Natural Dyes from Food Scraps

In this hands-on workshop, explore the art of natural dyes using everyday food scraps. Using common kitchen ingredients such as onion skins, avocado, carrots, black tea, black beans, turmeric, and cabbage, we will explore the bundle-dyeing technique. By using plants to print on fabric by tightly bundling and steaming, each participant will create their own custom cotton tote bag and silk handkerchief. All materials will be provided for this class. Plant dye materials may include onion skins, avocado pits and skins, red cabbage, black tea, turmeric, beets, carrot tops and peels, and pomegranate skins.

Instructor Bio: Abbie Gross is a herbalist, natural dye enthusiast, holistic chef, and postpartum doula living in Yarmouth, Maine. Her workshops provide a welcoming space to explore the healing qualities and creative possibilities of plants. It is her hope that all attendees leave with newfound knowledge, personalized creations, and a sense of empowerment to incorporate using natural elements into their everyday lives.