Hands on History: Natural Dye Making
A hands-on history experience for ages 10+
(Participants 18 and under require guardian approval. Waivers required.)
Discover how leaves, roots, bark, and flowers become vibrant, lasting color. In this immersive workshop, participants will learn to extract, prepare, and apply natural dyes using plant materials gathered during our early‑season foraging. Because we’ll be working with real plant pigments, please note that materials may stain clothing and skin.
Through guided, hands-on activities, you’ll explore:
- Traditional dye‑making techniques used across cultures
- How to process and fix natural pigments for long-lasting color
- The cultural significance of plant-based dyes throughout human history
- How early-season plants are responsibly harvested for craft and survival skills
From the first crush of color to the final dip of fabric, participants will experience the full journey of transforming raw plant materials into meaningful, usable dyes.
Join us for a vibrant, tactile experience that brings the past to life through color. Learn the science and stories behind natural dyes, experiment with plant-based pigments, and take-home creations that connect you to centuries of human ingenuity.
Register HERE
