Natural dye and Shibori

Create unique patterns with Japanese shibori while exploring the art of natural dyeing! Participants will learn to fold, tie, and pinch organic cotton bandanas, then dye them using pigments from plants and food waste such as madder, onion skins, or avocado pits in this hands-on, creative workshop celebrating colour and texture. No previous experience required. Ages 12 and up. All supplies provided.

This workshop combines two techniques: shibori and natural dyeing with plants. Shibori is a Japanese manual resist-dyeing technique that produces a variety of patterns on fabric. Each participant will learn basic methods of tying, pinching, and folding fabric using rubber bands, wooden sticks, and string to create a one-of-a-kind organic cotton bandana. The workshop also explores the beauty of natural colour using plants. Participants will learn how to extract pigments from plants or food waste to create a dye bath and will have the opportunity to dye their shibori bandanas. Two colour options will be available, made from heritage dye plants such as madder, as well as food waste used on the occasion, such as onion skins, carrot tops, or avocado pits.
 

About the instructor

Fernanda Mascarenhas is a textile artist, natural dyer, art instructor, performer, and graphic designer from São Paulo, Brazil. She began her artistic journey through dance. After graduating from university, she started working as a graphic designer. At the same time, Fernanda cultivated her artistic career as an interdisciplinary performer, before falling irrevocably in love with natural dyeing.

In 2016, she started researching natural dyeing to develop a costume for her performance work. This costume won an award, which allowed her to travel to Japan in 2017 to learn more about traditional forms of natural dyeing and weaving. Since then, Fernanda has been focusing on making textile art based on ancient techniques of natural dyeing with plants. Whilst a large inspiration comes from Japanese culture, locally grown plants have been the main material and passion for her. She has been teaching art workshops since 2019 throughout Metro Vancouver and in São Paulo, Brazil.

Location: The Music Box (Harmony Room), 1564 Argyle Avenue