Originating in the Orient, silk dye painting is a beautiful textile art form that uses dye to create permanent vibrant colors on silk fabric. First-time registrants 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.

$180 – $235

Additional Supply Fee: None for returning students. $20 for first-time registrants is included in your registration cost. The cost covers a silk dye paint starter kit that will include 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.

Scholarship Available: No

Level: Open to all skill levels.

Minimum Number of Students: 4 by October 7, 2023
Maximum Number of Students: 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: Although not mandatory, the instructor suggests returning students focus as a group painting scarves that are 60″x10″ to hone their skills. The subject matter will be chosen as a group in order to explore the many possibilities of that one design. Frames will be necessary and may be available for use or purchase.
• Note: Students will need to order additional dyes and Resistad from Dharma Trading Company 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 days:

• Saturday, October 21
• Saturday, November 4
• Saturday, December 2
• Saturday, December 9
• Saturday, December 16

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