Join multidisciplinary artist and creative Mishka Lesayova for this hands-on workshop exploring how natural colour can be applied to wood. Introducing participants to a range of techniques, you'll learn how to create rich, sustainable colour from plants and other natural materials.
Working with light-coloured woods such as pine, participants will learn how to prepare and stain wooden samples using natural dye extracts. We will explore how colour behaves differently on wood than on textiles, considering factors such as grain, absorbency, layering and surface finish. Using a selection of plant-based dye baths, participants will experiment with immersing, brushing and building colour directly onto wooden surfaces.
The workshop will also introduce the process of making lake pigments - colorants created
by precipitating a soluble dye onto an inert mineral binder (or mordant), usually a metallic
salt. Unlike standard dyes, which dissolve in liquid, lake pigments work through dispersion
and are ideal for making paints and inks. This process transforms liquid dyes into highly concentrated colour, producing pigments with greater intensity and permanence. Participants will learn the principles behind lake pigment production and create their own pigments from natural dye extracts.
Using freshly prepared wet lake pigments, we will explore how these concentrated colours
can be applied as stains and washes on wood. This approach allows for much more vibrant,
saturated and layered colour effects than can typically be achieved through dye baths alone,
revealing a broad spectrum of possibilities for colouring wood with natural materials.
Throughout the session, participants will gain an understanding of:
● Natural dye extraction and preparation
● The characteristics of different wood species as colour-bearing surfaces
● Techniques for applying natural dyes to wood
● The chemistry and making of lake pigments
● Methods for achieving deeper, more saturated colour through pigment staining
● Sustainable approaches to colour-making and material experimentation
This workshop is suitable for artists, makers, designers, craftspeople, researchers and
anyone interested in natural materials, colour, and ecological approaches to creative
practice. No previous experience is required.
By the end of the workshop, participants will leave with a collection of dyed and pigmented
wood samples, an introduction to lake pigment making, and a deeper understanding of how
natural colour can be developed and applied beyond textiles.
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These workshops are for anyone who identifies as a woman & any other marginalised gender (all trans+ folk and non-binary inclusive!). By booking you will be asked to agree to our guidelines including respecting and using pronouns, and general values of inclusivity.
Hot drinks and biscuits provided, please bring your own lunch.
LOW INCOME TICKETS: reach out by email for a low income ticket!
Due to limited amount on offer, high demand and accidental selection, please reach out by email for us to book you on. It is crucial these tickets go to those who cannot afford the other tiers. Some folks who are low income are not in financial difficulties or struggles (low income but asset rich, retired but comfortable combined income with partners pension etc). We have one free bursary available if you are unemployed and financially unstable/unable to attend otherwise. Please get in touch and we will send you a bursary form :)
PUBLIC TRANSPORT:
Unfortunately public transport access to the countryside is pretty difficult, despite the workshop being very close to many towns and the city. We may be able to offer pickups from our nearest bus stop 'Bramber' or Steyning, or even a lift share from brighton/shoreham train station. This isn't guaranteed, so you must get in touch with us about this ASAP so we can organise in time. A bus also goes directly from Rottingdean along the coast all the way to Bramber our nearest bus stop, where we can try organise a pick up for you!
U-18:
Currently, these sessions are for participants age 18 or over but we welcome minors 15 - 17 when accompanied by a parent/guardian.
Please bring your own packed lunch and any snacks you might need. Hot drinks and biscuits provided (we only have oat milk here!)
PLEASE try not to be late :) If you're late it delays the course!
Bring warm clothing and waterproofs if necessary
There is no secure bag storage so please don't bring anything you aren't happy having unlocked.
Do NOT follow the post code alone, follow 'In Our Hands workshop' on google maps.
| Költség | ||
|---|---|---|
Standard income |
£50 | |
Low income (please reach out via email to access ticket)
Only for if you are financially unstable and struggling, on universal credit or unemployed.
|
£30 | |
Pay-It-Forward or Higher Income
This ticket contributes to our low income places, thank you!
|
£80 | |
Bursary Ticket (given by admin only) |
£0Ingyenes |
In Our Hands Workshop
Stable Yard, Manor Farm, Buncton Steyning Road
Steyning
BN44 3DD
DO NOT follow post code as it covers a wide area
DO use google maps or the direct address as it's very accurate
Our workshop is down a track off of Steyning Rd, you will see a big barn on your right as you pull in, park infront of the barn and follow the sign into our workshop.
