Learn how to create beautiful natural plant designs on silk! Eco printing (also known as botanical printing) is a natural dyeing technique that allows you to imprint images of leaves, plants, and flowers directly on protein fibers using a water bath process. In this class, you’ll learn to create your own unique, beautiful, and colorful designs with plants you bring from home, and you’ll learn to create colored backgrounds on silk fabric. You’ll leave with two silk scarves and the knowledge you’ll need to continue using this natural and sustainable art form!

M. Theresa Brown studied Commercial Art and Printmaking at East Carolina University, and it was her years of printmaking and graphic design work that led her to the fiber arts. She is now a hand painter, felter, and eco printer who creates unique, beautiful designs on silk, wool, paper, and leather and then transforms those designs into artisanal clothing, accessories, and art. Theresa is widely published, has a line of instructional PDFs on eco printing techniques, and has taught for many fiber art shows. She and her artist husband reside in rural North Carolina with their alpacas, chickens, and family dogs!

$160 – $195

Additional Supply Fee: None! $25 for two hemmed silk scarves, use of instructor’s equipment and information sheets is included in the cost of the class.

Scholarship Available: No

Level: Open to all skill levels.

Number of Students: 8 to 12

Required Supplies:

• Leaves from your surroundings with an emphasis on high tannin leaves such as oak, maples, rose, hickory, sumac, blackberry, judzu, and interesting weeds. Fun additional plants (usually store-bought) are eucalyptus and colorful flowers such as carnations and Gerber daisies. Please, no thick or woody plants or plants with waxy leaves (camellia, magnolia, etc.).
• A one-gallon water jug to use as weight (can be filled at class).

Class Schedule: Class will be in-person at the SEFAA Center from 10 am to 5 pm on Sunday, July 30, 2023. There will be a 1-hr break for lunch, so we encourage you to bring your lunch. There is a small refrigerator and a microwave available for your use at the SEFAA Center.

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