What will happen during the workshop?

Inspired by Keng Keng’s practice, this hands-on workshop will explore the heritage process of indigo dyeing and botanical printing. You will be introduced to the traditional process, creating your own one-of-a-kind dyed t-shirt through layering, folding and resist techniques.

You will also be guided by Arianna to discover working with natural colour, learning how plants, leaves and botanical materials can be used to create unique textile designs onto fabric samples.

Throughout the workshop, Keng Keng and Arianna will share their knowledge of sustainable textile practices, natural dye processes and the creative possibilities of working with plant-based colour. You will leave with your own indigo-dyed t-shirt and a collection of eco-printed fabric samples to take home.

I have never tried natural dyeing before, can I come?

Of course! This workshop is suitable for all skill levels. Everyone is welcome and no previous experience is necessary.

Equipment Provided:

All equipment and materials are included, including indigo dye baths, botanical eco printing materials and all tools needed to create your textile samples.

You will be provided with a t-shirt to dye during the workshop, as well as fabric samples for experimenting with eco printing.

You are welcome to bring along images, objects or examples from the natural world that inspire you, particularly plants, flowers, leaves or other botanical forms.

Your Tutors:

Keng Keng Tang is an arts activist, experimental milliner, and textile artist originally from Southwest China, and now based in Glasgow. Recently, her artistic and activist practices have centred on communal sharing of personal memories and collective resting, using textile techniques as a medium of connection. She has a strong specialism in screen-printing, natural dyes, and eco-printing through work with a wide range of groups - including environmental and racial justice activists, youth groups, and artistic communities and regularly runs classes and workshops focussed on facilitating marginalised or vulnerable groups develop tools to express themselves through specific artistic techniques, based on both community care and collective rest through textiles. 

Arianna Mele is a practising Fashion and Textile designer and co-founder of Print Clan. She completed a BA in Fashion & Printed Textiles at Middlesex University, before being granted a scholarship to study an MA in Fashion Design Technology at London College of Fashion. She has spent the last 10 years specialising in printmaking for fashion. With her industry standard expertise in the technical aspects of textile printing, Arianna supports Print Clan members and artists including Helen de Main, Rosie Trevill, Zephyr Liddell and Lizzie Urquhart to produce ambitious fine art projects.