Instructor: Sandy Shelenberger Saturday, April 17, 10 – 4pm Explore using soy wax as a resist on fabric to create a sophisticated look of multi-dimensional layering in easy to do steps. We will work with fabric paints and/or dyes for our color palette and discuss the layering of colors. We will make or use found objects for stamping into the fabric using the soy wax. Demonstrations of wax removal techniques. Students will be provided with individual workspaces and supplies.

Instructor: Jen Omaitz Saturday, May 1st 10am-4:00pm Learn the magical art of marbling on fabric with this one day intensive workshop. We will explore pattern, color and design through marbling. Marbling consist of suspending inks on on thickened water (carrageenan). The inks are then manipulated through a series of swirls, rakes and other techniques to transform them into given design. Each student will have the opportunity to experiment on paper and silk and will finish the workshop with a silk marbled scarf.

Instructor: Jasmine Kornel Saturday, February 6, 10am-4pm This workshop will focus on exploring the array of color that can be achieved using historically cultivated natural dyes on a variety of fabrics. Students will get the opportunity to use  multiple immersion baths for layered and complex results. The basics of extraction and storage of dyes will be covered as well as some simple resist techniques to enhance color variations. All materials are included. Students are welcome to bring additional potential dye material for experimentation.  

Instructor: Deb Berkebile Saturday, April 24, 10 – 4pm Eco Printing is a form of natural dyeing where plant materials are bundled and use a direct contact printing method, drawing out tannins & pigments from plants to make interesting and surprising marks on  protein (silk, wool) fibers which are transferred to fabric via steaming or boiling. Two for one bundling is a favorite technique. Learn how to make an iron blanket which dramatically changes and deepens the colors of the printed leaves.You will learn how to use natural dyes on your pre-mordanted silk fabrics, and the use of color blankets. Enjoy creating your own fabulous Ecoprinted scarves.

Instructor: Tony Williams Saturday, March 20, 10 – 4pm Students will explore the Art of Mark making using a variety of tools and techniques to form a resist, creating patterns and textures when dyeing with Indigo. Adire Alabela, which means wax resist, is the Yoruba version of batik. Using wood stamps, stencils, or foam rubber, beeswax or paraffin wax is applied to the fabric. The fabric is then dyed and the process is repeated with the next color. Adire Oniko is tied or wrapped with raffia to resist the dye. Two different tie-dye techniques will be taught using raffia. Stitch resist is when raffia is sewn with a needle into fabric to create design. The second process uses raffia and sometimes assorted seeds or other small items to tie designs into fabric by hand. Once the designs have been created, the fabric is dyed and dried before the raffia is taken out to show off the resist patterns. We will explore African Designs and Adire patterns while discovering the origin of Indigo in the Americas and its importance.   Tony Williams is a Cleveland based artist whose approach to works of art is like the Ashanti proverb. “You must you must act as if it’s impossible to fail.” Whether working in paper or a fabric quilt, or a pen and ink illustrations, his sense of design and line quality are always present in his work. A former student of the Cleveland Institute of Art, and a graduate of the Art of the Institute of Pittsburgh 1983, Tony uses his life experience as a catalyst for his work. A self-taught Indigo artist, costume designer and Accessory designer in New York’s garment industry have molded and shaped his view and eye for design. Tony uses his willingness to experiment and try new techniques and methods to expresses Art. Tony’s work has been shown in numerous local and national juried exhibits, international exhibitions and publications have featured his work. Tony is currently working with Indigo on paper, writing and illustrating children’s’ books.