Part of Print Clan: From Plants, A Weekend of Exploring Natural Colour for Textiles. Join long-time Print Clan members Molly MacFin and Elinor Scarth for a hands-on workshop exploring plant-based dyes, GOCCO screen printing and the natural world that inspires them. Learn about the plants behind the colours, from growing and harvesting to creating unique printed textile designs.

What will happen during the workshop?

Inspired by Molly's sustainable approach to textile design, this hands-on workshop will introduce you to transforming hand-drawn illustrations into printed textiles using eco-friendly GOCCO screen printing and natural plant-based dyes. Taking inspiration from the natural world, you'll begin by creating a series of expressive drawings before turning your favourite designs into reusable GOCCO printing screens.

You'll then experiment with printing onto fabric using a selection of naturally dyed printing pastes, exploring layering, texture and pattern to create unique compositions. You'll leave with two naturally printed A4 fabric samples to take home, along with your GOCCO screen mesh, which can be reused again and again for future printing projects.

Throughout the session, Elinor will introduce you to the plants used to create the natural dyes, exploring their origins, where and how they grow, their lifecycles in Scotland, and sharing practical advice on propagation, harvesting and sustainable production.

I have never done screen printing 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 GOCCO screens, squeegees, a range of natural dye colours, newsprint paper, cutting mats and knives.

You will also receive two A4 fabric samples to print your designs onto, as well as an embroidery hoop for stretching your GOCCO screen mesh.

To help inspire your designs, please bring along an image or small item connected to the natural world, particularly plants, flowers or foliage.

Your Tutor:

Molly is a maker/designer of textiles, clothing and costume. She works extensively as a tailor/maker for Scottish Opera and develops her own work under the brand name MacFin. She is inspired by the flora and fauna of Scottish landscapes, fashion and textile history, a love for textile experimentation and is driven by a deep concern for environmental sustainability. Recent work has focussed on experiments with dyeing and screen printing using plant materials.

Elinor is a landscape architect with 20 years experience working in landscape design internationally. An interest in artistic practice informs Elinor's approach to design, whilst early horticultural experience underpins her technical understanding of the processes which shape landscapes. Elinor has experience teaching design studios in the UK and Europe. In recent years community gardening has become a significant part of Elinor’s practice and teaching.