Session 1 : AUGUST 25th 5PM EST

Session 2 : SEPT 1ST 5PM EST 

VIA ZOOM : Once purchased you will receive the log in information

The use of natural dyes with wood has been a largely forgotten tradition in industrialized countries. However, they are still used in restoration processes that demand reversible techniques and frequently are used when identical methods
to those used originally are needed.

 This workshop will explore the incredible range of color and complexity that is possible with the use of natural dyes and wood. We will look at some of the more classic dye material such as the warm browns found in Walnut Husks and deep rusty red of Dragon’s Blood. We will also venture into more unusual spaces with blues from Indigo and explore a little of what happens with metals (such as steel, copper and iron) in their interaction with wood.

A natural finish is similar to a natural dye. A natural finish is derived from plants, animals or minerals. It does not contain any plastics or synthetics. Most natural finishes can be made with very basic ingredients. They are biodegradable and they can be maintained and refreshed as they age. Some of the finishes we will explore are
shellac, hide glue, wax, oil and soap.

These 1.5 hour workshops will be focused on the relationship between wood and natural dyes and finishes. The first part of each workshop will be a one hour and fifteen minute introduction to concepts, recipes and methods. The last 45 minutes will be devoted to Q&A.  The first workshop will be dedicated to dye and color. The second will be dedicated to finishing the wood that has been colored.

The workshops are intended to provide students with a broad foundation. If you are already familiar with wood and dyes then it will offer a space to explore with other people and learn some new color methods. If you have never worked with wood, don't be afraid!! It is a wonderful material and rewarding in its complexity.

Please do not hesitate to contact Molly @ molly@atelierindigoandoak.com if you have any questions about the workshops or would like to know if it might be relevant to your own project or work.

About Molly:

In 2010 Molly Roškar of Atelier Indigo and Oak moved from the salty, emerald city of Seattle on the northwestern coast of the United States to the not so salty but also very green city of Zürich in the northeastern part of Switzerland. Between the United states and Switzerland she has spent the past 15 years working with her hands and immersed in the processes of working with architectural surfaces, restoring old furniture and household objects. Molly specializes in working with wood surfaces and natural
finishes such as shellac, oil, hide glue and soap. She has been working with natural dyes and wood for the past decade but has recently begun to more deeply research and explore the enormous range of color found in natural dyes and their relationship with wood. Molly restores and makes wooden objects and teaches workshops in Zürich Switzerland and recently gave a presentation at Botanical Colors’ Feedback Friday
https://botanicalcolors.com/video-from-live-feedback-friday-indigo-oak-stony-creek-colors/. Her website is atelierindigoandoak.com . https://www.instagram.com/atelierindigoandoak/

This Class is part of a Four Part series called : The Natural Color Summer School. Jason and I are  excited to host a series of classes in July / August that demonstrate (and help to cross-pollinate) the use of natural dyes across mediums. Classes will be held on Thursdays and Sundays, and be taught by international leaders from the world of Natural Color. Classes will range from wood to leather, to even natural color for food. All course events can be purchased individually, and will give you access to a panel hosted by all the teachers at the end of the season.