Aya Fiber Studio

Intro to Eco-Printing: One-Day Workshop
Explore Nature’s Palette on Fabric

Get ready to fall in love with eco-printing—a magical, nature-inspired art form where leaves, bark, and blossoms imprint their shapes and colors directly onto fabric.

In this hands-on, one-day introductory workshop, you’ll dive into the enchanting alchemy of water, heat, metal, and plant matter to create vivid, detailed prints on luxurious protein fibers like silk and wool. From choosing the right leaves to bundling and steaming, you'll learn the entire process of turning foraged foliage into breathtaking, botanical textile art.

We’ll start with a series of samples and experiments using a range of leaves and fiber types. You’ll learn which plants yield the best results, how to prepare your fabric and foliage, and techniques for laying out, rolling, tying, and cooking your bundles.

The day ends with a final project: printing a beautiful 14" x 72" silk scarf, filled with your eco-dyed patterns and textures.

This is a technique-driven workshop (not product-based), perfect for beginners and fiber lovers who want to learn the essentials in a relaxed, sensory-rich setting. Be prepared for the earthy aroma of eucalyptus, the joy of experimentation, and a day full of creative discovery.

What You’ll Learn:

• Materials & equipment for eco-printing
• How to prep protein fibers (silk, wool)
• Leaf selection + understanding tannins
• Layout techniques for crisp contact prints
• Rolling, tying & cooking your bundles safely
• Best practices, safety tips, and environmental awareness

What’s Included:

• 2 pc sample fabrics (silk, wool and blanket material + 1 silk scarf / blanket(materials fee: $45 payable to instructor)
• All auxillaries

Please Bring:

• 2–3 hand towels or a roll of paper towels
• Thin medical gloves (iron can stain nails)
• Large black plastic garbage bag
• Notebook + pencil
• Phone or camera (to track your process and results)
• Leaves from home (with high tannin content) – we’ll also do some foraging nearby
• 2 plastic shoeboxes or old Tupperware containers
• Plastic sheeting (painter’s plastic from hardware store)
• (1) Medical ACE bandage (4–6 recommended)
• Old cotton sheeting torn into 1" strips
• (3) Wooden dowels, 1" thick, 16" long (available at Home Depot or Lowe’s)

Note: We’ll be working exclusively with protein fibers in this class. If you’re interested in printing on cotton and other cellulose fibers, check out the 3-day extended workshop.

MATERIALS FEE: $45 payable to instructor