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Botanical Dyeing: Exploring Emandal’s Secret Colors In Summer (Willits CA)

June 24 - June 28

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This event is sponsored by a Fibershed Northern California Producer or a Fibershed Affiliate. Please search for host details within the listing for more event details.
Hiedi Iverson will take you on a multi-date exploration of Emandal’s secret colors of summer. During this creative retreat, we will discuss various methods for mordanting cellulose and protein fabrics/fibers using tannins and metal salts. We will forage, gather, and process a range of natural dye plants. We will document our findings in a dye journal. You will be provided cellulose and protein fabric samples mordanted using various methods, allowing you to observe the resulting differences and determine which mordanting method you prefer. Heidi will also have tips and tricks for reducing friction in your creative practice, as well as a simple method for keeping track of dye experiments, making it easy to document your dye discoveries. We will not be mordanting any fabric during the retreat, but Heidi will discuss the different processes and answer any questions.

You will learn the “folk method” process of natural dyeing. This intuitive dye method is based on general proportions. There is no difficult math involved. You don’t need to weigh everything meticulously. This is the perfect method to use when foraging and experimenting with natural dye plants. You’ll also receive a downloadable PDF with all the information you need to continue your exploration of plants and color.

You are welcome to bring containers to take home any leftover dye. Depending on the time, we may be able to modify samples with iron, acid, and alkali after baths.

What is Emandal Art Stays? A 4 night/5 day retreat for adults dedicated to creative endeavors in writing, music, and multiple disciplines of arts and crafts, 16 miles NE of Willits, California, at a farm on the Eel River. This is a restful, internet-free opportunity to focus on your passions, be pampered by authentic farm-to-table meals, revel in community, and enjoy swims in the beautiful, wild, and scenic Eel River.

See full class listing and regarding the housing options–you will love staying in the cabins!

Level of experience: Beginner and beyond.

Date: Wednesday, June 24, 2026 – Sunday, June 28, 2026

Questions? Contact the organizer and learn more about Heidi on her website.

Details

Venue

  • Emandal A Farm On The River
  • 16500 Hearst Post Office Road
    Willits, CA 95490 United States

Organizer

Venue

  • Emandal A Farm On The River
  • 16500 Hearst Post Office Road
    Willits, CA 95490 United States