In this two week online course you will be introduced to the accessible, low-cost technique of solar dyeing and will learn how to use plants and flowers to dye fabric and yarns in glass jars using the heat from the sun. The summer months are a great time to make the most of the warm weather and abundance of plants available to dye fabric and yarn, ready to stock up for cozy crafting indoors during the winter.

This course has been designed so that you can either complete it week by week or in your own time at a later date. You will have access to the course content for a year and can log in as many times as you like. The modules will be delivered through a combination of written text, photos and videos.

The first module will be available from Friday 23rd June with a link to access it emailed to you. The second module will be available on Friday 30th June and will be shared with you using the same method.

The cost of the course is £30 (with an Early Bird offer of £25 until 4th June) and you can sign up any time until 30th June when the course ends.

Each week you will receive a different module taking you through the steps to create your own dyes. This course requires no previous knowledge and can be done at home using a few basic materials listed below in the FAQ section. It's a great way of using up plant waste like onion skins, wilting flowers, and leaves pruned from plants - see below for example images of dyed fabric and yarn.

In module 1 you will be introduced to the technique before going through a step-by-step process of how to dye using onion skins. This is to introduce you to the technique and will also give you an opportunity to have a go, hopefully without having to invest in any materials as all you will need are:

Onion skins from 3 or 4 onions

An empty glass jam jar

An old white cotton t-shirt or pillowcase (or other cotton fabric which you are happy to cut up)

In module 2 you will learn how to dye using any plants or flowers with guidance on ratios and dyeing with different quantities. I will also go through more information on the process and give lots of examples on the colours you can achieve from different plants and flowers.

This course has been designed by Sally Gunnett an artist who works with natural elements to record places and periods of time, mainly using plants and their naturally occurring dyes. She graduated with a degree in Fine Art from Goldsmiths College in 2003 and recently completed an MA in Education (Artist Teacher Practice) with distinction. She has over ten years of teaching experience, having completed her PGCE in 2007 and then taught art, design and media in mainstream education before becoming a head of department. She now works as a freelance teacher and artist and has taught workshops at institutions including Dimbola Museum & Gallery and OVADA and for the NHS. For more examples of her work go to: https://sallygunnett.com/about/ and follow her on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/sally_gunnett/

FAQs

How much does the course cost?

The cost of the course is £30 (Early Bird offer of £25 on until 4th June)

When does the course start and how long does it run for?

The course starts on Friday 23rd June. You will be sent a link to access a module every Friday for two weeks (23rd June, 30th June)

How do I access the course content?

You will be sent a link to access a module every Friday for two weeks (23rd June, 30th June)

Do I need to complete the modules each week?

No, you will have access to the content for a year so you can either complete it week by week or in your own time when it suits you. You can also go back to it at any time during the next year.

Do I need specialist equipment?

No, you do not need any specialist equipment to complete the course. Here is a list of the equipment you will need:

• Plant matter (for the first module you will need to collect onion skins from 3 or 4 medium sized onions)

• Empty clear glass jars with lids

• Fabric or yarn made from natural fibres eg. cotton, wool, silk

• Alum powder (optional)

• Teaspoon

• Wooden stick or spoon

• Kettle

• A sunny place outdoors or next to a window

• Paper bags for storing collected plant matter

Is this course appropriate for children?

Yes, this process can be done with children under adult supervision

What's the refund policy?

As this is an online course there are no refunds available

How can I contact the organiser with any questions?

Please contact me with any questions about the course by using the form below or through my website here: https://sallygunnett.com/contact/