Explore techniques using plant-based dyes in hands-on workshops at the Bluebird Dye Gardens near Mancos throughout August, where owner Laurie Hall has partnered with artisans Katie Terrell Ramos and Nadene Mairesse to bring diverse skills to the series.
In four separate workshops, participants will learn how to extract pigments from organically grown flowers and apply them to fabric and paper. Each workshop is four hours and includes a tour of the gardens. Adults and children 12 and over with an adult are welcome. The location is on Summit Ridge between Mancos and Dolores. The address will be provided upon registration.
A farm fresh lunch and all materials are included with each workshop. Only one workshop remains.
Saturday, Aug. 26
Forage and eco-print, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Wear hiking shoes to forage around the farm for dye-producing plants that will become images transferred to fabric. Nadene will teach how to get beautiful eco-prints by using plants from the farm's gardens and those that are native to the Four Corners. Take home an eco-printed cotton bandanna to show for it.
Bluebird Dye Gardens is part of a three-generation family farm, where everyone has their niche. Rusty grows hay and manages farm infrastructure; Dakota, Aaron and their young children grow veggies and raise Navajo Churro sheep; and Laurie grows and sells plants for natural dyes and teaches workshops on using botanical dyes.
Workshop details and registration can be found at bluebirddyegardens.com.
