Description
Join experienced artist Fiona McIntyre on this day workshop to learn how to make ink from plants. In this workshop Fiona will teach you how to transform flower petals, leaves and tree material into three primary colours plus a black and brown using mordants. You will learn about the alchemy of mordants which enhance colour, and in some instances change it to a second or even third hue. You will use plants that have been used for centuries to extract dye for fabrics and to make inks for painting with. Fiona will also give some background to these ancient recipes and their historical significance. You will spend the morning in preparing your inks which includes grinding in a pestle and mortar, soaking and steeping in hot water, straining and mixing with mordants. In the afternoon, you will transform the plant mixtures into beautiful inks and paint them onto cotton rag paper. You will leave this workshop with an understanding of making your own plants dyes, their sustainability as a medium and will be provided with recipes to take home to experiment further with this historical craft. You will have a wider understanding of the history of these materials and how they relate to our evolution as humans.
What's included in the price?
What you will need: Please bring an apron or wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. Gloves will be provided. All materials and equipment are included. The materials are seasonal and this will be reflected in the workshop. None of the materials are toxic and Fiona has chosen the most lightfast plants to work with.
Duration
6 hours
Cancellation policy
Medium - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 4 weeks before the course starts
Maker
New Brewery Arts connects people with the hand-made, promotes the joy and fulfilment of making and celebrates the role of craft and creativity in all our lives. We've been at the heart of creativity in the Cotswolds since 1978, and as well as classes and workshops we have craft studios, exhibitions and an amazing shop which sells work by UK craftspeople.
Suitable for
- Adults
- Public transport
- Suitable for beginners
- Accommodation offered
FAQs
We really hope you don’t need to, but any changes need to be made at least 30 days in advance. No refunds are given for any cancellation made within 30 days of a class commencing. An administration fee of 10% will be made on cancellations or alterations before this time. We cannot offer a refund if you are unwell for any reason and unable to attend.
All our studios are wheelchair accessible and members of our team will be able to assist you if you require. Near the shop on the ground floor we have a disabled toilet and a lift which will allow you access around the building.
If you find it difficult to stand during a class or have any other access needs, please let us know when booking so we can make appropriate arrangements.
Unfortunately, we do not have our own designated car park, however there are plenty around Cirencester. The nearest short stay car park is The Brewery Car Park which is approximately 2 minutes away and is a council run pay and display. This car park has several disabled parking spaces too. Sheep Street Car Park is a longer stay car park 3 minutes away, it is a cashless car park facilitated by Pay by Phone. Full details of all car parks and pricing can be found on Cotswold District Council Website.
We pride ourselves on smaller class sizes, so you get plenty of help from the tutors. Maximum 8-10 students per class.
Of course, and for some classes we may ask you to do this. Please don’t worry, if this is the case it will be clearly shown on the booking pages and in your confirmation emails.
No, we ask that students either bring their own or wear clothes they are happy to get messy in.
You are welcome to bring a lidded bottle of water with you but we kindly ask that you do not bring food or drinks into the studio.
