The Magic of Botanical Printing & Dying
In this workshop we will explore a variety of different methods of printing and dying using plant-based dyes and printing from foliage.
We will be working with protein fibers, wool and silk. We will also explore leaf prints on paper. Several different mordants will be used (binding solution) as well as several different techniques, including medium printing using traditional acid dyes with botanicals.
We will begin with tried-and-true eucalyptus, oak and walnut if available. I will bring Eucalyptus and other leaves I have here locally. We will also gather at camp, and then move to foliage that give beautiful relief images if not their own color. We will be using a dye bath made of eucalyptus that can be used for many different effects.
We’ll start with a silk scarf, then work on table runners, place mats, wall hangings. I will provide silk scarves, wool fabric and watercolor paper. This year I’ll bring my sewing machine. I would like to have students create a wall hanging, finished table runner or other items out of the wool fabric we dye. We can gather items to add to wall hangings. We will also be turning our paper printed items into greeting cards, and talking about using them in collage work.
It is a fascinating process that calls for experimentation. Every technique is so very different yielding surprising results.
Material Fee of $55 includes mordants, dyes, paper, fabric and all other materials needed for this process. You will be able to take home tools to get you started working with this technique on your own.
Terry Shearn
Terry Shearn is a Fiber/Textile artist who uses carded wool to create seamless wearable art using a variety of felting techniques. Dresses and jackets from hand dyed silks, or silk lap and layered hand dyed wool roving that is worked and sculpted to create a seamless unique piece. Her pallet includes items such as wool locks, mohair, thread, recycled sari silk. As the fabric is created, so is the garment, making it a flowing sculptural experience. Hats are created using hand dyed wool roving in layers to create a seamless form that is then sculpted into warm, unique hats. Terry also uses natural dyes such as Eucalyptus or Walnut to create both prints from the botanicals or dye baths in her process, creating earthy, natural patterns on wearable art, table runners, and framed art pieces.
Terry has been working in this medium for over thirteen years and has been a costume designer for over 30 years. Her work has been featured in Foothills Magazine, she has participated in the Placer Arts Studio Tour 2014-2022, Grass Valley Art Tour 2018. First place award in the Fiber Art Expect the Unexpected Show at the Art League of Lincoln and the Blue Line Gallery Art of Fashion Show. Best of Show Award Reno ArtFest 2019. Her work is currently available at Riverside Gallery – Truckee, CA, High Hand Gallery – Loomis, Persimmon Gallery – Auburn, and various art shows throughout the year. Terry enjoys sharing her love of fiber arts with workshops throughout Northern California. She lives and creates in the beautiful Sierra Foothills town of Auburn, CA , where she finds her inspiration from the surrounding natural world.