to the land, deepening their craft or wanting to try something new, this workshop teaches you to extract vibrant, sustainable color from locally grown seasonal plants for a light fast and colorfast life.

About Your Teacher

For the last eight years, she has grown natural dye plants from seed and hand-processed the leaves into pigment and dye. To deepen her practice and understanding of traditional techniques, she studied from folks like Cathrine Ellis, Sara Buscaglia and BUAISOU. Her workshops invite you to slow down and connect with the quiet persistence of this ancient craft.

What You’ll Learn

• Fiber Prep & Mordanting: Learn how to prepare cellulose fibers so natural colors remain permanent and lightfast.

• Harvesting: Gather seasonal plants directly from the farm, such as Marigold (yellow/green), Willow leaves (Salmon), Black Walnut (gray/black), Coreopsis (orange) - depending on availability colors may shift.

• Indigo: Make an indigo vat together and explore the beautiful hues you can achieve.

• Extraction: Coax four distinct colors from farm-grown flowers and foraged materials.

• Eco-Printing: Create direct botanical prints on fabric while the dye baths cure.

What’s Included

• Materials: One pair of cotton socks, two tea towels, and a cotton tote bag.

• Resources: A self-published informational zine

• Supplies: All dye materials, mordants, and tools.

• Refreshments: Light refreshments and local tasty treats will be served (lunch is not provided).

What to Bring

• Your Own Items: You are encouraged to bring 1–3 small items (up to 300g total) to upcycle.

• Fabric Type: Use natural cellulose fibers (100% cotton, linen, or rayon). Light colors work best.

• Preparation: Personal items must be previously scoured (washed). Detailed prep instructions and farm directions will be emailed upon registration.

Important Information

• Location: Hosted outdoors/on-site at our farm 1002 Cane Valley Ln, Chapel Hill NC 27516 - Wear a hat and be prepared to get messy - don’t wear clothes you don’t want dye on.

• Policies: Ticket sales are final but transferable to another person or a future credit. Please notify sayde@saydelaine.com if you cannot attend.

• Cancellations: We reserve the right to cancel 72 hours in advance due to low attendance or emergencies.

• Please reach out for scholarship assistance, I want this to be accessible to everyone.

Questions? Reach out to Sayde at sayde@saydelaine.com.