Floral Mandala: Eco-Dyeing Art

Monday, May 19, 5:30-8:30pm

Class level: Beginner. All welcome!

Age requirements: 10 and older (16 and under must sign up with an adult)

Teaching artist: Itzel Gutiérrez (@mamiferomx)

Class fee: $145

Eco-dyeing is a natural and eco-friendly dyeing technique where color is transferred to natural fabrics such as cotton, linen, or silk by directly applying flowers, leaves, stems, and fruits from plants. The colors are extracted through pressure and heat, and they are long-lasting thanks to a preparation of the fabric with minerals that help fix the dyes. The results and colors on the fabric are always unique, and sometimes we achieve prints of the flowers and leaves, giving us an organic feel that surprises us every time we unroll the fabric.

This workshop is suitable for all skill levels and is a great introduction to the world of natural dyeing. We will experiment with eco-dyeing, using flowers, leaves, stems, and barks to dye natural fibers.Participants will create a mandala design to hang on the wall using a 50x50cm cotton fabric.

All materials will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring flowers from home to experiment with. By the end of the workshop, participants will have learned the basics of this dyeing technique, understood the process, and familiarized themselves with the substances that help fix colors and alter the shades plants provide. They will be able to apply these skills to different fabrics for interior design products, accessories, textiles, or clothing.

Please wear comfortable clothing that can get stained, or bring an apron to protect your clothes. Closed-toe shoes are recommended. The materials we will be working with are safe to handle, but if you have sensitive skin or prefer not to stain your hands, gloves are also recommended.

REGISTER

Teaching Artist Bio:

Itzel Gutiérrez is a Textile Designer from Universidad Iberoamericana, originally from Oaxaca and currently based in Mexico City. She is the founder of Mamífero, a studio where she has been creating textile art since 2015. Itzel’s work spans decorative pieces, textile jewelry, accessories, costumes, and store/restaurant designs. She specializes in traditional techniques like embroidery, tufting, weaving, dyeing, and printing, working with natural materials and dyes. Inspired by nature and the artistic diversity of Oaxaca, Itzel strives to create environmentally-conscious art, integrating recycled materials into my work.

Website: Mamifero on Etsy

Social: @mamiferomx