Help the kelp by dyeing silk and wool items with the overpopulation of purple urchins! Meet live urchins and learn about oceanic dyes

Date

Saturday, July 12, 2025

10am – 4pm PDT

Location

Fibershed Learning Center

14000 Point Reyes – Petaluma Road Point Reyes Station, CA 94956

About the Event

The Fibershed Learning Center is excited to offer Seelie Studio‘s most in-depth urchin dye workshop to date!

For the first time, Margaret Seelie, the founder of Seelie Studio, will show you the entire urchin dye process, beginning with how we source the urchins, process their bodies with care, and create the dye. You’ll have your own dye station where you’ll get to experience this unforgettable natural dye process and dye a silk pillowcase, wool scarf, and small silk squares.

For the first time, Seelie Studio will also have live urchins in class for you to touch, hold, and marvel at these magnificent creatures. You’ll learn about our spikey friends with PhD student and urchin extraordinaires Maddie Armstrong.

Sea Urchins are incredible creatures. However, due to human impact, their populations have gone unchecked, and they have consumed 95% of the kelp forests in California. In efforts to help the kelp and honor these magnificent animals, we will create beautifully dyed items using urchins from various kelp restoration projects along the West Coast. Join us at the intersection of environmental responsibility and artistic expression.

What’s included:

✴ Personal dye kit station with ingredients for a half-gallon sea urchin dye bath
✴ One silk pillowcase with zipper (14”)
✴ One wool scarf (8×54”)
✴ Two silk squares
✴ One urchin shell (also known as a test)
✴ (optional) You are welcome to bring any silk or wool items from home, like yarn, that you wish to dye. If there is enough dye left over, you’re welcome to use it.
✴ (optional) Bring a jar to take any leftover dye or sludge home with you to keep experimenting.

Note: Seelie Studio will have urchin dye kit refills available for purchase! Each refill includes enough acid and urchin spine dust to create a ½ gallon dye bath on your own. You will also take home the glass jar we used to create your dye in class.

Maximum 16 students.

Participants must bring:

• Any personal snacks, lunch, and beverages. Coffee and tea will be provided.
• A notebook and pen for note taking is encouraged.
• Appropriate, studio-safe clothing and footwear

Register Now