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 start by making a dye blanket (to add background color) and then create “sandwiches” of silk fabric, botanicals, and your dye blanket to print your yardage. In the process, you’ll also learn about acid dyes and how to bundle yardage to process it efficiently. You’ll leave with 6 yards of printed silk fabric – enough to create unique clothing or home decor items – 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 at many fiber art venues. She and her artist husband reside in rural North Carolina with their alpacas, chickens, and family dogs!

$325 – $390

Note:  You will save $5-$10 if you join SEFAA before registering for this class!

Additional Supply Fee: None! $90 for 4 yds of 8 nm silk Habotai, 2 yds of silk noil, plus the use of the instructor’s mordants, dyes, supplies, and equipment is included in the cost of the class.

Scholarship Available: Yes. Please complete our short Scholarship Application Form and we will choose one scholarship recipient once we have 8 registrants.

Level: Open to all skill levels.

Minimum Number of Students: 8 by 5/31/2024
Maximum Number of Students: 12

Required Supplies: Leaves from your surroundings with an emphasis on high tannin leaves such as oak, maples, rose, hickory, sumac, blackberry, kudzu, 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.).

Class Schedule: Class will be in-person at the SEFAA Center from 10 am to 5 pm on Friday, June 14, 2024, and Saturday, June 15, 2024. 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.