Registration Open!

Workshop begins on May 13, 2024 and runs for 9 weeks.

PRINT & PAINT WITH NATURAL DYES

Throughout history, the ability to print on cloth has created some of the world’s most desirable textiles. The ability to deliver rich, saturated, natural dyes through the use of brushes, blocks, stencils and pens is a powerful skill.

Together, instructors Sophena Kwon and Danielle Bush will lead students through making mordant pastes, thickened dye pastes, and the versatile mordant-dye paste. Learn about the dramatic contrasts available from ferrous and tannin combinations. The class will also use print and paint techniques to selectively remove mordants - thus creating an absence of colour when pieces are immersion dyed.

This creative and colourful workshop takes natural dyes to the next level.

This workshop is designed to work for you wherever you are in the world. New content becomes available each week over the course of 9 weeks and will remain available for 3 years from the date of purchase. The last module of the workshop will include one live zoom event.

  • • Over 40 detailed instructional videos.

    • Over 25 demonstration projects.

    • Direct access to the instructors through a lively Q&A section.

    • Preparation of dye extracts, mordant, and printing pastes with clear, step by step instructions. 

    • Works taken from blank cloth to finished piece so you can see the entire process.


What do I need for this workshop?

All your dyes, mordants, thickeners, scours, fabrics and more in a kit. Priced at a discount and only available to enrolled students. The easy way to prepare for this workshop.

Students will receive purchase instructions once enrolled (these kits are not available to the public). Download the SUPPLY LIST as a PDF for PRINT AND PAINT WITH NATURAL DYES.

Alternatively, students may source their own ingredients based on the supply list — either locally or from their favourite supplier. Students who already have a well-stocked studio can fill any gaps by purchasing locally or through maiwa.com.

See the Supply List at the bottom of this course page for full details.

What is the cancellation policy?

See our Terms of Use on maiwa.teachable.com for our cancellation and refund policy.


Meet your instructors:

SOPHENA KWON AND DANIELLE BUSH

SOPHENA KWON

Sophena Kwon grew up with Maiwa as the family business. She has learned much from the artisans Maiwa collaborates with (including master dyers in India, Africa, Peru, and Mexico) and from experimenting alongside her mom, Charllotte.

In 2009 Sophena studied with Michel Garcia in France. She has taught natural dye workshops with Charllotte (including at the Penland School of Craft and at Shakerag) since 2012 and developed and taught workshops for the Maiwa School of Textiles since 2014. In an effort to bring natural dyeing to a new audience, she founded the immensely successful Indigo Social in 2015. In 2016 Sophena was invited to present at the Mood Indigo Exhibition at the Seattle Art Museum. In addition to her natural dye work, Sophena is a skilled photographer and clothing designer. Each year she travels to India to direct the Maiwa line of clothing.

DANIELLE BUSH

Danielle Bush is the manager of Maiwa Supply. Her career in textiles began with sewing and fashion studies at the University of the Fraser Valley. Upon completing courses in design, drawing, drafting, and construction, she was accepted to do a weeklong practicum in the textile collection at Maiwa Handprints. In her words, “It changed my life.” Since 2011 Danielle has developed and taught workshops for the Maiwa Textile Symposium. In 2009 she represented Maiwa at the International Shibori Conference held in France, and in 2011 she was a facilitator for the Maiwa Natural Dye Master Class taught by Michel Garcia in Bengal, India. Danielle has a deep understanding of and aptitude for dye techniques and the creative process. Together with Sophena Kwon, Danielle travels to India each year where she helps manage the Maiwa studio.

Watch the trailer: