Spring Workshops

Naturally Dyed

Workshops

Explore the art of natural dyeing using locally sourced plant materials in this eco-friendly experimental workshop. In this workshop, we will share knowledge and investigate

·         Which fabrics dye well and why

·         How to get dye from natural sources

·         How to mordant (fix) the dye to the fabric.

Most importantly you will gain the knowledge to continue experimenting at home.

When                      Sun  14^th October 2012         

                                    Sun 21^st October 2012                                  

Sun   28^th October 2012  

Sun   11^th November  2012   

Sun   18^th November  2012

How much       $80

Where              My Studio,  contact          judecraig@gmail.com

    www.naturallydyed.blogspot.com

What to bring

·          Light coloured 100% silk or wool fabric - preferably second hand, like some of the old wool blankets you can get in op shops! 100% linen and cotton will dye but to a lesser degree. Fabrics can be in small pieces or long lengths

·          Interesting bits of old metal (eg, copper, iron) up to 30cm long - rust is great, as is texture

·          Cord, thick wool or metal wire to bind pieces Thread, assorted needles, bulldog clips

·          An apron, gloves, notepad and pen

Dyes, mordants and some suitable fabric will be provided. This list is not exhaustive.

If you feel inspired to bring anything else, please do... sharing and swapping of items encouraged!

This is a one day workshop running from 10.00 to 4.30.

Please email me with your preferred date.

Classes are limited to 5 students

Arrangements for payment will be offered once classes are consolidated.

Lots of fun for everyone. Last summer the workshops were as much about sharing and having a day to be free and be imaginative, as they were about learning a new skill. I have included two links from students (now good friends!) from last year which gives the best overview in the world

Nat Palaskas and Jacky Williams

The Wedding begins

Not the image you might expect from the title...some dyed fabric hanging on a clothes dyer, in my bath. What a pleasure...you see, I'm getting to use all fabric pieces from many past projects to create garlands to decorate the wedding venue. It's a process of sifting and choosing and stitching and is a delight, a sheer delight! Metres and metres of recycled silk creating magic staircases of wonderment

Springtime...time to spring!

My studio, my wonderful space that I LOVE! My studio, my wonderful space that I love...when it's warm. As much as I embrace the image of the struggling artist living in the garret, I don't want to be one. In winter, I move my work out and it co-exists with family life and consequently is moved frequently to accommodate family meals, children at play and recalcitrant puppies who may just have the urge for a chew.
But now spring is in the air and big scale work begins with a vengeance.
Luckily for me, I have two projects to kick start that creative process.
A wedding to style, naturally of course and a performance at End of the Line Festival.

So the new dog, Lobey and I better get down to business...no more posing for photography students like Jess...thanks Jess, love the shot...gets those pots simmering and those bundles rolling...there's work to be done.

Leaving on a jet Plane...not a silk one!

Tomorrow, we're hopping on a plane (or a few) and going to Ireland, Morocco and England for five weeks.

This is my piece at Burrinja and I was wondering why I had been so obsessed with making silk 'paper' planes until I am writing this post. Five weeks of new experiences and reconnecting with the old ones.

 What an adveture is ahead of us all.

Well, I had to post it, hope you can enlarge the media copy but at least you won't miss the 'oh sexy on cloth shot' xx 4 sleeps! very excited x

Butterflies

The gallery space is ready and the butterflies are jolly. Natural dyes are simmering in huge pots, the aroma permeating the air with a homely scent. Just the signs to erect and the mulled wine to make and we should be scheduled for a great weekend.....maybe I need to give that studio space a tidy too!

Remember, there are lots of studios to visit this weekend of

Dandenong Ranges Open Studios.

You can plan you route online, how very clever.

Show UP !

This is my third year doing Open Studios. What a journey! Its so amazing living in the hills surrounded by creative folk who pop their heads out of their studio spaces once a year and come together to celebrate. Yes! celebrate, being an artist and not creating art in a void. The comfort that others around you are in the same place, head space, zone, sometimes state of disarray! 

Opening night is Friday 18th May at Burrinja, Glenfern Road, Upwey from 6.30pm

 

BUT......after that all studios are open on 26th and 27th May......I'm NUMBER 10

Show's going up and mulled wine will be on tap to warm you up!

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