Originating in the Orient, silk dye painting is a beautiful textile art form that uses dye to create permanent vibrant colors on silk fabric. Beginners will learn many techniques for silk dye painting in this five-session class, focusing on the “serti” or resist-lines method and using a safe, water-based resist. You’ll work on 18″ x 18″ silk squares to master the steps and to gain the confidence and knowledge you’ll need to create complicated dyed paintings later. Sessions will be 3-hours long and will include steaming to set the dyes. With a week or more break in between sessions, you’ll have time to “digest” what you’ve learned before exploring other techniques. Finally, during the last class, you’ll learn how to use your finished squares – as textile paintings and more! Returning students will learn additional techniques and continue to hone their silk dye painting skills.

Originally a ceramics major, Hellenne Vermillion fell in love with silk painting over ten years ago and she’s been creating various silk works for shows and art sales ever since. Her work has been featured three times on the cover of Silkworm magazine and has been in many silk art shows. She is also an experienced, giving, and patient instructor who teaches a wide variety of textile techniques. View Hellenne’s artwork at hellenne-vermillion.com.

$225 – $270

Additional Supply Fee: None. For beginners, the class kit fee of $20 is included in the cost of the class. The kit includes 1/2-yd 10 mm habotai silk, an 18″ square of silk charmeuse, an 18″ square of silk gauze, four eye dropper bottles filled with basic dye colors, an applicator bottle with nib filled with Resistad, plus the use of the instructor’s supplies and equipment. Returning students –  Use the coupon code emailed to you when you register to receive a $20 discount since you have already purchased supplies.

Scholarship Available: No

Level: Open to all skill levels.

Number of Students: 5 – 10

Required Supplies:

• Gloves.
• Apron
• Inexpensive watercolor brushes – round and that come to a point about 3/8″ or more in (not stiff oil/acrylic brushes), Auhoahsil round tip acrylic brushes or similar.
• Returning students only: Silk, preferably 10mm habotai, to use during class. Hellenne will also have other weaves available for purchase during class for specific techniques.
• Note: Students will need to order additional dyes from Dharma Trading Company and additional Resistad from Hellenne after the first session or two. 

Class Schedule: Class will be in-person at the SEFAA Center from 1 to 4 pm on the following Saturdays:

• October 1
• October 15
• October 22
• November 12
• November 19

Covid 19 Policy: SEFAA is following the CDC COVID-19 Community Level guidelines for DeKalb County, Georgia. Masks are required in the SEFAA Center at High Covid-19 Community Levels.